SASO - Skid Steer Loader Operator Training Course

1. Introduction to Skid Steer Loaders

1.1. Types and Classifications

• Wheeled skid steers including (vertical lift, radial lift, compact)

• Tracked skid steers including (compact track loaders, multi-terrain)

• Size classifications including (small, medium, large frame)

• Control configurations including (ISO, H-pattern, hand/foot)

• Introduction to OSHA 1926.602 and ANSI/ASME B56.6 standards for skid steer operations

1.2. Components and Systems

• Power unit including (engine, fuel system, cooling system)

• Hydraulic systems including (pump, valves, cylinders, motors)

• Drive systems including (hydrostatic transmission, final drives)

• Loader arms including (lift mechanism, self-leveling, float)

• Safety features including (ROPS/FOPS, interlocks, seat belts)

2. Regulatory Requirements and Responsibilities

2.1. Legal Framework

• OSHA requirements including (1926.602, operator training)

• ANSI/ASME standards including (B56.6, design, operation)

• Manufacturer specifications including (operation manual, limitations)

• Employer responsibilities including (training, inspection, maintenance)

• Operator accountability including (proper operation, hazard reporting)

2.2. Operator Qualifications

• Training requirements including (formal instruction, practical evaluation)

• Physical capabilities including (mobility, visual acuity, coordination)

• Knowledge verification including (regulations, equipment specifics)

• Documentation including (certification, renewal, record-keeping)

• Site-specific authorization including (familiarization, local hazards)

3. Pre-operational Inspection

3.1. Daily Inspection Process

• Documentation review including (previous inspections, maintenance records)

• Walk-around inspection including (structural damage, leaks, debris)

• Fluid levels including (engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, fuel)

• Tire/track condition including (damage, wear, tension)

• Safety devices including (ROPS/FOPS, seat belt, step plates)

3.2. Function Testing

• Control operation including (lift, tilt, drive, auxiliary hydraulics)

• Safety system verification including (seat switch, restraint bar)

• Braking system checks including (parking brake, hydrostatic braking)

• Hydraulic function including (smooth operation, drift, speed)

• Warning systems including (gauges, indicators, alarms)

4. Machine Familiarization

4.1. Operator Station

• Entry/exit procedures including (three-point contact, clean steps)

• Seat adjustments including (position, suspension, restraints)

• Controls identification including (loader, drive, auxiliary)

• Instrument panel including (gauges, warning lights, indicators)

• Visibility considerations including (mirrors, line of sight, blind spots)

4.2. Control Systems

• Control patterns including (ISO, H-pattern, conversion options)

• Hand controls including (drive, steering, loader functions)

• Foot controls including (auxiliary, function pedals)

• Control sensitivity including (proportional response, feathering)

• Advanced features including (selectable control response, ride control)

5. Basic Operation Procedures

5.1. Start-up and Shutdown

• Pre-start verification including (position, controls neutral)

• Start-up sequence including (proper order, cold weather)

• Warm-up procedures including (hydraulic warm-up, system checks)

• Shutdown procedure including (cooling period, proper sequence)

• Securing the machine including (bucket lowered, brakes, key)

5.2. Basic Maneuvering

• Forward/reverse operation including (smooth transitions, speed control)

• Steering techniques including (differential steering, pivot turns)

• Speed management including (appropriate speed, conditions)

• Braking operation including (hydrostatic braking, parking brake)

• Operating on slopes including (approach angle, stability)

6. Travel and Transport

6.1. Site Travel

• Travel position including (bucket height, load positioning)

• Surface assessment including (ground conditions, obstacles)

• Speed selection including (appropriate speed, hazard reduction)

• Turning techniques including (space requirements, load consideration)

• Visibility management including (direction of travel, spotter usage)

6.2. Loading for Transport

• Trailer selection including (capacity, dimensions, ramps)

• Approach technique including (alignment, ramp angle)

• Loading procedure including (speed control, centering)

• Securing methods including (tie-down points, chain rating)

• Transport considerations including (bucket position, attachments)

7. Working with Buckets

7.1. Loading Techniques

• Approach angle including (square approach, penetration)

• Bucket positioning including (cutting edge, curl timing)

• Fill techniques including (full bucket, material type)

• Roll-back timing including (material retention, spillage prevention)

• Loading sequence including (approach, penetrate, lift, roll)

7.2. Carrying and Dumping

• Load carrying including (bucket height, stability, visibility)

• Travel with load including (smooth operation, speed adjustment)

• Approach to dumping including (positioning, clearance)

• Dumping techniques including (controlled release, complete emptying)

