Knowledge is a major and significant
ingredient for safety. During the next
few minutes, you will learn some basic
rules and instructions associated with
safe operation of utility vehicles. It is
important that you and everyone who
operates a utility vehicle understands
proper vehicle operation and recognizes
situations that could result in an
accident, injuring yourself or someone
with you. Because young operators may not
be able to control the vehicle, no one
under the age of 16 and without a valid
driver's license should be allowed to
operate the vehicle. No one under the age
of 12 may ride as a passenger and all
passengers must be able to comfortably
reach the floor and handholds. The
operation and maintenance manual is your
primary guide for safe operation. Read,
understand, and follow the manual and all
on vehicle warnings and information
decals before attempting to operate or
service the vehicle. Never use the
utility vehicle without instructions.
Some attachments are also provided with
a separate operation and maintenance
manual. You will see this safety alert
symbol throughout the presentation as
well as in the manual and on vehicle
safety signs. It identifies important
safety messages. When you see it, be alert
to the possibility of serious injury or
death. Read and follow all safety and
operation signs on the vehicle. Replace
them if they are missing or damaged. This
symbol points out actions you should
avoid to reduce the potential for injury.
The controls used to operate vehicle
functions may vary depending on the
model. Two different drive systems are
used: continuously variable transmission (CVT)
or a hydrostatic transmission. Before
operating, be sure you're familiar with
the controls. The key switch is located
on the dash.
For models equipped with a CVT, the
accelerator or throttle pedal is the
pedal on the right. The brake pedal is
located to the left of the throttle pedal.
A travel control such as a forward
reverse handle or gear selector is used
to select your direction of travel.
A park brake is provided to prevent the
vehicle from rolling when parked. See
your operation and maintenance manual
for detailed information on park brake
operation for your model utility vehicle.
For models equipped with a hydrostatic
transmission, a gear selector is used to
choose between park or high and low gear.
The vehicle must be placed in park
before leaving the vehicle to prevent
roll away. The travel control pedal is
used to control the forward and backward
travel of the utility vehicle. Press the
front of the pedal for forward travel.
Press the rear of the pedal for backward
travel. Always look in the direction of
travel. When the pedal is released, it
will return to neutral and the
hydrostatic transmission will slow the
vehicle to a stop. Use the brake pedal to
assist in slowing or stopping the
vehicle. Follow the daily inspection and
pre-starting procedure found in the
manual. Include checking fluid levels
such as brake fluid, fuel engine oil, and
coolant. Keep the utility vehicle clean
of debris and properly maintained. On
some models, a toolkit is provided with
the utility vehicle to assist in regular
maintenance. Check the tires for proper
inflation pressures. Operating with tires
that have improper inflation pressures
can affect the vehicle's handling
capabilities and its stability. Before
servicing the vehicle, place the travel
control in the neutral position. Engage
the park brake or place the gear
selector in park. Stop the engine and
remove the key and chock the wheels.
Allow the engine and exhaust system to
cool before servicing.
Remove all cargo before raising the
cargo box in servicing the vehicle.
Follow the instructions in the operation
and maintenance manual for raising and
supporting the cargo box for your model
of utility vehicle. Some utility vehicles
are equipped with either the RapidLink
or multi-attachment exchange M.A.X.
attachment system. For the specific
details on the RapidLink or M.A.X.
attachment system, make sure you follow
the instructions found in your operation
and maintenance manual, operators
handbook, and decals located on the
vehicle. Unlike other types of
off-highway utility vehicles, the Bobcat
utility vehicle with the RapidLink or
M.A.X. attachment system is equipped with
an attachment arm that can lift loads
and other attachments. Because of this
difference, this vehicle will operate and
handle differently than other types of
utility vehicles that have only a cargo
box on the rear of the vehicle. A variety
of attachments are available for Bobcat
utility vehicles. Use only Bobcat
approved attachments. Never exceed the
vehicle load capacity. Check the vehicle
load capacity decal for maximum rated
capacities of the utility vehicle.
Utility vehicles equipped with the RapidLink
or M.A.X. attachment system come
equipped with an attachment arm joystick
control. The joystick controls the lift
and tilt functions of the attachment arm.
