Low profile lift arm for small skid steer loader

A loader having a frame, operator controls at the rear of the frame, accessible to an operator standing or walking at the rear of the frame, a propulsion system for moving the frame along a surface, including drive members on opposite sides of the frame, an engine on the frame mounted between the drive members, the frame having upright members at the rear portions thereof adjacent the controls and positioned at an upper most level of the loader, a lift arm for lifting loads including a base portion pivotally mounted to the upright member of the frame at a pivot above the controls, a center side portion, and a forwardly extending portion extending forwardly of the frame and adapted for supporting a work tool, an actuator for pivoting the lift arm about the pivot, the lift arm base portion inclining downwardly and forwardly from the pivot and joining the center side portion of the lift arm, the center side portion being above and adjacent the drive members in a lowered position of the lift arm and positioned alongside the engine compartment, and the lift arm center side portion joining the forwardly extending portion, the forwardly extending portion inclining downwardly from the center side portion for attachment to a work tool.