Skid Steer Loader EXC09

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What is a skid steer?

A skid loader, skid-steer loader, or skidsteer is a small, rigid-frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms that can attach to a wide variety of buckets and other labour-saving tools or attachments.

Skid-steer loaders are typically four-wheeled or tracked vehicles with the front and back wheels on each side mechanically linked together to turn at the same speed, and where the left-side drive wheels can be driven independently of the right-side drive wheels. This is accomplished by having two separate and independent transmissions; one for the left side wheels and one for the right-side wheels.

What does the training course include?

• Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry and their responsibilities as an operator
• Have a working Knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular machine to be used be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions
• Be able to locate and identify key controls and explain their functions
• Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturers and legislative requirements
• Identify and maintain PPE appropriate for skid steer loader use
• Conduct all necessary Safety checks at the Work area
• Prepare the skid steer loader for use, Operate machinery safely and efficiently
• Environmental considerations
• Storage and transport of implements and attachments
• Demonstrate Knowledge and understanding of loading and unloading procedures for Machine transportation
• Carry out all end of shift and shut down procedures

Venue and equipment requirements:

• Suitable and safe area to operate and manoeuvre machine
• Bulk loads to load and move
• Varying terrain and slopes
• Suitable vehicle/hopper to load
• Suitable and safe area to complete paperwork
• Suitable welfare facilities
• Loading shovel and attachments
• Operators’ manual
• Risk assessment completed

PPE Requirements:

• Suitable head protection
• Suitable eye protection
• Suitable hearing protection
• Suitable work clothes including wet weather
• Gloves
• Suitable work boots including steel toe protection
• High Viz

HSE further information:

• Avoiding danger from overhead power cables guidance GS6 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/gs6.pdf
• Avoiding danger from underground services HSG47 https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg47.pdf
• PUWER Regulation
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l22.pdf
• LOLER Regulation
• https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l113.htm

Theory assessment:

• 20 multiple choice questions
• 5 written questions
• 4 marks per question
• 80% pass mark required

Practical assessment criteria:

• Pre use and operational checks
• Travel up and down slopes with hill starts
• Load vehicle/hopper x3
• Drive through chicane, forwards and backwards
• Create ramp incline, 1.5 times width x 1.5 times length of machine
• Reverse 30 metres in a straight line, through restrictions
• Drive over uneven and sloping terrain
• Pass mark is less than 20 penalty points and no mandatory disqualifications
• Time allowed is 1 hour 15 minutes

On-site training courses delivered:

Southwest – Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Avon, Somerset, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire

Southeast – Oxfordshire, Kent, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex

Midlands – Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Shropshire

East Anglia – Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk

Aylesbury, Banbury, Basingstoke, Bath, Bedford, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Coventry, Exeter, Gloucester, Hereford, Hungerford, Milton Keynes, Newbury, Northampton, Oxford, Peterborough, Plymouth, Reading, Salisbury, Southampton, Stroud, Swindon, Taunton, Warwick, Winchester, Witney, Worcester, Yeovil