Skid steers also known as skid loaders or robots are a very adaptable type of plant equipment. They aren’t always the first type of construction machinery that comes to mind, but we think they should be! Whether it is learning to operate or using a skid steer for a project, operators could benefit massively from using them.
Skid steer courses run at the Diggerland Plant Training School will ensure operators are correctly trained to use them, and effectively at that. Find out why you should book onto this specific course next…
WHAT ARE SKID STEERS?
Skid steers are compact machines that are great for sites with limited space. They are machines that can have wheels or tracks, depending on the type of terrain. Primarily they are used for digging, but can complete a large range of jobs.
Ultimately, they are similar to using a JCB 3CX backhoe loader, however they are more manoeuvrable, and can fit in smaller areas. So what else can they do?
WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?
As we have mentioned previously, skid steers are versatile, and with the right attachments they can complete a range of tasks including:
- Lifting and moving earth
- Digging
- Raking
- Drilling
- Trenching
- Using the machine as a forklift or a snow plough
Using a skid steer could be used in the place of a dumper truck or even a telehandler for carrying lighter loads. This would be very beneficial for a construction site, as it would mean one less machine is needed for a project.
ABOUT JCB
JCB is a brand that is very popular in the construction industry. They are very well known for their backhoe loaders, telehandlers and even their skid steer loaders. The company was founded in 1945 by Joseph Cyril Banford.
It wasn’t until 1993, that the world’s safest skid steer was produced. The JCB 165 Robot, designed with a single powerboom loader and side cab entrance, set the market level for skid steers. Since then they have just got better and better!
So why is JCB such a popular manufacturer? Well, their customers have peace of mind knowing they are dealing with a British multinational corporation. With over 750 dealers around the world, in four different continents, you’ll never be too far away from a JCB machine.
SKID STEER COURSES AVAILABLE AT THE DIGGERLAND PLANT TRAINING SCHOOL
If our skid steer course is next on your list, then this is what’s in store for any operators in training:
- Operators will learn and identify key controls of a skid steer
- Conduct all necessary safety checks at the work area
- Prepare the skid steer loader for use, operate machinery safely and efficiently
- Understand how to load and unload plant equipment if it needs to be transported
Our NPORS Skid Steer Loader (N212) course normally lasts between 1 – 3 days depending on any existing experience. Obviously once completed, an operator will be certified to operate a skid steer for 5 years before training will need to be completed again.
ABOUT DIGGERLAND
Diggerland is a unique construction based theme park that allows children as well as adults, to drive and operate real life diggers and other plant equipment. Besides their main park in Kent, there are also parks based in Devon, Durham and Yorkshire.
Apart from skid steers, the theme park has a large range of construction machinery including:
- Mini and Midi Excavators
- Telehandlers
- Dumper Trucks
- JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders
At Diggerland there are currently 20 different rides and drives, each based on various plant equipment. Diggerland has to have the latest machines available for their customers, so it’s only right that we are able to use them for training purposes too!
CONTACT THE TEAM TODAY!
There are plenty of plant training schools around the UK, however you’ll be in the prime location at the Diggerland Plant Training School. We have the best, and latest machinery available to use for training purposes.
If you want to book onto our Skid Steer courses, then we have a number of highly skilled operators on hand ready to help. We are open from 8am – 6pm 7 days a week. We can arrange a time and date to suit you or your company.
Aside from Skid Steer courses, we can also run the following:
- Excavator courses
- Dumper courses
- Telehandler courses
- Healthy & Safety courses
- Roller courses
Email us today or give us a call to book on. At this time, we are happy to accept individuals or groups, in line with government guidelines.
Let’s get learning!
