Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

Bill Campbell

I was thinking the other day about some potential changes in my yard. You have probably considered some in yours. Most seem to require dirt work. The first couple of shovels-full are exhilarating, but it soon becomes work. If you are like me, your mind explores alternatives. I discovered several options as I passed an equipment rental lot last week. If you decide to rent equipment to save time, make sure to take time to read operating instructions or ask for an equipment demonstration.

One commonly rented piece of equipment is the skid-loader. These machines come in various sizes all the way down to those that fit through wide walk-in doors. They can be handy for handling dirt, sand, gravel and even fair-sized rocks. With proper instruction and a little practice, most people become good operators in a short amount of time. In many cases, the only requirement to rent these machines is a vehicle that can pull the transporting trailer from the rental lot to your location. Did you notice I did not say there was a requirement for operation instructions? You may need to ask for owner's manuals or instructions if you want to use the loader safely.

I would like to cover a few safety considerations when using skid-loaders. First, due to the short wheel-base and narrow tread, they should always be used with roll over protection (ROPS) and a seat belt to hold the operator in the seat in the event of tips or severe rocking motion while in use. This is especially important as loads are lifted high off the ground, making the loader more likely to tip over. Always carry loads low when transporting with a loader. It is safest to raise the load after you arrive at the destination and the loader is sitting still. Passengers should never be allowed on skid-steer loaders, since there are no seats and seatbelts provided for their safety. The rule against passengers also applies to the loader bucket. Several people have been injured or killed in Illinois by falling from buckets and being run over by the machine's tires.

Second, never enter or exit the loader operator station unless the engine is turned off and the loader arms and bucket have been lowered to the ground. Entrance or exit with the engine on can result in inadvertent activation of controls and the possibility of being run over by the machine. If the loader arms are up, they can be lowered even when the engine is off if the control is bumped or a hydraulic hose breaks.

There are a variety of attachments for skid-steer loaders. You need to check on availability from the rental location you will use. Each of these will have their own set of safe operating procedures. Again, ask for operator manuals and request demonstrations to avoid safety problems.

Remember that digging trenches or leaving vertical walls on dirt piles can cause cave-ins. Use proper wall stabilization in trenches and cut off vertical piles to prevent possible burial or suffocation of workers or children in the area.

Rental equipment can make your yard-work jobs more manageable, but remember, the equipment you rent will not save you time if improper use results in an injury or death.

Bill Campbell is an Extension Educator, Farm Systems, at the Springfield Extension Center, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois. You can write to Campbell in care of Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. Telephone: 217-782-6515. E-Mail: campbellw@idea.ag.uiuc.edu

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • MAY 1996