More and more mini skid-steer loaders are appearing on a wide range of construction sites, clear evidence of the growing popularity of these compact and versatile machines. And the array of specialized attachments makes mini skid-steers highly-maneuverable mobile tool carriers, allowing one machine to handle a variety of tasks.

“Even though mini skid steers are much smaller than conventional skid steer loaders, these little machines have tremendous hydraulic power,” say Ellison Beasley, global accounts manager, The Charles Machine Works, Inc. (CMW), manufacturer of Ditch Witch products. “They can work in extremely small areas, and the selection of attachments is increasing rapidly. A rental customer can take out a mini skid steer and a few attachments and have everything needed to do a multitude of jobs.”

As with ny type of construction machinery, the best way of achieving efficient, productive operation with a mini-skid unit is to operate it correctly. While different brands and models have their own individual characteristics, there are enough basic similarities to suggest “best” practices that cover most machines. Of course, the operator’s manual provided by a machine’s manufacturer is the “bible” for each individual model.

Basic “best” practices to consider are:

TRAINING
One of the best-liked qualities of the mini-skid is ease of operation. If controls are intuitive and easy to understand, experienced equipment operators adapt quickly to the characteristics of the mini-skid, and new operators will find controls and functions relatively simple to master. However, whether old hand or novice, no one should operate a mini-skid without first reading and understanding the machine’s operator’s manual, paying special attention to safety alerts, and understanding the meaning of alert classifications: DANGER, imminently hazardous situation which could result in serious injury or death; WARNING, potentially hazardous situation which could result in serious injury or death; and CAUTION, potentially hazardous situation which may result in minor or moderate injury.

JOB PLANNING
Groundwork for successful construction projects is laid before work begins. Operators must understand the overall plan, special considerations of job sites where equipment will be employed, and the specific nature of how a machine is to be used on each project. Never attempt to perform tasks beyond the capabilities of a machine.

LOADING AND TRANSPORTING
Make sure the trailer to be used is of sufficient size and capacity to accommodate the size machine being loaded and that it is in good condition. Always check the hitch, brakes, and lights and make sure all connections are correctly made. Ensure your tow vehicle is of an adequate rating for the size of the machine. Familiarity with controls is necessary to properly move the mini-skid unit onto the trailer with attachment or mounting plate raised, but in a low position, and to position the unit to balance load weight. Once in place, lower the attachment or mounting plate, tie down the machine securing it at tie-down points identified by decals.

Follow procedures and recommendations contained in the trailer manufacturer’s manual, and obey all speed and other traffic regulations.

AT THE JOB SITE
Carefully unload the unit after releasing all tie-down connections and raising the attachment or mounting plate to a low position, carefully unload the machine following the procedures described in machine and trailer operators’ manuals.

Operator personnel should wear proper protective clothing: eye and hearing protection, hard hat, work boots, and work shirt and trousers and no loose clothing or jewelry.

All job sites should be inspected, especially for changes in terrain elevations and for surface and overhead obstructions or obstacles and how they relate to the work to be done. Secure the work site with appropriate barricades to help prevent access of spectators.

Some sites require traffic control measures to protect crews from vehicular traffic.

If the project involves excavation or other penetration of the ground, buried utilities must be identified and marked. Local one-call agencies notify member utility owners who are responsible for marking their utilities, but some projects may contain buried pipe and cable not owned by one-call agency members, and it is essential that buried utilities on those be marked, also. For example, water and sanitary sewer service lines often are considered the responsibility of the property owner, and utility locates on such locations cannot be arranged through one-call. Utilities within the boundaries of commercial business parks, schools, and government facilities also often must be located and marked by the property owner and not a one-call contact.

Job-site inspections of excavation jobs should confirm that utilities are marked and, in addition, crew members should be alert to signs of other unmarked buried facilities by looking for signs indicating the presence of pipe or cable, pedestals, boxes, water and natural gas meters, manhole covers, boxes on structures, and light and utility poles.

Hazards and potential hazards should be identified and classified. Know how to recognize when a buried utility has been struck and the specific action to take for each type of utility, especially the immediate responses following the strike of an electrical cable or natural gas pipe. Be prepared to react quickly in case of fire, no matter what its source.

ABOUT ATTACHMENTS
Attachments extend the capabilities of the mini skid-steer loader. Many brands have universal connectors to simplify adding and changing attachments, but it is important that the procedures be conducted as specified by the machine and attachment manufacturers. Before removing an attachment, lower it to the ground, turn off the machine’s engine and set the machine’s parking brake. Attachments usually are secured by lock pins. Once disengaged, cycle the attachment drive control. This will relieve the hydraulic pressure to the hoses. Then disconnect hydraulic hoses if they are used.

CONDITION OF EQUIPMENT
Equipment in good condition performs better and more efficiently than poorly-maintained equipment. While most routine maintenance and repairs are performed in the shop, operators make routine checks of fluid, and there are occasions when field adjustments and repairs are necessary. Lower unstowed components to the ground. Unless the machine’s manual instructs otherwise, perform all service with the engine off, and allow time for it to cool. And, of course, refer to the machine’s manual and follow its maintenance and repair instructions.

DEMAND
Skid steers with multiple attachments are expect to drive demand for compact rental equipment and the variety of customers should grow, also, as more new customers become familiar with the equipment.

Mini skid steers are rented by landscape and sprinkler system contractors, plumbers and electricians, and increasingly by small utility contractors who use trencher and vibratory plow attachments to bury cable and small-diameter pipe. They also appeal to homeowners.

“The trend toward compact equipment has grown steadily and shows no sign of slowing,” concludes Beasley. “And as the economy continues to improve, there is every reason to believe rentals of mini skid-steers will increase with it.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: These “best practice” suggestions are general guidelines and are not intended to be a comprehensive guide to operating and maintaining equipment. The operator’s manual of each brand and model contains complete recommendations and instructions for the correct operation and maintenance.