One of the biggest assets to job site productivity is the efficient
movement of material and use of work tools. The mobility of the Versa Handler telescopic
tool carrier, it's lifting capacity and heigh,t and the use with different
attachments means you the operator need to be knowledgeable on the operation of
the Versa Handler. Remember that these machines drive and handle differently
than automobiles or other types of wheel loaders. Throughout this video we will be
using these safety alert symbols that will alert you and emphasize danger, an
extremely hazardous situation exists which will result in a high probability
of death or serious injury if the proper precautions are not taken. Warning, a
hazard exists which can result in serious injury or death if the proper
precautions are not taken. Watch for these safety alert symbols and messages.
You will also see them in various manuals such as the operation and
maintenance manual, the safety manual, and the Bobcat operator's handbook. This
symbol points out actions you should avoid to reduce the potential for
serious injury or death and damage to other property. Understand these
instructions before you operate the machine. Inspect your machine daily,
including verification that the load capacity charts, warning, and instruction
decals are in place and readable. Check the mirrors for proper adjustment, and
keep the windows clean for good visibility. The condition of the tires is
important for machine stability. Look for cracks or cuts. Refer to the
manufacturers manual for information about approved tires and make sure all
tires are properly inflated. Make an overall inspection for cracked welds,
metal fatigue, broken parts, and fluid leaks. Never use Forks that have been
modified and do not carry or lift loads that exceed the combined capacity
stamped on each fork. Make sure the attachment is securely attached.
Never fill the fuel tank with the engine running or while near an open flame or
when smoking. Know where the fire extinguishers are kept on the worksite.
Check for proper fluid levels including engine oil, hydraulic oil, and engine
coolant. A walk around the worksite allows you to see the conditions you
will encounter during operation. Check for overhead power lines, contact with
electrically charged wires is dangerous and will result in serious injury or
death. Excavations, slopes, drop-offs, underground culverts, loose backfill, and
fuel supplies stored on the work site need to be identified and avoided or
dealt with properly. Remember, safe operation is the responsibility of the
operator. Taking charge of your safety means starting the workday with a right
attitude, good physical condition, proper personal protection equipment, and a
machine properly equipped and maintained for the job. Don't take chances. Your
safety as well as those around you is at stake. Always maintain a three-point
contact when entering or exiting. Grab handles and steps are provided for
safety. An emergency exit from the cab is also provided. Fastening the seatbelt is
not an option when operating a rough terrain forklift, it is a requirement for
proper restraint. Adjust the seat and seat belt for comfort before starting
the engine. Establish a routine that you follow each time the machine is started.
This routine should include ensuring that the transmission selector lever and
all other control levers are in neutral, the parking brake is fully engaged and
that no one is standing between the wheels and frame or in front of or
behind the machine. The fork carriage and attachment should be resting on the
ground. Adjust and clean the mirrors and windows is necessary, and check the
visibility completely around the machine. Make sure the right cab window is
installed for operator protection from boom movement. When a low-battery
cannot start the engine, follow the operation and maintenance
manual for recommended practices that include jump-starting from another power
source. Be aware that batteries can create
explosive gases. In no case should the machine be pushed or pulled to be
started. Hydraulic and drive functions including steering brakes and boom
controls are dependent on the engine for power. Check the machines controls to
make sure they work properly before operation. Never check for hydraulic
leaks when the engine is running. Pressurized hydraulic fluid can
penetrate the skin, causing serious injury or death, so use a piece of
cardboard when checking for leaks. The ability of the Versa Handler to lift is
based on the principle of two weights balanced on either side of a pivot point.
