Abstract: A protective shield for use on skid steer loaders and other construction vehicles. The protective shield is composed of metal and functions to protect the tailgate and rear sides of a skid steer loader from dents and abrasions. More particularly, the protective shield is made of a diamond plate metal tailgate panel, which is rotationally molded to define the lower rear door panel, and two diamond plate metal side panels of substantially equal shape for protecting the left and right vertical upright members of the skid steer loader in the area between the rear door and the wheel wells of the skid steer loader.