Skid Steer Loader

Course objectives

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturers instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook, other information sources and applicable legislation.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Set the skid steer for site and road travel.
• Travel over differing types of terrain, including rough undulating ground, both in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Travel the up and down substantial inclines in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas using forward and reverse direction, in a loaded and unloaded state.
• Form stockpiles and ramps of various materials.
• Load various types of materials into receptacles, i.e. vehicles, hoppers, skips etc.
• Clean and level different types of materials.
• Place the skid steer in an out-of-service condition.
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

Who are the courses for?

Anyone who uses or will be using a skid steer shovel in the land-based industries or construction industry.

Duration/format

Experienced operators – varying depending on experience

Instructor/machine/ trainee ratio

1 instructor : 1 machine : 2 trainees

Course organiser

• Skid steer loader complying with all safety regulations
• Suitable safe area of land, minimum area half hectare (1 acre), enough for trainees to operate the machine over a number of days, free from overhead obstructions, at least 20 metres from overhead powerlines, free from all underground services. Written permission from the employer/landowner must be provided stating that the training area is able to be used for the purposes intended and is free from all underground services.
• Supplementary vehicle for loading eg suitably sized tractor and trailer, dumper, dump truck or lorry

NB trainees cannot be trained/assessed for operating the loading vehicle during the skid steer loader course

• Suitable material for loading, transferring eg soil, sand, hardcore
• Suitable material for marking out eg sand, lime or marker spray
• Guidance poles, boning rods, travellers for checking levels

• Suitable vehicle for transportation
• Operator instruction book for all machinery and attachments
• First Aid equipment complying with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Reg 1981
• Fire Extinguisher

Trainee

• Operator instruction book for all machinery and attachments
• Overalls and wet weather clothing
• High visibility jacket
• PPE (eye, head, foot and hand protection)
• Notebook and pencil

Venue

• Dry clean building with room for all machinery to be worked on
• Light and heating if necessary
• Seating and tables for trainees

• Suitable area of land to operate (see above)

Course materials

• Skills guide
• Land-based/CPCS theory test question paper
• Land-based/CPCS operator assessment form