How to Operate Bobcat Hand Controls
Bobcat skid steer loaders are used on farms and in construction and landscaping projects. The machines work well in close quarters. Steering is accomplished by increasing or decreasing the speed of the wheels on each side of the machine. This allows the Bobcat to turn around in its own tracks by moving the wheels on one side forward while reversing the wheels on the other side. While the responsiveness of the controls makes the Bobcat useful in working in close quarters the controls take some skill to operate. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Learn the Bobcat's controls. Review the owner's manual and confirm that all safety features, such as the seat belt or safety bar, are in place and working properly.
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Start the Bobcat engine. Keep the hands and feet off the controls while starting the engine. A Bobcat has four basic controls, one for each hand and one for each foot. The foot pedals are associated with the operation of the bucket or any other attachments being used on the Bobcat.
The two hand controls are the steering controls for a Bobcat. When a hand control is pushed forward that side of the Bobcat moves forward. The farther the hand control is pushed forward the faster the wheels will turn.
When a hand control is pulled backward the wheels of that side of the Bobcat turn in reverse. Moving forward in a straight line requires pushing both hand controls forward equally. Reverse is similarly accomplished by pulling the handles backwards.
Accomplish turns by moving the handle opposite the direction of the turn further forward than the other handle.
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Practice operating the Bobcat. This is probably best accomplished in an open area rather than close quarters. After mastering steering the Bobcat add operating the bucket at the same time. One foot pedal raises and lowers the bucket while the other tilts and dumps the buckets.
Once the operator masters both the hand and foot controls in a practice area they can move to a work project. Start slowly at first, driving with a load on the bucket will be different the practice sessions done with an empty bucket.
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Tips & Warnings
Occasionally things go wrong and the Bobcat may start to bounce or "buck." Remove the hands and feet from the controls anytime the machine seems to be not reacting to the controls. All controls are self centering and will return to a neutral position which will bring the Bobcat to a stop.