Factors affecting this balance are the weight of the machine, the load to be
lifted, and the center of gravity. The center of gravity is the single point
about which the machine is balanced in all directions. The stability of the
versa handler is determined by the location of its center of gravity, or if
the machine is loaded, by the combined center of gravity. Improper operation of
the machine can also affect its stability. Because the versa handler has
moving parts, the center of gravity moves as the boom moves forward or backward, up
and down, or even when the forks or other attachments are tilted forward and
backward. This is true whether loaded or unloaded. Surface conditions, the type of
tire and tire pressure can all affect overall machine stability, along with
dynamic forces such as acceleration, braking,
turning, and operating on inclines. Remember when traveling on the worksite,
always drive with the boom low and fully retracted and to always fasten your seat
belt. Allow for adequate clearance in front of and behind the machine when
turning. When lifting loads, insert the forks all the way under the load to keep
the load center close to the machine. Inspect the load for stability and check
to see that the load is evenly distributed. Place heavier items on mixed
loads nearer the fork carriage. Never lift an unbalanced load. It may be
necessary to secure the load prior to lifting. Remember when lifting loads are
using attachments, refer to load capacity charts provided. Use only attachments
approved by Bobcat Company. Never exceed the rated load capacity. This can cause
the machine to tip causing serious injury or death. Your machine may be
equipped with an attachment change feature that allows attachments to be
changed without using tools. Follow the instructions for securing the attachment
found in your operation and maintenance manual. After connecting the attachment,
check that it is securely attached. In congested areas, be aware of your
surroundings and keep to the right when traveling on roadways. Follow all local
rules and regulation. Look in the direction of travel for bystanders,
objects, and other equipment. Keep bystanders and other workers away from
the boom when lifting. The boom could suddenly drop or a load could fall
causing serious injury or death. Never allow riders on the attachment or the
machine. Start slowly and check the brakes and
steering. Operate the machine smoothly with no jerky movements, which could
cause the load to shift or fall off the attachment. Carry the load as low as
possible and tilt the load backward to prevent it from shifting. Travel slowly
with the boom fully retracted. Avoid sloping ground if possible and do not
drive on excessively steep slopes. When ascending or descending slopes, keep the
load or heavy end uphill. When unloaded, travel with the forks or attachment
downhill. If you must drive on a slope, keep the
load low and proceed slowly. Avoid turning on an incline, and if you must,
keep the turn wide and slow. 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. Make sure that the surface can support the full weight of
the Versa Handler and load. The ground must be firm and level under all four
tires. Do not attempt to lift a load if the machine is on an incline, it can tip
over causing serious injury or death. Make sure that the structure you are
placing the load on can support its weight. Position the machine so that the
load can be placed using the load controls. Never drive a Versa Handler
with the boom raised to place a load. Put the machine's transmission selector
lever in neutral and engage the parking brake. Use the booms telescoping feature
and forward movement to gently position the load. Always look at the load to
ensure there are adequate clearances. Feather the controls by partially
opening them, never move the levers abruptly.
Reverse this procedure to retract the boom and remember to withdraw the forks
slowly. Lower the boom and check that the work area is clear before you slowly
back away. When backing away, avoid soft soil conditions or drop-offs. Special
worksite situations require extra caution, such as when entering a building.
Allow time for your eyes to adjust to different lighting. Conditions overhead
clearance must be checked with the boom in the carry position. Under very windy
conditions, extra precautions may need to be taken to secure the load. Remember, the
telescopic handler should never be used as a man lift or work platform. Park the
machine on solid level ground. Always place the transmission selector lever in
neutral. Engage the parking brake. Lower the fork carriage and turn the ignition
switch off. Never leave the cab with the engine running or the parking brake not
engaged. When parking on a slope, engage the brake and chock the wheels.
When loading the bursar handler on a transport vehicle or trailer, use ramps
of adequate strength.
Once the machine is loaded, lower the boom, engage the brake, and remove the key.
Secure the machine properly using tie-downs. It's impossible to cover every
situation you could encounter on the job. Be aware of the safety alert symbols and
obey all warning signs to avoid injury or death. The operation and maintenance
manual is still the best source for information about operation and
maintenance. Becoming a proficient Versa Handler operator requires knowledge,
skill, and good judgment. Be that kind of operator.
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