Skid steer loader

Skid steer skid loader ( skid -steer loader ) is a universal compact, high-traffic equipment on a pneumatic track or caterpillar, designed to work in confined spaces: in narrow city streets, factory floors, warehouses, docks, ship decks etc. Due to the fact that the wheels of the left and right sides are driven by separate motors and are able to work in counter-rotation mode, the skid steer loader can turn almost at one point. Mini loader (mini loader) with an articulated frame (English articulated mini loader) is a universal compact, highly passable pneumatically driven equipment designed to work in confined spaces: in narrow city streets, gardens and parks, factory floors, warehouses, docks, ship decks, etc. The frame of such mini-loaders consists of two half-frames (front and back), pivotally connected to each other. High maneuverability is ensured by folding the semi-frames of the machine in a horizontal plane, that is, “breaking” the frame between the front and rear axles. Thanks to the articulated swivel concept, these skid steer loaders have minimal impact on the ground when maneuvering and can therefore also be used on lawns and other delicate surfaces. Skid steer loaders are widely used in the road construction and utility industries. With the appropriate quick-detachable attachments (more than 150 types), the loader is able to perform the following work: rake / rake, lift, dig, drill, loosen, clean / clear, store goods using forks, remove snow (up to 85 t / h) to level the ground. As an addition — various cutters and all kinds of grip options.

Story

The progenitor of modern skid steer loaders was invented by the Keller brothers of Minnesota in 1957. Lightweight three-wheel loader with a 9 hp gasoline engine. With. with manual start and hydraulic drive of the working equipment, it could turn around on the spot thanks to the separate control of the two side drive wheels, and the rear wheel served as a support.

The Melro brothers (Melroe Manufacturing Company, now known as the Bobcat Company, established in 1947 by Edward Gideon Melro, the son of Norwegian emigrants), saw the loader, immediately appreciated the potential of the invention and bought the rights to it, and the Kellers became employees of the company. In 1959, Melro released an improved M-200 model with a 12.9 liter engine. With. and a separate drive to the rear dual wheels. The M-200 also inherited disadvantages: insufficient stability, power and tractive effort.

On the territory of Russia, skid steer loaders began to be used back in the Soviet period — in 1977, when Bobcat skid steer loaders were purchased by the Ministries of the River and Marine Fleet of the USSR for the production of loading and unloading port operations.

Design

Skid steer mini loader.

The main difference between different types of skid steer loaders is the concept of turning, that is, the method of maneuvering, and the type of chassis — wheeled or tracked.

Main elements:

engine (diesel);
chassis;
cabin;
hydraulic system;
the boom, for skid steer loaders, as a rule, has a U-shape;
hanging equipment.

Travel controls: skid steer loaders use levers or joystick, articulated loaders use pedals and steering wheel.

Modern models of skid steer loaders can be equipped with:

a quick-release connector that allows you to comfortably and quickly change attachments;
bucket automatic leveling system;
cab ROPS / FOPS (Protection against falling loads from above and overturning / Operator Presence Monitoring System);
LUDV system (distribution of hydraulic flow depending on the load saves fuel).

Additional devices (attached equipment)

The snowplow is auger-rotor. Designed for snow removal from sidewalks, roadways, or any other area.
The blade is swivel. It is used for moving and leveling bulk materials, site planning.
The dump is communal.
Pallet forks. Are intended for stacking of various materials and freights.
Road brush.
Main bucket.
Bunker brush.
Lawn mower.
Excavator equipment, etc.
Various installations: compressor, pump, welding machine, concrete mixer and more.
Trailer for transporting a skid steer loader