It is important that you and everyone who operates a Bobcat Loader Backhoe
understand proper machine operation, and recognize situations that could result
in an accident injuring yourself or someone working with you. The operation
and maintenance manual is your primary guide for safe loader backhoe operation.
Another excellent source is the Loader Backhoe Safety Manual produced by the
association of equipment manufacturers. Never use the loader backhoe without
instructions. Some attachments are also provided with a separate operators
manual. You will see this Safety Alert symbol throughout the presentation as
well as in various manuals, the operators handbook, and on machine
safety signs. It identifies important safety messages. When you see it, they
alert to the possibility of serious injury or death. Always follow the
instructions in the safety message. This symbol points out actions you should
avoid to reduce the potential for injury. Once you have familiarized yourself with
the machine, make certain you are dressed for the job.
Do not wear loose clothing or anything else that may catch on controls or in
moving parts. Follow daily inspection guidelines found in the operation and
maintenance manual. Keep the loader backhoe properly maintained. All Bobcat
loader backhoe cabs provide falling object protection, or bops, and rollover
protection, or ROPS. Inspect the ROPS structure and fasteners daily before
operating the loader backhoe. Never remove or modify this safety
feature. When entering or exiting the loader, face the machine, use the grab
handles and steps, maintaining a three-point contact at all times. Now
adjust the seat and mirrors if necessary.
Always fasten the seatbelt for restraint before operating the loader backhoe.
Adjust it so that it is snug across your hips. Keep your feet on the pedals or
foot rests and your hands inside the cab on the steering wheel and control levers.
Bobcat Loader Backhoes have a press to drive system that prevents the loader
backhoe from moving until the press to drive button is pushed. On some models,
the travel control panel must be in neutral before the button is pushed.
If the loader backhoe is equipped with a travel direction control lever, it must
be in neutral before the button is pushed. Always set the engine speed to
low before shifting the forward neutral reverse lever out of the neutral
position. The neutral start system should be inspected and maintained for proper
function. Never attempt to start the engine from outside the operators
position. Never operate the controls from outside the operator's position. These
are dangerous actions and could cause serious injury or death. For example, the
loader itself could move or the lift arms or backhoe could suddenly move.
Always keep out of the swing area. Start the loader backhoe and operate the
controls from the operator seat only. Make sure all controls are in neutral
before starting.
Accidental machine movement can cause injury or death. Always put the forward
neutral reverse lever in neutral and engage the parking brake before rotating
the seat or using the backhoe. On some machines, the parking brake may be
engaged by pressing a red parking brake button. A variety of buckets and other
attachments are available for loader backhoes. Use only approved attachments.
Never exceed the loaders rated operating capacity. Overloading good cause tipping
and result in injury to the operator and damage to the machine or attachment. To
install an attachment to the loader lift arms, always make sure your attachment is
properly secured using the Bob-Tach mounting system provided.
The exchange system is used to mount an attachment to the backhoe. Position the
exchange plate under the bucket mount and secure the bolts. Operate the loader
backhoe on level ground when loading, unloading, or turning. Always look to the
rear before backing up. Look in all directions before moving, and keep
bystanders away from the machine. Do not travel or turn with lift arms raised and
slow down when turning. Always carry the bucket or attachment as low as possible
for the best stability and visibility. Avoid obstacles, drop-offs, or holes which
could cause tipping or a rollover. If you feel the machine tipping, stay in your
seat with a seatbelt fastened. Brace yourself and lean away from the impact
point. Do not attempt to jump. When driving up and down slopes, always keep
the heavy end up hill. Go directly up or down the slope. With an empty bucket, the
back end is the heavy end. Roll away can cause serious injury or death. If the
engine stalls on a slope, immediately engage the parking brake before
attempting to restart the engine. Do not drive across slopes or hills.
Allow for adequate clearance in front of and behind the machine when turning.
Check for overhead powerlines and underground gas or power lines before
digging. Call 1-888-258-0808 before you dig.
When digging with the backhoe, place the spoil pile at least three feet
away from the excavation to prevent a cave-in. Always use proper hole and
trench shoring equipment. When backfilling, always work perpendicular to
the trench. This reduces the risk of uneven weight distribution which could
result in a cave-in.
When lifting objects with the backhoe, keep the object balanced and as close to
the machine as possible. Swing objects slowly. Always lower the load to the
ground before leaving the machine. Never lift, swing, or move a load over anyone.
Never dig under the stabilizers. Always keep others away from stabilizers in
backhoe swing area when you are working. Standing too close to the working
machine is dangerous. The stabilizer or backhoe boom could strike you and cause
serious injury or death. Do not lean over the backhoe controls. A control could be
accidentally activated. Always lock the backhoe boom in the raised position when
preparing the machine for transport. Stop the engine and engage the parking brake
before exiting the loader. On some models, lower the backhoe boom lock onto the
post before securing the retaining pin. On other models, remove the boom locking
pin from its storage position and secure the boom in the raised position. Never
reach under raised lift arms unless the arms are supported by an approved lift
arm support device. Moving a lift arm control lever or a part failure can
cause lift arms to drop suddenly. If the lift arms must be in a raised position
for service work, they must be supported by an approved lift arm support device
to prevent accidental lower.
Never carry riders on the loader or on attachments. A Bobcat Loader Backhoe is
strictly a one-person machine. Never use the loader as a man lift or work
platform. Always stop the engine and let it cool before refueling. Do not smoke
when fueling. Never check for hydraulic leaks with your hand. Leaking fluids
under pressure can penetrate the skin and cause serious injury. If you must
work in an enclosed area, make sure you have adequate ventilation. Exhaust fumes
can kill or cause serious illness. Keep to the right when traveling on roadways.
Follow all local rules and regulations. When parking or exiting the loader,
always park on level ground. Lower lift arms and place the attachment flat on
the ground. If the backhoe boom is not locked in the
backhoe boom transport position, lower it to the ground as well. Put all controls
in neutral. Engage the parking, brake stop the engine, and remove the key before
exiting.
With preparing the loader back go for transport on a trailer, drive backwards
onto the trailer. Use ramps of adequate strength. Wood ramps
can break, causing injury or death. Always make sure the transport vehicle and
trailer are of adequate capacity.
Lower the attachment in Backhoe flat on the trailer.
Engage the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove the key, and install chains
using recommended tie-down procedures.
Becoming a proficient Bobcat Loader Backhoe operator requires knowledge,
skill, and good judgment. Be that operator. For additional information, technical
specifications, or training resource information for all Bobcat equipment,
see www.bobcat.com.
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