The subject of operator comfort has been written on and reported about extensively, and we are now seeing a noticeable shift in equipment buying habits that acknowledges the need to provide equipment operators with comfortable, responsive, and even enjoyable working environments that can contribute to employee retention.

Even large contractors with high-value fleets who have viewed skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs) as a commodity/consumable product in the past are recognizing that investing in operator comfort and performance features not only leads to a happier, more productive operator — but also helps with the retained/resale value of that machine when/if they look to turn it out onto the secondary market.

Similarly, the rental market — which has been notoriously more likely to buy lesser-featured machines in the interest of upfront cost savings — is recognizing the long-term value in providing machines with that enhanced operator appeal and retained value (retained customers and improved long-term profitability).

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the things you should look for when considering your next skid steer or CTL.

The conventional swing-out door is easy and practical but can offer a number of challenges throughout its service life related to visibility, access, and cab egress in the event of a machine shutdown with the lift arms in an up and engaged position. There are two styles of flip-up doors that are gaining increased market share both for ease of access and visibility: full-pane flip-up and fold-up.

At Manitou and GEHL, we’ve opted for the fold-up design because it allows the door to better stow away above the operator’s head, further improving visibility and headspace. This style of door can also be opened regardless of loader arm position (while always remembering to follow safe operating practices), and the door infrastructure takes up less space along the sides of the entryway for better visibility.

We know that proper track tension plays an important role in CTL performance and long-term total cost of ownership, but it also has an important impact on the smoothness of the ride and operator satisfaction.

CTLs with automatic or semi-automatic track tensioning solutions ensure that track tension is always operating at a near-optimal perspective, which will deliver a more comfortable ride and make sure the machine is responding to operator control as intended. It also helps reduce noise and vibration.

An example of this is the IdealTrax technology found on Manitou and GEHL CTLs. IdealTrax is an automatic track tensioning system that keeps the proper amount of tension on both tracks. Instead of greasing to achieve proper tension, a hydraulic system keeps constant tension on the tracks — largely making it a “set it and forget it” operation.

Years ago, the seats in skid steers and CTLs were pretty basic — rock-hard pieces of rubber and plastic firmly set into the structure of the machine. Greater levels of comfort are now available with a variety of seats that include air cushioning and heat. Many also allow the operator seat and station to be adjusted independently of the controls, ultimately letting operators position themselves within the cab in the way that is the most ergonomic and productive for them.

Cabs are also noticeably bigger with more foot space and head space, which gives the feel of a more automotive ride/experience.

We’re heading into the fall and winter months where the days will get shorter. Equipping these machines with as much technology as is available to improve visibility and operator confidence will go a long way toward improving operator satisfaction, performance, and job site awareness.

Standard lighting kits have improved over the years, but there are now more light packages available that address the rear and sides of the machine. Backup cameras are also becoming more standard issue to improve visibility and job site awareness.

And an important reminder for contractors and rental businesses hoping to use their skid steers and CTLs for snow removal: Proper lighting will ensure each machine is ready to work on commercial lots at all times of the day.

For the same reasons, we’re seeing more and more enclosed cabs with environmental controls (heating and air conditioning) specified. They can be used year-round in more applications, so it improves the operator environment and ultimately can improve the profitability and utilization of the machine.

After a summer of particularly high temperatures, air conditioning is a welcome attraction for operators to get out of the heat. And an enclosed cab with heat is critical for snow removal.

We live in a smartphone world — operators hop in equipment now and expect to see an interface that is easy and intuitive to use. Easy menus. Easy control adjustment. Operating information at the tip of your finger matched with the view from the backup camera.

The new and intuitive displays that are available in many of today’s new machines reflect an automotive experience and give the operator greater control. And if it makes sense for your business, we recommend giving telematics access to operators you trust so that they can see the back-end and historical data on machine performance, service intervals, etc. — giving them a greater sense of ownership over the machine and therefore taking better care of it!