Operate a skid steer loader
The skid steer loader — also known as a bobcat — is one of the most compact, versatile and in-demand machines on any construction or landscaping site. Train your operators to use it safely, professionally and legally — with this CETA-accredited Skid Steer Loader Operator Training course from SACTS.
DESCRITPION
Unit Standard (SAQA Reg. No 262712)
Skid steer loader operator training is an essential qualification for anyone required to operate a skid steer loader on a construction, landscaping or civil engineering site in South Africa. A skid steer loader is a versatile machine used to dig, collect, lift and move material — particularly dirt and sand — and also grade, jackhammer cement and load trucks. Other popular activities include site clean up, spreading material, road sweeping, backfill, load and removal of material, turf preparation and slab preparation.
Furthermore, the skid steer loader is a versatile machine that is light and easily manoeuvred, with a range of attachments available for application. It is commonly found on construction sites and its arms can utilise a range of tools for various landscaping functions. These machines are often nicknamed “bobcats” — making them one of the most recognisable and widely used compact machines in the South African construction industry.
Why Skid Steer Loader Operator Training Matters
An untrained skid steer loader operator is a serious risk to themselves, their colleagues and the public. Furthermore, the OHS Act and Construction Regulations require all construction plant operators to be trained and competent before operating any machine on site. As a result, investing in skid steer loader operator training protects your people, reduces your risk and keeps your business legally compliant.
Successful candidates credited with this unit standard are able to:
- Demonstrating knowledge of the functions of a skid steer loader.
- Planning for work activities and prepare work area.
- Starting and shutting down skid steer loader.
- Operating skid steer loader.
- Transporting skid steer loader to and from site.
COURSE DURATION:
- 5 Days Novice
- 1 Day Re-certification
NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 8
Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority
Description
The qualifying learner will be able to operate a skid steer loader by understanding the functions of starting, shutting down and operating procedures for the machine. Learners who master the applied competence described in this unit standard will contribute to the development of a professional community of Construction Plant operators. The area of focus of this course will be;
Knowledge of the Functions of a Skid Steer Loader
Understanding the Skid Steer Loader
A skid steer loader is a versatile machine used to dig, collect, lift and move material — particularly dirt and sand — and also to grade, jackhammer cement and load trucks. It is a compact, light and easily manoeuvred machine, with a range of attachments available for various construction and landscaping applications. These machines are often nicknamed “bobcats” and are commonly found on construction sites across South Africa. This module consequently introduces learners to the key components, parts and functions of a skid steer loader — giving them the foundational knowledge required to operate the machine safely and professionally.
Parts and Components
Furthermore, learners will develop a thorough understanding of the skid steer loader’s key components — including the bucket, lift arms, hydraulic system, engine, chassis, tyres and operator cab. In addition, learners will develop a working knowledge of the different types of buckets and attachments available — and how to select the correct attachment for each specific application. As a result, learners will be able to identify and describe the function of every major component before they begin operating the machine.
Controls, Gauges and Warning Devices
Furthermore, learners will be introduced to the full range of controls and instruments in the operator’s cab — including the steering levers, hydraulic controls, throttle control and parking brake. In addition, learners will learn how to read and interpret all gauges and warning devices on the skid steer loader — including temperature gauges, pressure gauges, fuel tank level gauges, electrical system charging gauges and hour meter gauges. Furthermore, learners will develop a working knowledge of warning devices — including warning lights, hooters, buzzers and back-up alarms — and the correct response to each warning before and during operation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As a result of completing this module, learners will also develop a comprehensive understanding of PPE requirements for skid steer loader operators — including the different types of PPE available, the importance of wearing PPE correctly and the legal obligations of both the operator and the employer under the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.
Planning for Work Activities and Preparing the Work Area
Pre-Operation Planning
Before any skid steer loader operation begins, a qualified operator must plan carefully and prepare the work area thoroughly. This module consequently equips learners with the skills to assess site conditions, identify hazards and develop a safe work plan — ensuring that all work is carried out safely, efficiently and in full compliance with the OHS Act and Construction Regulations.
Site Assessment and Hazard Identification
Furthermore, learners will learn how to identify and assess site-specific hazards before operations begin — including unstable ground conditions, proximity to excavations, overhead power lines, underground utilities and pedestrian traffic. In addition, learners will apply the requirements of the OHS Act and Construction Regulations to ensure that the work area is safe before the skid steer loader is started.
Machine Maintenance and Tyre Checks
Furthermore, learners will develop a working knowledge of machine maintenance requirements — including daily checks, fluid levels, filter inspection and general housekeeping. In addition, learners will cover tyre care, causes of tyre wear, tyre inflation, daily tyre care and tyre checking procedures — ensuring that the machine is safe and fully operational before every work shift.
Coordinating with Other Trades
As a result of completing this module, learners will be able to coordinate effectively with other trades and contractors on site — including excavator operators, truck drivers and site supervisors — ensuring that skid steer loader operations proceed safely and without risk to other workers, members of the public or surrounding infrastructure.
Starting and Shutting Down the Skid Steer Loader
Pre-Start Inspection Procedures
A thorough pre-start inspection is the first line of defence against mechanical failure and operator injury. This module therefore equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to conduct comprehensive machine inspections before, during and after every work shift — including the walk around inspection, pre-starting checks, pre-operating checks, operating checks and parking procedure.
