| The first skid steer loader, the Melroe M-400, was | | | | Some operators prefer the H and others the ISO, |
| introduced more than 45 years ago and since its | | | | so to make it convenient some manufacturers |
| inception the compact equipment workhorse has | | | | such as Bobcat offer both, with their Selectable |
| evolved into a monster machine. Much more | | | | Joystick Controls you can change from the H to |
| supreme than it's 1960 self, the modern skid | | | | the ISO pattern with the flick of a switch. |
| steer has evolved everything from its hand and | | | | A feature that was introduced in 1998 by skid |
| foot controls to its overall brute strength. | | | | steer manufacturer Case is Ride Control, which is |
| | | | often a popular feature to use with the joystick |
| Today's skid steers are giving operators | | | | pilot controls because it minimizes material spills by |
| capabilities they have never before imagined, and | | | | stabilizing the loader arms on rough-terrain sites. |
| they are doing it in style and comfort. While skid | | | | Some manufacturers today make ride control a |
| steers of the old ages caused aches and pains, | | | | standard feature, it uses additional hydraulics to |
| modern loaders are smooth rides with | | | | smooth the ride and keep the load secure, which |
| easy-to-use joystick controls. | | | | allows the skid steer operator to drive a little |
| Keeping the customer in mind, skid steer | | | | faster thus increasing efficiency. |
| manufacturers have developed a new pilot | | | | In today's day and age luxuries are everywhere, |
| joystick control system. Before Caterpillar first | | | | and there is no reason to stop short with skid |
| introduced the new controls, operators had | | | | steers. Its understood by most skid steer |
| combination hand and foot controls. The hand | | | | operators that comfort goes together with |
| levers would operate the movement while the | | | | productivity, because the more comfortable you |
| foot pedals moved the bucket levers. With | | | | are, the longer you are going to be able to |
| today's system everything can be controlled with | | | | operate the machine. Because of this many |
| two joysticks. | | | | manufacturers today offer cab packages that can |
| There are two different control options available | | | | give you any luxury you want. With features such |
| with the pilot joysticks, the ISO pattern and the H | | | | as cooled glove boxes for a drink or boxed lunch, |
| pattern. With the ISO pattern, the right joystick | | | | enclosed cabs with air conditioning and heat for |
| controls the attachments movement. Moving the | | | | extreme temperatures, deluxe suspension seats |
| joystick forward or backward will move the | | | | for bumpy rides and power outlets for music |
| loader arms up or down, while tilting the joystick | | | | players or fans you might not ever want to get |
| left or right will tilt the bucket up or down. With | | | | out. |
| your other hand, the left joystick controls the | | | | In addition to this, cabs today are also much |
| movement of the machine. Pushing or pulling it will | | | | quieter than before because of sound insulation |
| move the machine forward or put it in reverse, | | | | around fans and other noise generators. Some |
| while tilting the controls left or right will rotate the | | | | companies such as Mustang monitor noise levels in |
| machines direction. | | | | the cab before the loader ever comes off the |
| With the H pattern, the loader arm and machine | | | | production line. |
| controls are split between the joysticks. To move | | | | With efficiency the number one factor behind the |
| the machine forward or put it in reverse you | | | | design of the industry's compact workhorse, it's |
| need to push or pull back on both of the joysticks | | | | understood that comfort and ability are |
| at the same time. To rotate the direction of the | | | | compliments to the goal. What was once strictly a |
| machine push forward with one joystick and pull | | | | get-the-job-done machine has evolved to a first |
| back with the other. To control the attachment, | | | | class comfort ride, and everyone is benefiting. |
| the right joystick moves the bucket (left or right | | | | For more information on skid steer loaders and |
| to control the tilt) and the left joystick moves the | | | | their features please visit the Bobcat Skid Steer |
| loader arms (left or right to raise and lower | | | | Loader Resource. |
| them). | | | | |