8 Common Mistakes When Using a Skid Steer Loader (& How to Dodge Them)

Don’t let these mistakes send you to the hospital or cost you big bucks! Safety smarts are key!

Skid steer loaders are tough little workhorses. Farms, construction sites — they do it all. But they’re powerful and nimble. Get it wrong, and things can go bad fast. Even pros make mistakes! Avoid these 8 common errors. Work safer. Make your machine last longer. Save your wallet!

Here is Canary been working in the construction machinery industry for 10 years. Now, I will share with you the common mistakes when using a skid steer loader. Especially for new hand, must be careful!

Mistake 1: Skipping the Seat belt

• What’s Wrong? Think it’s a hassle? Think “just moving a few feet” is safe? Wrong!
• What Happens? Skid steers can bounce (especially wheeled ones). Hit uneven ground? Catch the bucket on something? A sudden jerk or tip can happen. No seat belt? You could smash into the cab. Worse, you could be thrown out and crushed.
• Do This Instead: First thing when you sit down! Lower the safety bar (ROPS/FOPS). Click that seat belt. Lock yourself tight to the seat. Like driving a car: Safety first! Make it a habit. It saves lives.

Mistake 2: Driving Slopes Like Flat Ground

• What’s Wrong? Driving straight up or down a steep hill? Driving sideways on a slope? Big risk!
• What Happens? Skid steers are tall and narrow. They tip easily. Slopes are dangerous. Sideways moves or carrying a load? A rollover can happen fast.
• Do This Instead:
  • Up/Down Hills: Always keep the heavy end downhill! Going up? Bucket uphill, go slow. Going down? Drive backwards, bucket downhill. Like hiking with a heavy backpack — lean back!
  • Working on Slopes: Avoid driving sideways across slopes! If you must? Move super slow. Keep the bucket low for stability.
  • Know the Angle: Your manual shows the max safe slope. Don’t exceed it! If a hill looks too steep? Skip it. Don’t risk it.

Mistake 3: Lifting High While Moving

• What’s Wrong? Driving around with a full bucket raised high? Or lifting to dump without stopping?
• What Happens?
  • Rollover! High load = high center of gravity. Hit a bump or hole? The machine can flip.
  • Hit Someone! Is your load loose (like rocks or pipes)? It can fall while moving high. People below get hurt.
  • Damage Stuff! Hit a car? Hit a building? Big repair bills!
• Do This Instead:
  • Moving? Keep Bucket LOW! Just 8–12 inches off the ground. Enough to clear bumps. Like carrying a full cup of water — keep it low to avoid spills.
  • Lifting to Dump? STOP FIRST! Park the machine completely. Set the parking brake. Then lift slowly. When done, LOWER the bucket BEFORE moving!

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Ground

• What’s Wrong? Driving fast without looking down? Mud pit? Sharp debris? Big rock?
• What Happens?
  • Stuck! Drive into soft mud or sand? Wheels or tracks spin. You sink deeper. Hard to get out.
  • Flat Tire / Broken Track! Run over sharp rocks, rebar, glass? Tires pop. Tracks break. Expensive fix!
  • Tip Over! Hit a big rock or deep hole fast? You can lose control and roll.
• Do This Instead:
  • Walk the Area First! Look for ground “traps” before starting.
  • Go Slow, Look Down! Keep a clear view. Watch for changes.
  • Bad Ground? Test It! Ground looks soft? Gently tap it with the bucket corner first. Don’t charge in. Debris? Clear it or go around.

Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Attachment (or Wrong Way)

• What’s Wrong? Grabbing any attachment? Using it for the wrong job (like ramming a wall with your bucket)?
• What Happens?
  • Break the Attachment! Overload it? Buckets crack. Hammers break. Attachments fail.
  • Break the Machine! Cylinders strain. Hydraulic hoses burst. Quick couplers break. Costly repairs!
  • Bad Results! Wrong tool? Slow work. Poor results. Wasted effort.
• Do This Instead:
  • Pick the Right Tool! Digging? Use a bucket. Drilling? Use an auger. Breaking? Use a hammer. Your manual lists compatible sizes.
  • Don’t Force It! Attachments have limits. A bucket isn’t a sledgehammer. A hammer isn’t a shovel.
  • Lock It Secure! Quick coupler must CLICK into place. Hydraulic lines plug in tight and lock. Test it (lift slightly) before working.

Mistake 6: Driving Blind

• What’s Wrong? Skid steers have BIG blind spots (especially right behind and close beside the cab). Moving without checking?
• What Happens? Easy to hit people or crush things! Worker tying a boot in your blind spot? Boss’s truck parked close? Backing up or turning? Accident waiting to happen.
• Do This Instead:
  • Walk Around the Machine First! Make sure the area is clear.
  • Honk / Flash Lights Before Moving! Warn people nearby.
  • Go SLOW! Especially in crowded or cluttered areas.
  • Look Around Constantly! Don’t just stare ahead. Use mirrors (if you have them). Turn your head! Check sides and back. Need help? Use a spotter! Especially in tight spaces.

Mistake 7: Skipping Maintenance (TLC)

• What’s Wrong? Work hard, never check? Low oil? Dry grease fittings?
• What Happens?
  • Early Machine Death! Engine, hydraulics, bearings… No lube? Parts wear out fast. Machine dies young.
  • Breakdowns! Low oil/water causes overheating. Leaking hoses kill hydraulics. Machine stops mid-job. Delays cost money.
  • Huge Repair Bills! Ignore small problems? They become big, expensive ones.
• Do This Instead:
  • 5 Minutes Daily:
    • Check engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant. Look for leaks.
    • Check tires/tracks (air pressure, wear, punctures).
    • Test lights and horn.
  • GREASE IT! Lube all fittings (pins, bearings) as the manual says. Wipe off old grease.
  • Change Oil & Filters ON TIME! This is the machine’s “food” and “clean air.” Never skip! Use the RIGHT oil and filters (OEM or trusted brands).

Mistake 8: Letting Anyone Drive

• What’s Wrong? Think it’s easy? Let untrained people (even temps) jump in and try?
• What Happens? Extremely dangerous! Bad operation causes rollovers, hits, crushes. Hurts the operator. Hurts others nearby. Boss gets sued. Costs a fortune!
• Do This Instead:
  • TRAINING IS A MUST! Operators must have proper, full training. Certification is basic.
  • Read the Manual! Know the Operator’s Manual & Safety Guide inside out.
  • Supervise Newbies! New operators need an experienced driver watching. Learn the machine’s “personality.”

Avoid these 8 mistakes and you’ll:

• Go home safe every day! (Priceless!)
• Make your machine last years longer! (Save big on repairs and replacements!)
• Get work done faster and better! (Time is money!)
• Avoid headaches and costs! (Sleep easy!)

Remember: Safety is ALWAYS #1 with a skid steer. Be smart. Avoid the traps. Work safe. Get the job done right!