A Guide to Safe Skid Steer Operation

Written by Staff Writer

Skid steers are common on busy jobsites because they can do a lot in a small space. That’s also why they deserve extra respect and caution. They turn fast and can become unstable quickly when carrying a load high or working on uneven ground, risking deadly accidents. Many incidents come from the same avoidable problems, such as rushing, guessing at the controls and working without a clear plan.

This guide breaks safe operation into the steps that matter most. You will learn what to check before you start, how to get comfortable with the controls and how to manage loads and attachments without losing stability.

Read the Manual

Even experienced workers make mistakes when they jump behind the wheel of a different model or use an attachment they have not run before. Take time to learn the specific machine you will use on each site, including how it behaves under load, how fast it stops on loose ground and what the instrument panel is telling you.

Read the operator’s manual for the exact unit you will use. Even if you have worked with similar equipment before, do not assume controls match across different brands or models. A mismatch between what your hands expect and what the machine does can cause sudden movement at the worst moment.

Pre-Use Inspection and Cab Safety

A pre-use safety checklist will help you catch a problem that would otherwise show up after you’ve started work. Make it routine. Start at the same point every shift and work around the machine in the same direction. When entering and exiting the cab, use three points of contact and do not touch the controls until you are seated with your seat belt fastened.

Here is what should be on your pre-use inspection checklist.

• Leaks and fluids: Look under the machine for fresh drips or puddles.
• Hydraulics: Inspect hoses, fittings and couplers for cracks, abrasion, wet spots, bulges and loose connections. Never use your hand to search for a hydraulic leak, as it can lead to burns or other injuries.
• Tires or tracks: Check for low tire pressure, cuts, sidewall damage, missing lugs and embedded debris. On compact track loaders, check track condition, tension and packed material.
• Attachment interface: Inspect the quick-attach area. Confirm the locking mechanism works and the pins fully engage.
• Attachment condition: Check the bucket, pallet forks or blade for cracks, bent parts, worn edges and missing pins.
• Visibility equipment: Clean the cab glass, mirrors and backup camera lens if equipped.
• Alarms and lights: Confirm backup alarms and work lights operate as expected.
• Work area around the machine: Clear debris, confirm overhead clearance and check turning room.

If you find a defect, do not leave it for later. Immediately take the machine out of service and report it.

Controls and Basic Driving Skills

Next, make sure you know how the skid steer you’re using is configured. Some machines use joystick controls for travel and for lift functions. Others use a mix of hand controls and foot pedals. Some units allow you to switch between International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) controls, which changes what each joystick does.

Before you start on the job at hand, find a safe area to practice basic maneuvers. Start in a clear space with low engine speed. Ease forward a few feet, come to a smooth stop, then reverse. Repeat several times until you can stop without jerking.

Next, turn slowly and get a feel for how quickly the machine pivots. Skid steers can rotate sharply, especially on high-traction surfaces, so keep your hands light and your inputs small. Practice a wide turn and a tight pivot, then compare how the machine responds. If you jump straight to high throttle, the machine can lurch and cause you to stall or lose traction.

Pay close attention to blind spots, especially when backing up. Use the horn before backing or turning in tight areas. Utilize a spotter in particularly small or crowded settings. If you lose track of a coworker, stop the machine until you can confirm their location.

Load Handling, Attachments and Hydraulic Safety

Loads can drastically change the machine’s balance. Know the rated operating capacity for the exact unit and attachment you are using. If you are unsure, check the placard and the manual before you pick up anything.

Remember that a load does not stay perfectly still once you start moving. It shifts during acceleration, braking and turning. Even small shifts can affect stability, especially when the arms are raised. Smooth operation is paramount. Use gradual starts, controlled stops and wide turns so the machine stays predictable.

Keep the center of gravity low by carrying the load low and close to the machine. The higher you raise the bucket or attachment, the more stability you give up. A bump, rut or quick turn that feels minor can become a tip-over risk when the load is raised.

Attachments can change handling as much as the load itself. Forks and long loads push the center of gravity further forward and may block visibility, which reduces your margin for error.

Using powered attachments adds even more risk because hydraulics can create sudden and unpredictable forces. Tools like trenchers, augers and brooms can pull or twist when they catch. If your machine allows auxiliary flow adjustment, match the setting to the attachment and start low, then increase only as needed.

Utilize Safety Training

Good habits come faster when you train before the job gets hectic. OSHA Education Center’s online course will teach you how to operate a skid steer with training that covers important safety topics and helps workers build confidence with controls, stability and jobsite awareness.

You can also support your equipment skills with broader safety training, especially if you work on active construction sites:

• The Heavy Equipment Training hub helps you match courses to the various machines you might run across different jobs.
• OSHA 10-Hour for Construction is built for entry-level workers and covers common jobsite hazards that show up around heavy machinery.
• The Front-End Loader Training course teaches operators how to safely use, inspect and stabilize a front-end loader, commonly used alongside skid steers.

A short course now can prevent a costly mistake later. Use training to lock in stable driving, smart load handling and jobsite communication skills so you can stay safe when jobs shift.