To install an attachment to the utility
vehicle, always make sure the attachment
is properly secured using the RapidLink
or M.A.X. attachment system. When using the
RapidLink attachment system, make sure
the attachment locking lever is in the
locked position and that the attachment
interface pins extend through the holes
in the mounting frame of the attachment.
When using the M.A.X. attachment system,
ensure the mounting pins and retainer
pins are installed on both sides of the
attachment interface. Some attachments
require the use of auxiliary hydraulics.
Refer to the operation and maintenance
manual or operators handbook for
specific instructions on auxiliary
hydraulic operation. Bobcat utility
vehicles equipped with a M.A.X. attachment
system have a front power take-off or
PTO drive system for powered attachments.
When installing the PTO driveline, push
and pull the driveline back and forth
several times to make sure it is
securely attached to the output shaft.
Ensure all guards and shields are in
place before operating. Vehicles with PTO
are equipped with an engine speed
control lever to adjust engine speed
independent of vehicle travel speed for
optimum attachment performance. Pushing
the lever forward increases engine speed,
while pulling the lever back decreases
engine speed. To engage the front PTO,
reduce the engine speed to low idle.
Press the center button and pull up on
the yellow knob. The PTO speed is
displayed in the center gauge of the
dash. Increase the engine speed until the
PTO speed specified for your attachment
is achieved. Do not exceed the rated
attachment PTO speed as it can cause
damage to the attachment and PTO
components. To disengage the PTO, reduce
the engine speed to low idle and press
down on the yellow knob. Vehicles with
PTO are equipped with a safety interlock
system that will shut off the PTO if the
operator leaves the operator seat with
the PTO engaged. Check your operation and
maintenance manual for the correct
inspection procedure.
If the PTO safety interlock system does
not function properly, contact your
Bobcat dealer for service. Disengage the
PTO for road travel. Keep bystanders away
from PTO-driven equipment. See attachment
operation and maintenance manual for
specific operating instructions. Fully
lower the attachment. Stop the engine and
allow all rotating components to stop
before servicing any PTO-driven
equipment. Keep away from moving parts.
Hands, feet, clothing or long hair can
become entangled in the rotating
driveline components, causing serious
injury or death. If servicing the vehicle
with only part of the vehicle supported
with jack stands, never operate the
engine and shift the travel control. This
can cause the vehicle to drive and fall
off the jack stands, causing serious
injury or death. Do not run the engine in
an enclosed area without proper
ventilation. Exhaust fumes can kill or
cause serious illness. Servicing should
be done in a well-ventilated area. Keep
sparks and flames away from the vehicle
and service area. Batteries contain
explosive gases. Make sure there is
proper ventilation when they are being
charged. Stop and cool the engine before
adding fuel. Because a spark from static
electricity could ignite gasoline vapors,
ground your fuel source to the vehicle
before and during fueling operation. Do
not smoke when fueling.
Do not use the utility vehicle in an
atmosphere with explosive dust or gases
or where the exhaust can contact
flammable material. Explosion or fire can
result. Most models of utility vehicles
are equipped with a rollover protective
structure or ROPS and seat belts for
restraint. Inspect the structure for
damage before operating. Never remove or
modify the ROPS and replace it if it is
damaged. ROPS with seat belts can be
installed on some other models. Check
with your dealer for availability of
ROPS and seat belts. Make sure seats are
secured to the utility vehicle frame
before operating the vehicle. Do not
operate the vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or
medications. Do not modify the vehicle.
Modifications can cause instability, poor
vehicle handling, or travel speeds that
are too high. This could cause serious
injury or death to the operator or
passenger. Always wear eye protection.
Wear other personal protective equipment
such as a helmet or hardhat, face
protection, hearing protection, safety
boots or shoes, chemical suit, respirators,
and gloves as needed by work location
and vehicle operation. Securely fasten
the seat belt. Only one person is allowed
per seat. Never attempt to start the
vehicle or operate it from outside the
operator's position. Accidental movement
of the vehicle could cause serious
injury or death to yourself or a
bystander. To start the vehicle, make sure
the travel control is in the neutral
position. On some models, the engine will
not start unless the travel control is
in the neutral position. Adjust the
steering wheel if equipped with tilt
steering. Press and hold the brake pedal.
On some models, the engine will not start
unless the brake pedal is pressed.
