Hiring a skid steer loader can be a cost-effective way to tackle earthmoving, landscaping, or site-clearing jobs around your property — but these are powerful machines that demand respect. Before you climb into the cab, it pays to understand the controls, the risks, and your legal obligations as an operator in New Zealand.
Understand What You're Getting Into
A skid steer loader is a compact, highly manoeuvrable machine that steers by varying the speed of its wheels or tracks on each side — hence the name. That same agility that makes it useful in tight spaces also makes it easy to tip or lose control if you're not careful. Skid steers can lift heavy loads, and the rated operating capacity (ROC) varies by model — always check the machine's data plate before loading the bucket.
In New Zealand, operating earthmoving plant on a worksite is covered by health and safety legislation. WorkSafe NZ sets out duties for anyone operating plant or machinery, including hired equipment. Even as a homeowner, you have a duty to operate the machine safely and not put others at risk.
Before You Leave the Hire Yard
Don't just sign the paperwork and drive off. Take time at the hire yard to:
- Ask for a full machine walkthrough — any reputable hire company will show you the controls, safety features, and attachments.
- Read the operator's manual — ask for a copy if one isn't in the cab. Manufacturer manuals are your best reference for that specific model.
- Confirm the machine is suited to your task — bucket size, lift capacity, and track vs. wheel type all matter depending on your ground conditions.
- Check your insurance — confirm whether your home or contents insurance covers hired plant, or whether you need the hire company's damage waiver.
Pre-Operation Safety Checks (Walk-Around Inspection)
Before every start-up, do a thorough walk-around:
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Tyres / tracks | Cuts, wear, correct pressure (tyres), tension (tracks) |
| Hydraulic hoses | Leaks, chafing, loose fittings |
| Bucket & attachments | Cracks, worn cutting edge, secure pins |
| Engine bay | Oil, coolant, fuel levels; no leaks |
| ROPS/FOPS | Rollover and falling-object protection structures intact |
| Seatbelt | Present, undamaged, and functioning |
| Warning lights | Check all dash lights on start-up |
Never operate a machine with a defect — report it to the hire company immediately.
Getting Familiar with the Controls
Skid steer controls vary between manufacturers, but most modern machines use one of two systems:
- Hand-and-foot controls — joysticks or levers for drive, with foot pedals for the loader arms and bucket tilt.
- Pilot (joystick) controls — two joysticks handle both drive and loader functions simultaneously.
Before moving, sit in the cab with the engine off and practise moving the controls through their full range. Understand:
- Lap bar / restraint bar — this must be lowered before the machine will operate. It's a critical safety interlock.
- Forward/reverse and turning — pushing both controls forward moves you forward; pushing one side more than the other turns you.
- Loader arm raise/lower and bucket curl — learn these separately before combining movements.
Start in an open, flat area well away from people, structures, and underground services.
Safe Operating Practices
On the Ground
- Always lower the bucket to the ground when stationary or when getting in and out.
- Keep loads low and close to the machine when travelling — never drive with a raised load.
- Travel slowly on slopes and avoid traversing steep side slopes, which can cause tip-overs.
- Never exceed the rated operating capacity — overloading is a leading cause of tip-overs.
- Keep bystanders — especially children — well clear of the operating area at all times. Establish a exclusion zone of at least the machine's full turning radius.
Underground Services
- Before any digging, call Dial Before You Dig (0800 248 344 or beforeudig.co.nz) to locate underground pipes, cables, and services. Striking a gas line or power cable can be fatal.
Slopes and Unstable Ground
- Approach slopes straight on, never at an angle.
- On soft or wet ground, tracks generally outperform wheels — check with your hire company if conditions are marginal.
Getting In and Out
- Always use the three-point contact rule when climbing in or out.
- Never jump from the machine.
- Shut down, lower the bucket, and engage the park brake before exiting.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
At minimum, wear:
- Hard hat (if working near overhead hazards)
- High-visibility vest
- Steel-capped boots
- Safety glasses when working near debris
Refer to WorkSafe NZ for guidance on PPE requirements for plant operation.
Building Consent and Site Considerations
If your earthmoving work involves significant cut or fill, retaining walls over a certain height, or work near boundaries, you may need a building consent under the NZ Building Code. Always check with your local council before starting. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on when consents are required.
When to Call a Professional
A skid steer loader is not a beginner's toy. Consider hiring a qualified earthmoving contractor if:
- You're working on a steep or unstable site.
- The job involves working near existing structures, retaining walls, or foundations.
- You need to work close to underground services.
- The scope of work is large or time-sensitive.
- You feel uncertain about the machine or the conditions at any point.
A skilled operator will get the job done faster, safer, and often more economically than a first-timer learning on the fly. You can find qualified local earthmoving contractors on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Site Safe
