NEW SKID STEER LOADER DESIGN ADDRESSES SAFETY CONCERNS

Loaders: safety

Feb. 2002
02-R-11

[Go Back]

INTRODUCTION: Many mills, manufacturing facilities, and contractors use skid steer loaders because of their versatility and compact size. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have identified some skid steer loader features that present high risks to operator safety. JCB Construction Equipment Company has developed a skid steer loader with a single lift arm and side entry cab. This feature addresses one of the most common safety issues of skid steers, as well as improves operator comfort and convenience.

GENERAL FEATURES: A recent NIOSH report states that 78% of all skid steer fatalities between 1992-1997 involved pinning an individual between the loader bucket and the frame, or between the lift arms and the frame. Of these types of accidents, 45% occurred while leaning out of the operator compartment, or while getting in and out of the machine. OSHA, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have developed standards for owners, operators, and manufacturers of skid steers to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with an individual's being pinned between the lift arms or bucket and the frame.

Fig. 1 JCB 165 Robot skid steer loader.

OPERATION: The single loader arm and side door entry design of the JCB Robot meets or exceeds the performance standards of other skid steer loaders. All of the required safety shut-offs and pull down bars are standard with this machine, and numerous operator control patterns are available. The single arm is designed to withstand the twisting load of the attachments and exceeds the strength of both lifting arms on a conventional skid steer, with half of the pivot points. The load is still distributed across the front of the machine and within the tire width, so stability is similar to that of any other skid steer. The side entry door allows the operator to enter and exit the machine without climbing over the attachment. This positioning also reduces the chance of accidentally activating a control while getting in or out, and reduces operator fatigue. These features address the largest safety concerns of skid steer loaders with an innovative design that improves operator comfort and convenience.

APPLICATION: The Georgia-Pacific chip mill in Costigan, Maine has owned and operated a JCB 165 Robot for over a year. Operators note that the side entry cab is a big convenience and safety benefit. A full-size, tempered glass front windshield with a wiper keeps chips, debris, and weather out of the cab. With a variety of attachments, the bolt-in windshield also prevents operators from leaning out to disconnect the attachment as well. The operators say that the machine runs smoother and is stronger than their previous skid steer.

SPECIFICATION AND COSTS: JCB Robot skid steer loaders are available in four size classes and are competitively priced with other brands of skid loaders. More information is available from your local JCB dealer or by contacting JCB at www.jcbna.com. Additional safety information is also available from NIOSH at 1-800-35-NIOSH or at www.cdc.gov/niosh.com

Forest Resources Association Inc.
600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 350, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone: (301) 838-9385     Fax: (301) 838-9481