Instructions are necessary before
operating or servicing your Bobcat skid
steer loader. Read and understand the
operation and maintenance manual,
operators handbook, and decals on the
machine. Follow warnings and instructions
in the manuals when making repairs,
adjustments, or servicing. Check for
correct function after adjustments,
repairs, or service. Untrained operators
and failure to follow instructions can
cause injury or death. Let's take a
minute to show you some things to look
for before you operate Bobcat compact
loaders. Let's start with the front of the
machine, the Bob-Tach. Look for the
obvious. Any loose hardware, broken pieces,
or leaky hoses, and repair them as
necessary. Also, make sure that the
Bob-Tach levers are fully engaged with
the attachment, so that the wedges extend
through the holes in the attachment
mounting frame. Next, check the ROPS for
any damage and make sure the mounting
hardware is attached. Now let's inspect
the track for any abnormal wear patterns,
and also check for proper tension.
A track that's too loose can cause
de-tracking, and one that's too tight can
cause a loss of power and add excessive
stress to the drive components. Refer to
the maintenance manual and watch the
video on track tension to make the
necessary adjustments. If this were a
Bobcat wheel loader, we would look for warrant
tread, or abnormal wear, low air pressure,
and loose lug nuts. Okay moving along,
we'll want to inspect the lift arm
support device, replace it if it's
damaged. Check the hydraulic fluid
level, look for damaged hoses and
fittings, look for wear that could cause
damage, look for oil residue that could
indicate a leak, and look for puddles on
the ground that could signal a leak. The
operators area, engine compartment, and
engine cooling system must be inspected
and cleaned if necessary, to prevent fire
hazards and overheating. Some
applications
may require this several times a day.
Open the tailgate and latch the door
stop. Look for any loose or worn wires,
tube lines, or hoses. Check for debris and
foreign material. Now let's look at the
service schedule. There's a service decal
showing the required service at various
hours of usage on the machine. There's
also a grease chart with instructions.
Check the engine oil, the water trap on
the fuel filter, and make sure the oil
cap and fuel cap are in place and tight.
Also, look for damage or leaks in the air
filter system. Now remove the cover over
the hydraulic and engine coolers, and
check for and remove any debris. Check
the engine coolant level, while the
engine is cold. Check the cooling system
for damage or leaks. Replace the cover
and close the tailgate, making sure they
are latched securely. Walk around the
loader, check for any loose hardware,
damage safety decals or treads, and make
sure they are replaced or repaired as
necessary. Now we're ready to get in the
operators compartment.
Inspect the seatbelt and then fasten it.
Check the functionality of the seat bar
and pull it down. Then turn the ignition
to the on position and check the
operation indicator lights. This light
signals the need to change the air
filter. Operate the backup alarm in front
horn, now start the engine and check the
vic system functions.
Now, inspect and secure your jobsite and
you're ready for operation. If you need
or want more information, contact your
local Bobcat dealer. They can also offer
training or perform service work for
your Bobcat machine, and are your source
for genuine Bobcat parts.