Skid Steer Safety on Dairy Farms

Skid steers are the workhorse of a dairy, and they are also involved in serious farm injuries. Safe use depends on training, daily habits and strict rules about who is near the machine.

Key points

Train every operator, and let nobody ride.
Use the seat belt and restraint on every trip.
Do a pre-use check and take faulty machines out of service.
Keep people and cattle out of the work zone, and use a spotter in tight areas.
Never work under a raised arm unless it is locked out as the manufacturer describes.

Why skid steers need special respect

A skid steer is compact and powerful, turns in its own length and works in tight spaces such as barns and alleys. Those same traits make it easy to forget the hazards: limited visibility, tipping, lift arms that can pin or crush, and the pull of a heavy bucket.

Treat every operator as someone who needs training, no matter how long they have been on the farm. Family members, young workers and part-timers deserve the same instruction.

Ask each operator what they find hard about the machine. A short answer, such as poor view to the left or a stiff control, shows where to add a mirror, camera or extra practice.

Operator training and qualification

Read the operator manual with each new operator and walk through the controls together. Practice in an open area with an empty bucket before working near cattle or people. Check local and federal rules on who may operate farm equipment and at what age, and follow OSHA and extension guidance.

Do not let an untrained person drive or ride. Only one person belongs in the machine, and the seat belt and restraint bar must be used every time.

Manual reviewed and understood
Supervised practice before solo work
Seat belt and lap bar used every time
No riders, ever

Pre-use checks

Check tires, fluids, lights, backup alarm, guards, the seat restraint and the cab's safety devices. Look at the lift arm, pins and quick attach, and confirm the attachment is locked. Look at the ground for leaks.

Remove any problem machine from service and tag it until it is fixed. Never bypass a safety device, and never remove a guard, even for a small job.

Check the quick attach each time the bucket or other attachment is changed, since an unlocked attachment can fall. Keep the cab step, floor and controls clean and dry so feet do not slip off pedals.

Working around people and cattle

Visibility is limited, especially to the rear and sides. Keep everyone out of the work zone. Make eye contact and use a signal before moving. Use a spotter in tight areas such as feed alleys and calf barns.

Cattle can step into the path of a machine without warning. Move slowly, keep the load low, and pause when animals approach. Keep children away from equipment areas and out of the barn when the loader is working.

Plan work in barns so that animals and people are not in the same alley while the machine is running. Close gates to hold cattle back, or wait until the area is clear before starting.

Loads, slopes and stability

Carry loads low and level. Do not overload the bucket, and use only attachments approved for the machine. On slopes, drive straight up or down and avoid sharp turns. Wet, icy or soft ground increases the risk of tipping.

Never lift a load over people, and never work under a raised arm unless it is fully supported by the lock device the manufacturer describes. Follow the manufacturer's rated limits.

Pay attention to the load in the bucket. Loose or wet feed shifts as the machine turns, and a tall bucket makes the machine less stable. Keep the arm low until you reach the spot where you will tip it.

Entering and leaving the machine safely

Use the handholds and steps, keep three points of contact and wait until the machine is fully stopped. Lower the arm and attachment, set the brake, shut it off and remove the key before leaving. Never get out over the front of a raised arm unless the manual allows it.

Keep the cab clean and free of loose objects that can jam controls.

Never climb out of a cab while the engine is running, and keep your hands away from the lift arm and the pins when the arm is down.

What to ask your dealer and your team

Ask the dealer about operator training, available safety kits, guards and visibility aids such as cameras or mirrors. Ask your insurer or extension office about farm safety training in your area.

At a monthly meeting, ask the crew where they feel unsafe. A close call is a free lesson, so write it down and fix the cause.

Keep the manual in the cab or office where everyone can read it, and record each operator's training in a simple log.

When to get help: Contact your equipment dealer for operator training and safety updates for your model. Follow OSHA, NIOSH and manufacturer guidance, and seek medical care at once after any crush or tip-over incident.

Sources and further reading

Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.

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