How to train your new compact equipment operators

Do your new operators need to know how to operate a Bobcat machine? Education is an important first step to keeping your employees safe and your equipment intact. Train your operators with these six steps for proper operation and maintenance of compact equipment.

1. Start with the basics

The Operation & Maintenance Manual is your best friend when training for Bobcat equipment. The manual is your primary guide for compact machines, so it’s a good starting point for machine operator training. Review additional safety and instructional decals on the machines, which are strategically placed inside and outside your machine for quick reference.

If you’ve misplaced your manual, contact your local dealer or order a new copy online. Your dealer can also replace any worn, damaged or missing decals.

Your operators learn in different ways. Some prefer videos, while others may want in-person training. For best results, provide training and resources in multiple formats to match a variety of learning styles: in-person, print, video, visual or text. Bobcat Company offers online operator training courses available in English and Spanish. Bobcat also offers Operator training course kits with video instruction, classroom exercises and hands-on instruction. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers offers resources for proper operating practices as well.

2. Create a culture of safety

One way to build a safety mindset is to remind your operators during training of basic guidelines. While jobsite requirements vary, every operator should follow the personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements before work begins. PPE may include:

• Hard hat
• Reflective clothing
• Safety shoes
• Safety glasses
• Heavy gloves
• Hearing protection
• Respirator
• Safety vest

Other recommended guidelines include wearing a seat belt, using the grab handles and steps when entering and exiting equipment, and wearing tight-fitting clothing that cannot get caught on the machine.

3. Survey the jobsite

Before work begins, allow your operators to get a feel for the work area. Point out potential dangers, such as utility lines, narrow roadways, sharp curves and soft ground conditions. Call 811 to have a trained professional on-site to clearly mark underground utilities. Set up barrier tape, traffic cones or gates to keep other individuals and equipment out of the work area.

These precautions alert your operators to the work and hazards on the site. They can work comfortably and safely after getting the lay of the land.

4. Demonstrate a daily visual check

Make visual inspections a part of your operators’ daily routine. While training for Bobcat equipment, have your operators take a few minutes to walk around the machines and check for potential problems. Show your operators what issues to look out for (reference the Operation & Maintenance Manual for the specific items to inspect daily for your machine):

• Broken, missing or damaged parts
• Damaged or missing safety and instructional decals
• Cuts, tears or over-inflation of tires
• Damaged rims and missing or loose wheel nuts and bolts
• Broken or damaged pins, bushings or other track parts
• Worn or damaged tires or tracks
• Low fluids, oils and any leaks
• Dirty or damaged filters
• Flammable debris in the engine compartment or battery box, around exhaust components, under the machine and around rotating parts
• Broken lights and cab glass
• Dangerous or slick walking surfaces, steps and grab handles
• Poor condition of roll over protective structure (ROPS) and falling object protective structure (FOPS)

5. Show them safe starting practices

After your operators know the ropes, they’re ready to enter the cab. They’ll be chomping at the bit to run the machine, but there are some critical steps before they can get started. Show them to their new “office” and the proper procedures to start up.

• Inspect the seat. Make sure the seat belt and buckle work properly and show no wear. Adjust the seat for comfort and safe operation of the controls.
• Command the controls. Get familiar with the warning devices, gauges and operating controls.
• Check the brakes. Engage the parking brake (if equipped).
• Put it in neutral. Make sure all controls are in neutral.

6. Provide the tools for routine maintenance

Preventive maintenance is part of the routine for every operator. They must know their way around the equipment to keep your machines – and your projects – running smoothly. Before performing any maintenance, teach your operators the skills to complete the job correctly and keep these maintenance reminders handy:

• Check lubrication charts.
• Examine all instructional messages.
• Use wheel chocks, if necessary, to keep the machine from moving during service.
• Use parts and service techniques recommended by the manufacturer.
• Attach a “Do Not Operate” tag or similar warning tags to the starter switch or steering wheel before maintenance.
• Remove the key from the machine.
• Install all appropriate lock devices or support devices, such as lift arm supports and cab supports.
• Do not operate the engine in a closed area.

These steps will get your machine operator up to speed so they don’t endanger themselves or others. But training for Bobcat equipment is never over. Even as manufacturers add new features, worksite safety is the responsibility of the people on the job. Keep resources on hand, stay on top of new regulations and provide refresher courses to maintain a safety-minded crew.

And if you regularly rent your equipment, make sure your green operators know the proper way to operate a rental.