Turn the key all the way to the start
position and hold. Release the key switch
when the engine starts. If your utility
vehicle has a gasoline engine and is
equipped with a choke, you may have to
engage the choke if the engine is cold.
Similarly, if your vehicle has a diesel
engine, it is equipped with glow plugs
for preheating in cold weather. Make sure
bystanders are clear before you move the
vehicle. For vehicles equipped with a
continuously variable transmission,
release the park brake. While keeping the
brake pedal engaged, select the direction
of travel. Release the brake pedal
completely and then slowly press the
throttle pedal to move the vehicle in
the selected direction of travel. For
vehicles equipped with a hydrostatic
transmission, move the gear selector from
the park position into either high or
low gear. Release the brake pedal and
slowly press the travel control pedal in
the desired direction of travel. For all
models, operate the vehicle slowly until
you become comfortable with the controls.
Always look in the direction of travel
and keep bystanders away from the
vehicle. Keep your head, hands, and feet
inside the vehicle at all times. Do not
allow riders in the cargo box. Riding in
the cargo box can cause serious injury
or death. Do not use the vehicle on
public roads. It is not designed or
intended for street use and should not
be licensed for use on public roads.
Slow down when turning. Drive slowly
straight up or down slopes. Do not drive
across slopes. Avoid stopping a loaded
vehicle on a hill. Avoid quick starts or
sudden stops. To prevent vehicle rollover,
drive slowly and reduce the cargo box
load on uneven or loose terrain. Avoid
steep slopes, drop-offs, and unstable
surfaces. Reduce speed for adverse
driving conditions such as wet grass,
loose, or rough terrain. Driving too fast
under these conditions could cause
tipping and result in serious injury and
damage to the vehicle. Driving this
vehicle in an aggressive manner can
increase the risk of head injury and
requires head protection. For these
aggressive driving conditions, Bobcat
company recommends that all occupants
wear a properly fitting Department of
Transportation (DOT) approved helmet.
Before leaving the vehicle, park the
utility vehicle on flat level ground and
place the travel control in the neutral
position. Depending on the model, firmly
set the park brake, making sure it is
fully engaged or place the gear selector
in park. For models with an engine speed
control lever, set the engine speed to low idle.
Stop the engine and remove the key. If an
exit is blocked on vehicles equipped
with a cab, the cab door on the opposite
side is used as an emergency exit. On
models with gasoline engines equipped
with a fuel shutoff valve, turn the fuel
shutoff valve to the closed or off
position before storing or transporting
the vehicle. Before loading the cargo box,
ensure the park brake is engaged or the
gear selector is in park. Do not exceed
the vehicle load capacity. Check the
vehicle load decal for maximum rated
capacities of the vehicle. The total
rated capacity is the combined weight of
occupants, the cargo box load, tow weight,
and the weight of any accessories.
The total rated capacity is for level
surfaces only. Make sure the cargo is
evenly distributed and well secured. Do
not place loads on the tailgate. The
tailgate should be up and securely
latched while moving. Avoid top-heavy or
unsecured loads that could cause loss of
load or vehicle rollover, causing serious
injury or death. When using box mounted
accessories, ensure the accessories are
fully seated in the mounting holes on
the cargo box and the locking latches
are over center.
Avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns with
a loaded or empty vehicle. Operate the controls smoothly.
Never overload the vehicle. Overloading can affect vehicle
handling and cause loss of control or a
rollover, causing serious injury or death.
Use extreme caution when towing a
trailer. Do not exceed the total rated
capacity or maximum trailer hitch tongue weight.
When transporting the utility
vehicle, always make sure the transport
vehicle and trailer are of adequate capacity.
Use ramps of adequate strength.
Drive the utility vehicle onto the trailer.
Lower the attachment, if equipped.
Place the gear selector in neutral or park.
Engage the park break, if equipped
For models with an engine speed control lever,
set the engine speed to low idle.
Stop the engine and remove the key.
Ensure the seats are properly secured to
the vehicle before transporting. Secure
the vehicle to the trailer using
tie-downs. Becoming a proficient utility
vehicle operator requires knowledge,
skill, and good judgment. Be that operator.
It's impossible to cover every situation
you could encounter on the job, but
viewing this presentation is one way to
work toward those goals. For additional
information, technical specifications, or
training resource information for all
Bobcat equipment, see www.bobcat.com