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In the last few years, joystick controls have beenintegrated into the operator controls, providing moreintuitive operation.uses low-effort joysticks to allow the operator to controlall machine functions with their hands.“The SJC system allows the operator to match the travelspeed to the operation requirements for optimizingattachment performance and more precise control ofmachine movements in tightareas,” Fitzgerald explains. “Italso manages the horsepower toautomatically adjust the drive systemto maximize pushing and diggingpower without stalling themachine. And, features like footthrottle and fingertip switchesmake it easier to control variousmachine functions.”Besides buckets, skid steers canbe armed with a warehouse full ofattachments for your exact operations.Skid steers have an auxiliaryhydraulic system (from 15 to 35gpm) to power attachments likeaugers, trenchers, planers, breakers,grapples, vibratory plows,cement mixers, graders, broomsand everything in between. Sowhile the loader arm is designed tohold many more different tools20 Utility Contractor | August 2007than just a bucket, the size of theengine and the accompanyinghydraulic flow will also affect buyingdecisions. Depending on the types of attachments youplan to run, the loader needs to have enough oomph to getthe job done as effectively and efficiently as possible.But as any contractor knows, the last few pages areirrelevant if the operator inside the cab is unhappy oruncomfortable. Operators are spending more time in themachines than ever before, looking at their cab as less ofa temporary workspace and more like their office. Sowhen it comes to buying decisions, those comfortfeatures are being looked at more critically than ever.That’s why manufacturers have made enormous strides inbringing operator comfort to its highest levels.More spacious cabs, air-cushioned seats, heat, air conditioning,radios and a variety of other features have startedto become commonplace. Actually, operator comforthas become somewhat of a new focal point in the ongoinggame of one-upmanship in the world of constructionequipment. Caterpillar, for example, recently made a significantstride with its C-Series cabs, creating an industryfirstsealed and pressurized unit that provides one of thecleanest and quietest working environments a constructionworker has ever seen.“Skid steers are such small machines; the engine is rightbehind you so noise levels are critical,” notes Pellegrini.“Skid steers used to be just a complementary machine —the rarely used ‘wheelbarrow’ of a jobsite. And things likecomfort and visibility didn’t really matter. Now it’s oneof the most popular machines in construction andoperators are in there eight hours a day. As a result,operator comfort on these machines is being taken to awhole new level.”Nick Zubko is associate editor of Utility Contractor.Operators today see their cab like an office, so comfort features are being lookedat more critically than ever. That's why manufacturers have made enormous stridesin bringing operator comfort to its highest levels.