How to Operate a Bobcat Skid-Steer

Manufactured by the Melroe Corporation, the Bobcat is also synonymous with skid-steer loaders of all makes.

The Melroe Company of North Dakota developed the Bobcat, the first skid-steer loader. The loaders operate by differentiating the speeds of the wheels on each side of the machine to control forward, backward or turning movements. Loader buckets or other implements are mounted on the front of the machine. The safe operation of the Bobcat, or any skid-steer loader, requires skill.

Instructions

1. Enter the Bobcat by stepping on the top of the bucket and swinging into the seat. Fasten the seatbelt across the operator's lap. Close the front roll cage door, if applicable.

2. Start the engine, and adjust the throttle to operational engine speeds. To move the Bobcat forward, push both handles forward evenly. To turn to the left, push the right handle forward further to increase the speed on the right side. The inverse operation is followed to turn to the left. To turn around, pull one handle back and push the other forward.

3. Operate the bucket with the foot pedals. One pedal controls the lift of the implement arms, while the other controls the tilt of the bucket and is used to dump the materials. A third center pedal is used to operate optional implement functions.

Tips & Warnings

• Carry the bucket as low as possible when the Bobcat is moving. Do not drive the Bobcat across the side of a hill. No matter what direction the Bobcat is moving, the heaviest end of the machine, commonly the loaded bucket, should be on the uphill end.

• Bobcats include Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) to protect the operator in the event of rollovers. These cages also protect the operator from falling materials when the bucket is elevated. Never modify the ROPS cage or remove any of the side or rear screens.

References

• Penn State: Fact Sheets
• University of Wisconsin: Safe Use of Skid-Steer Loaders