It's important that you and everyone who operates a Bobcat Mini Loader understand
proper machine operation and recognize situations that could result in an
accident injuring yourself or someone working with you. During the next few
minutes, you will learn some basic safety rules and instructions associated with
the operation of the Bobcat Mini Loader. As with all types of machines, it must be
operated safely. The operation and maintenance manual is your primary guide
for safe loader operation. You should understand the instructions concerning
proper operation and maintenance before operating. You will see this Safety Alert
symbol throughout this presentation, as well as in the machines manuals and on
safety signs. It identifies important safety messages. The safety signs will
help you avoid situations that could result in serious injury, death, or
property damage. Take them seriously. Replace any worn or missing decals. This
symbol points out actions you should avoid to reduce the potential for
serious injury or death and damage to other property. 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. Now let's talk about starting the machine. Ensure the parking
brake is on and the controls are in neutral. The engine will not start if the
steering controls or auxilary hydraulic controls are engaged. On some models, the
lift arm control must also be in neutral for the engine to start. Check to make
sure the area is clear of bystanders. Start the engine.
Set the engine throttle to the desired speed. Never attempt to start the engine
or operate the controls from outside the operators position. This is dangerous and
could cause serious injury or death. Check all controls, gauges, and warning
lights. Maintenance of your loader may be necessary before you begin operation.
Once the engine is start and the engine throttle is set, operate the loader at a
reduced speed until you understand the operation of the mini loader. A steering
control, or on some models to steering control levers, is located on the left
side of the control panel. They control the travel speed and direction of the
mini loader. Push the steering control forward or push both levers forward and
the machine will travel forward. Hold the steering control back or pull both
levers back, and the machine will travel in reverse. Moving the steering control
to the side, or opposite movement of the two levers will then turn the machine.
Remember to always carry the load low and slow down when turning. The reverse
stop panel is an important safety feature of the mini loader and is
located at the back of the machine. When the panel is pushed in, it will push the
steering control or steering levers forward and stop the machine or cause it
to move slightly forward. The engine will continue to run. The lift and tilt
hydraulic function controls are on the right side of the control panel. The lift
and tilt control functions for your mini loader model are identified on the decal
near the controls and also in the operation and maintenance manual. Know
and understand the controls and their functions before operating. The mini
loader has a lift arm and tilt control lockout system. If the lift arms are
raised and the engine is off, the lift and tilt functions are locked. This
prevents accidental movement of the lift arms or attachment. A lift arm bypass
feature is provided when the lift arms cannot be lowered during normal
operation. Activate the lift arm bypass and push the
lift arm lever forward. Lift arms will slowly lower to the ground.
The auxilary hydraulic control lever activates and controls hydraulic
attachments. Detent positions are provided for continuous hydraulic flow
to the attachment. Some models are equipped with an operation mode selector.
This feature allows the operator to select between high range mode and speed
control mode by a lever or switch on the control panel. When operating in speed
control mode, the speed adjustment knob allows you to select the amount of
hydraulic flow distributed to both the attachment and the drive system. A hinged
right on operator platform is available for some models. It can be installed or
removed as needed for right on or walk-behind operation. When installed, do
not operate the controls unless you're standing on the platform. Always keep
both feet on the platform when operating. Always check for adequate clearance
behind the platform when turning. Keep bystanders away. The mini loader has a
rated operating capacity. This load limit must not be exceeded. This operating
capacity is reduced if using a palette fork attachment, because the load center
is moved farther ahead. Overloading could cause tipping and result in serious
injury, death, or property damage. Never modify the machine and be sure to use
only approved attachments for your job. Changing attachments is easy with the
Bob-Tatch system.
Remember to push the Bob-Tatch system levers down until they are fully engaged
in the locked position. Check that the wedges extend through the
holes in the mounting frame. Safe handling of loads and attachments
require care and good judgment. Here are a few basic instructions. Operate the
controls smoothly, keeping your hands on the controls. Don't make any sudden stops,
starts, or jerk on controls. This could cause tipping. Avoid rough terrain. Be on
the lookout for drop-offs and holes when traveling with the mini loader. Avoid
driving over obstructions. Remember, a track loader will drop down when driving
over curbs, small drop-offs, or holes. Never back over obstructions drop-offs
or uneven ground with the lift arms raised. Always carry the load or
attachment as low as possible for the best stability and visibility. Be careful
on slopes. Avoid travelling across steep slopes. Drive straight up or down slopes,
keeping the heavy end of the loader uphill. With no load, the rear end is
heavier. Slow down as you approach the dump site. Stop the loader. Raise the load
slowly keeping your load level to prevent spilling over the back of the
bucket. Never lift swing or move a load over anyone and never allow anyone to
reach under or stand under raised lift arms. Always look to the rear before
backing up. Look in all directions before moving, and keep bystanders away from the
machine. Never carry riders. A mini loader is strictly a one-person machine. Be
aware of potential jobsite hazards such as underground power lines and gas lines.
Before you start any excavation, call before you dig.
If you must work in an enclosed area, make sure you have adequate ventilation.
Exhaust fumes can kill or cause serious illness. Keep your machine
well-maintained for optimum efficiency. Follow the maintenance and service
instructions on the loader or in the operation and maintenance manual. When
fueling the loader, the engine must be off.
Do not smoke or light a cigarette while fueling your loader. Immediately cleanup
fuel spills. When leaving the mini loader, never leave the operators position with
lift arms raised or with the engine running. Remember to always park on level
ground. Lower the lift arms until the attachment is flat on the ground.
Disengage the auxilary hydraulic system, engage the parking, brake stop the engine,
and remove the ignition key. If the lift arms are raised for service work, they
must be supported by an approved lift arm support device to prevent accidental
lowering of the lift arms. Before transporting the mini loader, be sure the
transport trailer or vehicle and loading ramps are of adequate size and capacity.
Remember, the many loader weighs over 2,000 pounds. Remove the ride on platform
if installed. Make sure the ramp is secure and clean to avoid losing
traction. Never drive on ramps that are spaced either too wide or too narrow.
Drive up the ramp with the heavy end pointing uphill.
If the mini loader has an auger or other heavy attachment, the front end of the
loader is the heavy end. Always secure the mini loader and
attachments to the transport trailer or vehicle following procedures recommended
in the operation and maintenance manual. Now you have the fundamentals of
operating a Bobcat Mini Loader. Use the instructions presented in this program
and in your operation and maintenance manual for safe, efficient, and productive
mini loader operation. For additional information, technical specifications, or
training resources information for all Bobcat equipment and
safety videos, see www.bobcat.com.
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