Compact Track Loader

Archive for the ‘Case Compact Track Loader’ Category

There are just so many different types of machines and equipment out there being used for construction, commercial and agricultural purposes and the skid steer loader, also commonly referred to as the skid loader is but one of them. It’s a mobile machine on wheels or tracts. It has a rigid frame, lift arms, and is fitted to accommodate a wide variety of tools and accessories that attach onto it.

The number and variety as well as the usage of attachments that have been developed for the skid steer loader over the years is simply amazing and virtually all of them are powered by the loaders own hydraulic system. Post hole diggers, scoops, concrete breakers, stump grinders, ditch diggers and rock breakers are typical examples of some of the most commonly used tools of this type.

One very recognizable common trait of Skid Steer Loaders is their size. They are a smaller machine that’s designed for medium to light jobs in confined working conditions. In fact, one of the newer types of skid loaders to appear on the market is new mini skid loaders that don’t even have seats. The operator stands on the back to operate the machine that often times is no larger than a common lawn tractor.

One very unique feature of these machines is their wheel or track operation. The four wheel versions that aren’t fitted with tracks are usually four wheel drive. That’s not unusual but what is unusual is that the wheel or track systems on each side of the machine are designed to operate independently of one another. The result is that these machines can turn on a dime while standing perfectly still. The zero radius turn.

The first prototypes for what has become the modern day skid steer loader became operational in 1957. Oddly enough, these were three wheeled vehicles that had two wheels in the font with one in the back. This arrangement allowed them to do the zero radius turns by simply positioning the steering mechanism in the single back wheel.

Subsequently, in 1958 Melroe Manufacturing acquired the rights to the machine and some three years later, the first four wheeled models were being manufactured by them. Of course, since then it has been licensed out to other manufacturing firms and also has undergone many more improvements, including tracks that replace wheels in some models as well as so many of the tools and machines that are able to be added on.

The main benefits that make the skid steer loader the machine of choice in such a wide variety of applications are its low cost and versatility. It basically replaces a two to four man crew in so many of the tasks that it performs. Also due to its smaller size and simplicity of operation it’s far safer machine to have and use on a job site. Also some of its tools are in turn adaptable themselves.

However; it is the newer “mini” skip steer loaders that are powered by powerful smaller economical motors that are really catching on. Contractors are finding that with the money it takes to pay a man’s wages for six months, they can buy one of these machines that effectively do the work of two men. They never need to take breaks or call in sick either.

Choosing a mini loader, skid steer loader, front end loader, wheel loader or mini telescopic loader that will do your job safely and effectively is of paramount importance, but what does all the jargon mean? There can be a confusing array of specifications stated on brochures, but they may not be showing the true picture. Some of the figures include tipping load, operating load, safe working load, and hydraulic lift capacity.
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rThe most relevant specifications to compare different brands of mini loaders and skid steers is the Safe Working Load (SWL) or Operating Load of the articulated loader, mini telescopic or skid steer and to make sure these calculations have been done using the AS, ISO or SAE. It is of paramount importance to check that the SWL measurements have been performed using one of the above codes, as some manufacturers may state tipping load at the hitch, which is not the centre of gravity of the bucket or pallet forks, so the actual capacity will be a lot lower. Further details are explained below.
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rIf a mini telescopic loader is being compared to a front end loader, then the tipping height must also be taken into account. Often mini telescopic loaders do not have a useful working height when retracted and must be telescoped out before they can load a truck or a trailer. Sometimes they don’t even have any clearance from the wheels when retracted. In the case of a telescopic loader the useful working height’s tipping load must be taken into account as the tipping load decreases significantly when the mast is telescoped out from the loader. The way to compare tipping loads of a front end load to a telescopic loader is to extend the telescopic mast so the pivot point is the same as the front end loader and then compare the tipping loads.
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rSpecifications such as hydraulic lift capacity have no relevance as to what a loader driver can actually lift. The hydraulic lift capacity merely states what the loader, if chained to the ground so it couldn’t tip over, could lift.
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rThe accepted method for determining a loaders capacity is to measure the loaders tipping load. The figure gained determines the Safe Working Load (SWL), also commonly called the Operating Load. There is a recent trend to call the recommended capacity Operating Load as it shows the driver they must still operate the load in a responsible manner, as this load in particular situations is enough to create instability in loader.
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rThe tipping load of a front end loader, mini loader, wheel loader, or skid steer is measured with the mast fully extended laterally. A loader mast creates an arc in the air when lifted from the lowest point to the highest point. The tipping load of the front end loader is highest when it is lowest to the ground as the tool frame is closest to the front axle. As the mast moves upwards to the horizontal position, the tool frame is in the most distant position from the front axle, giving the lowest tipping capacity of the front end loader. This is because the centre of gravity of the load is further away from the machine. A similar principle applies to people – try picking up 10kg close to your chest and then extend your arm out to full extension – it is a lot more difficult to lift and it creates a tipping movement in the direction of the load. As the mast moves in an arc further upwards, to its highest point, the centre of gravity of the load on the tool frame actually comes closer to the machine, so the tipping load increases again.
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rTipping load is measured using a weigh cell and chain attached to the ground with the mast in a horizontal position (see ISO…..). The tipping load for a loader with a bucket is calculated by taking a line through the centre of gravity of the bucket when it is fully crowded back and attaching this to the weigh cell vertically positioned underneath it and bolted to the floor. The rear of the front end loader is also loosely chained to stop it tipping over. Pressure is put on the bucket line via tensioners or a pulley-cable system until at least one of the loaders wheels is off the ground. As the loader is starting to tip over, this measurement is recorded as the tipping load straight of the front end loader or skid steer.
rThe tipping load for a front end loader with a set of forks is calculated with the pallet forks in a horizontal position and the weigh cell positioned at the centre of gravity of the load on the forks. It is important when comparing loaders to check where the manufacturer states their centre of gravity is on the forks, as the closer to the machine will give a higher tipping load.
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rOne must note that the tipping load is a STATIC MEASUREMENT taken on a hard even surface, so this figure shouldn’t be taken as the weight a loader can actually lift in the field. Uneve