How to Drive a Bobcat Skid Steer

Since the introduction of the first Bobcat skid steer in 1960, thousands of people have discovered the wonder of the machine. Bobcat skid steers can quickly be outfitted with tools to handle almost any earth moving or lifting job that a homeowner or small contractor is likely to encounter. Implements can be changed in seconds, allowing the operator to dig, transport, sweep, move pallets or brush and break rock and concrete. Bobcat skid steers are also easy to learn to operate.

Instructions

1. 

   Grasp the hand levers that control forward and back movement of the machine. Steering is accomplished by moving one lever, or for tight turns, both levers at the same time, but in opposite directions. For example, to turn left you have three options: pull the left lever backwarrd, push the right lever forward or pull the left and push the right levers at the same time. When one lever is pulled and the other pushed, the skid steer can turn around in place without forward movement.

2. Place your feet on the pedals. The left pedal will control the lift and lower functions of the machine while the right controls bucket tilting.

3. 

   Lower the lock bar by pulling it down to your lap. The machine hydraulics will not function unless this bar is lowered.

4. 

   Push the traction lock button in.

5. 

   Raise the engine speed by pushing forward the throttle, which is the orange lever to your right. Bobcats should be operated at near full throttle at all times, but be aware that this makes the movements of the machine very quick.

6. Drive forward to engage the load. Push in to the load until the tires spin, then press the left pedal down with your heel while still attempting to drive forward. This will fill the bucket. Push the right pedal with your heel to tilt the bucket back for driving.

7. Drive the machine with the load low. Only raise the load to a height that allows the bucket to clear the ground. When you approach the area where you will dump the load raise the load high enough to clear the side of the truck, or top of the pile. Step on the right pedal with your toe to tilt the bucket down to dump the load. Switching back and forth with your toe and heel on the right pedal rapidly will shake the bucket and clear the load out. Lower the bucket again by pressing the left pedal with your toe.

Tips & Warnings

• Carrying a heavy load in the raised position can cause the machine to be top heavy and easy to tip over. Always carry loads low.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish