My husband and his brother want to rent a skid steer loader to do some work on our shared country home.  I’m concerned because they have never operated one before.  Do they need licenses or training?
 
No specific license or “previous” training is required.  Now, that’s not to say that your husband and his brother can just jump in and get to work. Here’s what one of our store owners told us about the operation of skid steer loaders.
 
“Most people can drive a skid steer loader as long as they have a basic understanding of equipment and common sense,” says Cris Leatherwood, Volvo Rents in Maryland.  “Homeowners rent them all the time because they are easy to learn how to operate. The key thing is safety.  Once you understand the safety issues, operating a skid steer is fairly easy.”
 
In Cris’ store, the Volvo Rents driver who delivers the machinery will show the user how to operate the skid steer and review some do’s and don’ts so the renter gets a good feel for the machine.
 
But you have good cause to be concerned.  Skid steer loaders are heavy machinery.  It is up to your husband and his brother to learn all they should prior to operating the equipment.  But keep in mind that if your husband and his brother don’t show any mechanical inclination, the store from which they wish to rent may exercise their option not to rent.  
 
It is strongly advised that your husband and his brother complete training on the machine and review its manuals prior to operation. If they are renting at a Volvo Rents store, training will be readily available to them on operation and attachments.  Relax.