A skid steer loader is a small machine powered by an engine that can be used with various attachments for labor-intensive tasks. They are primarily used for digging and can clear snowdrifts. Skid loaders have independent wheels for agile maneuvering and were first invented to remove chicken manure. The Melroe Brothers purchased the rights and created the M-200 self-propelled loader, which became known as the “Melroe Bobcat.” Today, the term “Bobcat” is often used to refer to any skid steer loader.
A skid steer, or skid steer loader, is a relatively small machine that is powered by an engine. Many different attachments can be used with this machine to facilitate some labour-intensive tasks. Skid loaders are primarily used for digging purposes, although snow blowers can be attached to these machines to clear large snowdrifts and to clear roadways and sidewalks.
Sometimes, a skid steer loader is built on a set of tracks. However, most skid loaders are four wheel drive vehicles capable of pushing and carrying heavy objects. Typically, the wheels on a loader operate independently of each other, which helps the vehicle turn in different directions at different speeds.
Since many industrial environments require precise and agile machinery, a skid loader is often the tool of choice. A skid steer loader is capable of a hairpin turn, which means these machines can maneuver in and out of confined areas. Metal arms attached to a magazine run along the cockpit. While today’s loaders have enclosed cockpits, that wasn’t always the case.
The first skid steer loader was manufactured by Cyril and Louis Keller in 1957. This prototype did not have an enclosed cab and the drivers were frequently injured by mechanical weapons. Originally, the primary purpose of the first loader was to remove chicken manure from turkey farms. While the loader proved much more effective at hauling manure than a shovel, the Melroe Brothers of North Dakota knew the machine could be put to better use.
After purchasing the rights to the original skid steer from the Keller brothers, the skid steer got a new look. By hiring the Kellers to come up with a new model, the Melroes were able to produce the M-200 self-propelled loader. This loader had a rear wheel which allowed the machine to turn fairly easily; the M-200 was introduced to the public in 1958. In 1960, the rear steering wheel was replaced with a rear axle and the M-400 was created. Shortly thereafter, this machine became known as the “Melroe Bobcat”.
Today the term “Bobcat” is often used to refer to a skid steer loader of any type. There are many different steer loaders on the market today, and nearly every industrial machinery company has a different version of this tool. Although the first skid steer loader was invented to replace the shovel, wheel loaders today have many unique uses.
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