Start-Up Procedures
In addition, learners will develop the practical skills to start the skid steer loader safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and site safety requirements. Furthermore, learners will learn how to start a cold engine correctly and how to identify and respond to situations where the engine will not start — ensuring that the machine is fully operational before any work begins on site.
Safe Shutdown Procedures
This module also covers the correct shutdown and close-down procedures for the skid steer loader — including shutting down and parking the machine, stopping the machine correctly, parking safely and stopping the engine. Furthermore, learners will understand the importance of avoiding intermittent revving and excessive idling — and how to interpret engine exhaust smoke colour as an indicator of machine health and maintenance requirements.
Operating the Skid Steer Loader
Principles of Operation and Safety
This is the core practical module of the course — covering the fundamental operating principles and safety rules that every professional skid steer loader operator must understand. Learners will consequently develop a thorough understanding of general skid steer loader safety rules and site-specific safety rules — including proximity awareness, pedestrian safety, load safety and the legal obligations of the operator under the OHS Act.
Proper Entry, Exit and Use of Controls
Furthermore, learners will develop practical skills in proper entry and exit procedures and the correct use of all controls — including the parking brake, steering levers, hydraulic controls and throttle control. As a result, learners will be confident and competent in operating the skid steer loader safely and efficiently before any unsupervised work begins on site.
Operating Techniques and Applications
In addition, learners will develop hands-on practical skills across a full range of skid steer loader operations — including filling the bucket, emptying the bucket, digging into the ground, levelling the ground and backfilling. Furthermore, learners will learn how to select and fit the correct attachment for each application — including buckets, forks, augers, sweepers and jackhammer attachments — and how to operate each attachment safely and effectively in a range of construction and landscaping environments.
Dealing with Difficult Site Conditions
As a result of completing this module, learners will be able to identify and respond to difficult site conditions — including soft ground, confined spaces, steep gradients and uneven terrain — and adjust their operating technique accordingly to maintain safe and efficient skid steer loader operations at all times.
Transporting the Skid Steer Loader To and From Site
Safe Transportation Procedures
Transporting a skid steer loader to and from site requires careful planning and strict compliance with road and site safety requirements. This module therefore equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to prepare the machine for transportation — including lowering and securing the bucket, checking tyre pressures and ensuring that the machine is safe and secure before loading onto the transport vehicle.
Loading, Securing and Offloading
Furthermore, learners will develop the practical skills to safely load, secure and offload the skid steer loader — including how to safely load the skid steer loader onto a transporter, what aspects to check for while loading and offloading, how to off-load the skid steer loader from the transporter, and how to position and secure the skid steer loader on the transporter.
Road Transport Requirements and Legal Compliance
In addition, learners will learn about the legal requirements governing the transportation of construction plant on public roads in South Africa — including driver’s licence requirements, load security regulations, vehicle weight restrictions and road traffic legislation. Furthermore, learners will understand their responsibilities as the operator of a construction machine on public roads — including speed limits, overtaking restrictions and the correct response to vehicle breakdowns and emergencies.
Site Positioning and Set-Up
Finally, this module covers the safe offloading of the skid steer loader from the transport vehicle and the correct positioning of the machine on site before operations begin — ensuring that the machine is safely and correctly set up for the work ahead without risk to the operator, other workers or the public. As a result, learners will be able to transition smoothly from transportation to productive site operations — minimising downtime and maximising efficiency on every project.
Entry Level Requirements Into This Programme?
- Certified copy of his/her ID document
- School certificate Grade 7 (Std 5) or Skills certificate equivalent NQF Level 3
- Be medically fit and in possession of a medical certificate..
Learning Assumed To Be In Place And Recognition Of Prior Learning
It is recommended that learners entering into a study of this unit standard will prove competence in the following to enable the achievement of this unit standard:
- Communication at NQF Level 1.
Who Should Attend?
This CETA-accredited Skid Steer Loader Operator Training course is designed for anyone who operates or is required to operate a skid steer loader in a construction, landscaping or civil engineering environment. It is specifically recommended for:
- New skid steer loader operators (Novice) — individuals with no prior skid steer experience who need to become fully qualified to operate a skid steer loader safely and professionally on construction and landscaping sites
- Existing operators due for re-certification (Refresher) — operators required to renew their certification and demonstrate continued competence in skid steer loader operation
- Construction and civil engineering workers — using skid steer loaders for digging, collecting, lifting and moving material — particularly dirt and sand — as well as grading, jackhammering cement and loading trucks on construction sites
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance workers — using skid steer loaders with a range of attachments for turf preparation, slab preparation, material spreading, road sweeping and general grounds maintenance
- Demolition and site clearance contractors — using skid steer loaders for site clean up, rubble removal, backfilling and general site preparation on demolition and renovation projects
- Road construction and maintenance crews — using skid steer loaders for pothole preparation, road sweeping, material spreading and general maintenance on road construction and rehabilitation projects
- Mining and quarrying personnel — operating skid steer loaders for surface earthmoving, material handling and general maintenance tasks in open-cast and surface mining environments
- Retail and warehouse operators — using skid steer loaders for loading, off-loading and moving materials in large warehouse and yard environments
- Municipal and government workers — operating skid steer loaders for public works projects including parks maintenance, road repairs, stormwater management and refuse removal
- Supervisors and health and safety officers — responsible for overseeing skid steer loader operations and ensuring compliance with the OHS Act and Construction Regulations
