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"author": "Simon Blackburn",
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"created_at": "18.06.2021",
"content": "<p>It’s a commonly asked question - ‘Do skid steers tip over easily?’ The answer may surprise you - while there are potential hazards with most outdoor work, rollovers and tips are relatively rare.</p>
<p>More accidents occur involving people trapped between the frame and attachment rather than the skid steer itself tipping over. The key to avoiding any nasty surprises is for operators to become familiar with their machines.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">When are you most at risk of a tip?</h4>
<p>Certain ground conditions create higher risks - driving on soft earth, near river banks, water, or uneven ground. Steep slopes are another hazard. If you do have to travel uphill, the heavy part of the skid steer should point uphill. If you have an empty bucket, drive back up the hill. Go up and down it in your machine rather than across it.</p>
<p>Too much weight on an attachment to your skid steer may affect its balance along with overloading a bucket. Keeping a load closer to the centre of gravity will improve overall stability. Always lower the bucket or attachment so that it is flat on the ground. Never attempt to activate the controls from outside the driver’s compartment.</p>
<p>Be aware of the limitations of your skid steer machine – it should not be driven at excess speeds and communicate your movements to anyone nearby.</p>
<h4>Skid Steer safety</h4>
<p>Skid steers are built with durability and safety in mind to protect the driver as much as possible and have protective features known as ROPs and FOPS. Confused about these acronyms? Let us explain.</p>
<p>ROPS is a cab and rollover protective structure (ROPS) to safeguard individuals. ROPS is similar to a roll cage in a race car that protects a rally driver. The steel bars attach to the frame of a cab to offer protection so the driver won’t get crushed in the event of a tip or overturn.</p>
<p>Then there is FOPS – a falling object protective structure, like a mesh, that protects an operator from falling objects such as branches and rocks.</p>
<p>Interlocked control systems are another safety aspect of skid steers. It allows a machine to operate if specific measures are in place – such as an operator sitting in the seat with a seat belt on with the restraint bar down. Electronic interlocked systems may also detect when someone shuts down the machine.</p>
<p>All drivers should wear a seatbelt at all times to prevent them from being thrown from their seats. Either a lap seat belt or a three-point shoulder one will suffice. No one should ever get into a skid steer without wearing a hard hat, ear protection, and safety footwear.</p>
<p>Skid steers themselves aren’t more dangerous than any other type of equipment when used and maintained responsibly.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">Unleash the potential</h4>
<p>Whatever your requirements, contact Himac Attachments for all your skid steer needs. We can give you a quote on the spot. We have the largest range of skid steer attachments in Australia, with <strong>over 85% of them made on Australian soil</strong>. <a href="/pages/contact">Contact us</a> today to find out more about our durable and reliable attachments.</p>",
"excerpt": "It’s a common question! More accidents occur involving people trapped between the frame and attachment rather than the skid steer itself tipping over.",
"excerpt_or_content": "It’s a common question! More accidents occur involving people trapped between the frame and attachment rather than the skid steer itself tipping over.",
"handle": "the-himac-herald/do-skid-steers-tip-over-easily",
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"image": { "alt": "Do Skid Steers Tip Over Easily?",
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"published_at": "18.06.2021",
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"tags": [
"construction equipment",
"earthmoving equipment",
"safety",
"skid steer"
],
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"title": "Do Skid Steers Tip Over Easily?",
"updated_at": "2022-10-25 09:41:25 +0800",
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}