Loader (equipment)

For the music group, see Front End Loader.
John Deere Front end loaders
CAD model tracing of a tractor mounted loader mechanism
CAD model tracing of a skid loader mechanism

A loader is a heavy equipment machine used in construction to move or load materials such as soil, rock, sand, demolition debris, etc. into or onto another type of machinery (such as a dump truck, conveyor belt, feed-hopper, or railroad car).

There are many types of loader, which, depending on design and application, are variously called a bucket loader, end loader, front loader, front-end loader, payloader, high lift, scoop, shovel dozer, skid-steer, skip loader, tractor loader or wheel loader.