Knott Laboratory provides forensic engineering and animation, Civil & Structural, and Fire & Explosion Investigation services to reconstruct accidents.


Skid Steer Accidents

The compact size of a skid steer is a benefit but also a hazard to the operator and bystander.


Skid steer tractors provide significant utility in the construction and agricultural industry due to their compact size, relative ease of use, and the significant number of attachments that are commercially available. In fact, although skid steer tractors were first primarily used as loaders by attaching a bucket to the skid steer, a significant number of uses are possible due to the ability of the skid steer to supply hydraulic power to an attachment. Skid steer attachments can include pavement sweepers, snow blowers, backhoe attachments, jackhammers, grapples and many other applications.

Although the compact size of skid steers results in a very useful piece of equipment, the compact size also results in hazards to the operator and bystanders. The compact size results in a short wheelbase and narrow track width that decreases the stability of the skid steer and increases the possibility of roll over accidents. The compact size also means that the operator is in close proximity to the loader arms as they raise and lower the attachments. The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety has found that the leading cause of fatal accidents associated with skid steers are operators caught between the loader arm and tractor.

Knott Laboratory engineers have investigated accidents involving stability, hydraulic failures, attachment failures and other accidents modes. Please contact Knott Laboratory to determine how we are able to help investigate your case.

Publications List

The experts at Knott Laboratory have been published in many engineering journals. While most of these essays are quite detailed, these short abstracts express a summary of the overall papers that were published.

Forensic Engineering Use of Computer Animation and Graphics

Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers
December, 2006

Newest Trends in Accident Reconstruction

The Lawyer’s LogBook, Vol. 2, No. 5
2013

Experts in the Field

Our forensic engineers are experts in accident reconstruction, failure analysis and cause & origin. Our forensic engineers work directly with our in-house animation department to create state-of-the-art forensic animations for use in court, arbitration, mediation or settlement negotiations.

Richard M. Ziernicki, Ph.D., P.E., DFE

Principal Engineer

(303) 925-1900

Ricky L. Nguyen, M.S., P.E., DFE

Subject Matter Expert

(303) 925-1900

Brandon Stone

Accident Reconstructionist

(303) 925-1900

Seth J. Behrens, P.E., DFE

Engineering Manager

(303) 925-1900

Brent R. Graham

Accident Reconstruction Manager

(303) 925-1900

Jason P. Evans, M.B.A., B.S.

Project Engineer

(303) 925-1900

Henry “Hank” V. Mowry, P.E., DFE

Director of Engineering

(303) 925-1900

View Samples of our Work

Since 1982, Knott Laboratory has been providing comprehensive forensic engineering and computer animation services to reconstruct accidents.

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High Profile Cases

Knott Laboratory has become the leader in forensic engineering and computer animation by investigating high profile cases and conveying our analysis effectively during litigation.