Bob cat Skid steer loader

Learning Objectives How weight distribution affects skid loader steering and stability. The difference between Tipping Load and Rated Operating Capacity Understand the hydrostatic transmission. Understand why maintenance is important. Identify controls and their functions Identify loader’s safety functions Explain Safe entry and exit

Understand the reason for different attachments. Understand safe maneuvering, traveling, and working with attachment.

Weight Distribution and Rated Operating Capacity With no load in the bucket, about 70% of the machine’s weight is on the rear axels while 30% is on the front. With most of the load on the rear axels, the machine easily pivots or turns on the rear wheels. With a load in the bucket, this ratio reverses; most of the load is now on the front axels. The front axels become a pivot point.

The rated operating capacity is no more than 50% of the tipping load should be declared as the rated operating capacity. The tipping load for the Bobcat we will be using is 2600 pounds. Take half of 2600 pounds and you get the Rated Operating Capacity of 1300 pounds. These numbers are under normal operating conditions.

Some loader attachments can affect the Rated Operating Capacity. Never use non-approved attachments. Never modify the loader.

Hydrostatic Transmission Hydrostatic transmission is based on the transferring of fluids This means every action you make on the levers has a precise reaction. The loader will react the moment you move the steering levers.

Operating Controls Never try starting the loader from outside the cab. Everything you need is in the cab and that’s where it should be started from. The steering levers control forward and reverse travel and used also used to turn the loader.

Hydraulic control pedals The foot pedals control the lift arm and the bucket or attachment. Pushing on the top of the pedal is referred to as toeing, pushing bottom is referred to as heeling. Heel the left pedal to raise the lift arms and toe the pedal to lower the lift arms. Toe the right pedal to tilt the bucket forward and heel the pedal to tilt rearward.

For safety reasons keep your feet on the pedals. The parking brake is located between the two control pedals. Never exit the machine without first lowering the lift arms and placing the attachment flat on the ground.

Safety Features The seat is adjustable The seat belt must be worn at all times The seat bar must be positioned in the down position before operating. The machine will not run, without the bar down. Lift arm support is another feature. All work can be done with arms down, but if you would need them up use the lift arm support.

Basic Operation Before starting the loader you must do the following: Enter the cab properly and seat yourself Adjust the seat for comfort Adjust and fasten the seat belt so that the buckle is centered between the hips and belt fits snugly. Make sure the parking brake is engaged Lower the seat bar Place feet on hydraulic pedals and keep them there. Make sure pedals are in neutral.

Set the throttle to half position and make sure the steering levers are in the neutral position. Always look at the instrument panel before you begin operating Check to make sure the hydraulics work before arriving at your job site. Raise and tilt the lift arms and bucket to get the hydraulic fluid cycling.

When the steering levers are returned to neutral, the loader will stop. When getting out of the machine move pedals until they lock. NEVER under any circumstance leave the operator’s seat while the engine is running or while the lift arms are in the raised position.

Daily Checks Engine Oil Engine cooling system Hydraulic and hydrostatic fluid levels Lift arm and cylinder pivot pins Tire condition and pressure Look for loose or broken parts Fuel level The loader’s safety features

Safe Traveling When fueling, the engine must be OFF. Never use the loader or any attachment as a work platform or a personnel carrier NEVER permit riders! Never start moving until you are sure that no one is in your path. Make sure you know where people are all around you.

Keep lift arms down when moving or turning. The 2 reasons are: To maintain stability and to be able to see where you are going. Travel up and down slopes with heavy end pointed uphill while keeping the lift arms down and the bucket tilted up. Remember with no load the rear of the loader carries the weight, with load the front is the heaviest!

Travel slow and keep bucket close to ground, just high enough to clear the ground. Go around objects rather than over them. Keep away from drop offs! The edge could give away and you could fall to the bottom .

Working efficiently To load the bucket from a material pile, toe the lift pedal until the lift arms are all the way down. Toe the tilt pedal to put the cutting edge of the bucket on the ground. Never ram the bucket into the material pile, drive slowly into the material. Remember you get the greatest amount of power at the wheels with only minimal movement of steering levers.

Once you are in the pile, heel the tilt pedal to raise the front of the bucket. Do not overload the bucket. With the load in the bucket, and the bucket “up,” back away from the material . To empty the bucket, raise the lift arms and toe the tilt pedal until the bucket is empty. Never travel with a load obstructing your view.

When dumping into a truck or bin, drive forward slowly, raise the arms until the bucket is just over the truck or bin. Be careful not to spill the load onto the cab.