• Post-dump procedure including (bucket shake-off, back-dragging)

8. Working with Attachments

8.1. Attachment Management

• Selection criteria including (application, machine compatibility)

• Installation procedures including (coupler system, hydraulic connections)

• Secure attachment including (verification methods, locking pins)

• Hydraulic connection including (pressure release, proper sequence)

• Removal procedures including (safe positioning, disconnection)

8.2. Common Attachments

• Forks including (proper spacing, capacity, load handling)

• Augers including (positioning, vertical operation, hole clearing)

• Trenchers including (depth setting, spoil management)

• Brooms including (angle setting, speed control, dust management)

• Specialty buckets including (multi-purpose, grapple, rock)

9. Specialized Operations

9.1. Working on Slopes

• Slope assessment including (angle estimation, surface condition)

• Approach direction including (up/down vs. across)

• Stability monitoring including (weight distribution, load position)

• Turning on slopes including (downhill turns, weight shift)

• Emergency procedures including (loss of traction, rollover risk)

9.2. Working in Confined Areas

• Space assessment including (machine dimensions, turn radius)

• Proximity operations including (structures, obstacles, personnel)

• Visibility challenges including (blind corners, overhead restrictions)

• Maneuvering techniques including (three-point turns, repositioning)

• Communication methods including (spotters, hand signals)

10. Excavation and Grading

10.1. Excavation Techniques

• Site preparation including (marking, utility location)

• Entry cut including (starting technique, angle of attack)

• Layer removal including (consistent depth, pattern)

• Straight excavation including (edge control, depth maintenance)

• Working around obstacles including (pipes, foundations, structures)

10.2. Grading and Leveling

• Bucket positioning including (cutting edge, angle, float function)

• Forward grading including (speed control, material distribution)

• Back-dragging including (technique, finish grading)

• Grade checking including (reference points, verification)

• Material spreading including (consistent layers, feathering edges)

11. Hazard Recognition and Mitigation

11.1. Common Hazards

• Rollover/tipover including (causes, prevention, response)

• Struck-by/crush including (blind spots, pinch points)

• Underground utilities including (location, damage prevention)

• Overhead hazards including (power lines, structures, clearances)

• Environmental factors including (dust, noise, vibration)

11.2. Hazard Control

• Planning techniques including (job hazard analysis, pre-work assessment)

• Barrier systems including (warning tape, barricades, spotters)

• Communication systems including (hand signals, radio contact)

• Work zone control including (exclusion areas, controlled access)

• Personal protective equipment including (hearing, eye, respiratory)

12. Loading Operations

12.1. Truck Loading

• Approach positioning including (angle, visibility, efficiency)

• Loading sequence including (starting point, pattern)

• Material placement including (even distribution, capacity)

• Communication including (signals, positioning guidance)

• Clearance maintenance including (loader arms, bucket, truck parts)

12.2. Hopper/Bin Loading

• Position assessment including (distance, height, stability)

• Approach technique including (square alignment, visibility)

• Height management including (reach limitations, clearance)

• Material control including (flow rate, spillage prevention)

• Safe positioning including (machine stability, surface conditions)

13. Emergency Procedures

13.1. Equipment Malfunctions

• Control failure including (response protocols, movement stop)

• Power loss including (safe positioning, securing)

• Hydraulic issues including (fluid leaks, function loss)

• Fire response including (shutdown, extinguisher use, evacuation)

• Reporting procedures including (documentation, investigation)

13.2. Accident Response

• Rollover response including (restraint use, operator position)

• Collision procedures including (assessment, reporting)

• Struck-by incidents including (immediate response, medical attention)

• Damage assessment including (operational safety, continued use)

• Emergency services including (when to call, information provision)

14. Basic Maintenance and Care

14.1. Operator-Level Maintenance

• Daily care including (cleaning, debris removal)

• Fluid checks including (proper levels, contamination check)

• Grease points including (fittings, frequency, technique)

• Track/tire care including (debris removal, damage inspection)

• Cooling system including (radiator cleaning, obstruction removal)

14.2. Troubleshooting Basics

• Starting issues including (battery, fuel, safety interlocks)

• Hydraulic performance including (slow operation, drift, noise)

• Drive system including (reduced power, tracking issues)

• Warning indicators including (symbols, codes, responses)

• Reporting procedures including (documentation, service requests)

15. Case Studies & Group Discussions

• Middle East workplace incidents including (regional factors, prevention)

• Common accident scenarios including (causes, avoidance techniques)

• Near-miss analysis including (warning signs, corrective actions)

• Successful operations including (efficiency techniques, best practices)

• The importance of proper training in successful skid steer operations