The Joy(stick) of skid loaders
1 Apr, 2009 By: Curt Harler Landscape ManagementIf there is one machine that everyone likes to operate, it is the skid steer loader. It's just fun to zip around, carrying loads, doing the work of four people at a time. Some technology improvements are making skid steers even more fun — and practical — for landscapers.
 Gehl's newest vertical-lift model, the V270, hit the market in February. |
Oh, joy
Joystick controls are increasingly popular on all kinds of loaders. The new control system on the Vermeer line of mini skid steers, for example, includes two ergonomically designed joysticks that control transport and boom bucket motion. The ground drive is controlled by a single joystick, giving the operator a smooth range of motion while minimizing back pressure from the hydrostatic system. The units have no need for a steering wheel or dual levers to control movement.
John Deere, Bobcat and Caterpillar all are moving to electrohydraulic joystick controls.
"Electrohydraulics, as opposed to pilot or mechanical joysticks, allow us to expand the use of the joystick via programming with circuit boards or wiring harnesses," explains Gregg Zupancic, product marketing manager for John Deere skid steers and track loaders in Moline, IL.
 John Deere unveiled the new CT 313 compact track loader in February. |
The electrohydraulic joystick soon will be able to automate many of the repetitive functions on a loader. For example, the machine will have a memory that will return a fork to a certain height for moving pallets. It will also allow the bucket and boom to be programmed to drop to a certain level for scooping mulch.
Joysticks also have ergonomic value: "Because controls are operated while holding on to the handgrip bar, operators maintain balance and can operate any of the machine functions at any time," says Jon Kuyers, utility product segment manager for Vermeer, Pella, IA. He notes that some competitive units cannot drive and operate multiple functions without removing their hands from the levers or bar.
 The Ditch Witch SK650 keeps operator vibration to a minimum. |
"Joysticks minimize fatigue and decrease the effort needed to operate equipment," says Kelly Moore, Gehl's product manager for skid loaders in West Bend, WI. "Effort required on the hand, arm and wrist is minimal. Whether you are running one hour or 10 hours, the dollars spent at the outset give a long-term payback in easier operation."
Typically, the upgrade to a joystick is about $2,000 because of the more sophisticated controls and complexity of the controllers.
Other ergonomics
Perry, OK-based Ditch Witch has "pilot-operated ground drive controls." They provide highly responsive steering with little or no vibration feedback, which increases operator comfort.
"Our foot pedal-operated auxiliary feature allows for hands-free operation of the auxiliary controls," says Matt Collins, Ditch Witch Compact Utility product manager.
 The handgrip controls on this Vermeer S400TX offers operator ergonomics. |
Gehl's machines offer quiet cabs with noise levels — "operator ear levels" — from 85 dB down to 82 dB, depending on model. The cabs have AM/FM radio with weather band to allow weather tracking. The systems even allow the operator to plug an iPod or satellite radio into the speakers.
The Hydraloc safety system ensures that an operator is safely in the seat before moving or operating the machine. In addition, those seats — which will be available on the new V270 machine coming out this spring — have deluxe suspension, with adjustments for operator size and weight, and extra cushioning.
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