Tips for Operating Your Small Articulated Loader

The L28 and L23 small articulated loaders are a great choice for easy-to-use, maneuverable equipment. They excel in hard-to-reach places and uneven terrain. However, tackling your usual projects with new equipment can be daunting.

Here are some tips for how to operate your small articulated loader simply and efficiently so you don’t have to waste a minute after purchase. And, as always, make sure to refer to your Operation and Maintenance Manual for more information.

Best Applications for a Small Articulated Loader

Heavy-lifting ability meets quick-turn agility with Bobcat small articulated loaders. The L28 and L23 small articulated models are a great choice for landscaping and grounds maintenance projects, material handling, warehousing, and anywhere capable, agile, and turf-friendly machines are advantageous. Small articulated loaders provide precise maneuverability with minimal ground disturbance and operator comfort in an easy-to-use and powerful yet compact package. The unique design helps enhance productivity on a wide range of job sites.

Here are some tips for how to operate your small articulated loader simply and efficiently so you don’t have to waste a minute after purchase. And, as always, make sure to refer to your Operation and Maintenance Manual for more information.

Simple Articulated Steering Operation

Operating a small articulated loader is similar to a pickup truck or car. Simply turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go.

For forward and reverse movements, use the travel direction pedals. Press the travel direction pedal smoothly, avoid sudden starting and stopping, and always look in the direction of travel.

Automatic Parking Brake

To stop the machine, gradually release pressure off the travel direction pedals. When the travel direction pedals are moved to the neutral position, the hydrostatic transmission will act as a service brake and stop the machine. Always be sure to press the parking brake switch to engage the parking brake when the machine is stopped.

Drive Modes: Two Options

L28 and L23 small articulated loaders have a drive system that minimizes turf disturbance and maximizes traction when needed. This is done by alternating between two modes: turf-safe mode and high-traction mode. The machine switches between these two modes automatically so the operator can focus on the task at hand.

Turf-Safe Mode

Turf-safe mode, all four tires turn independently to minimize turf and ground disturbance. This mode is engaged when the steering wheel is turning, or the machine is articulated.

High-Traction Mode

High-traction mode automatically engages when the steering wheel is held steady. Here, all four wheels travel at the same speed to maximize traction. 

Traction Assist

Traction assist is an optional feature to aid machine movement in low-traction situations.

You’ll find the traction assist switch on the right panel, and you use it to momentarily override the automatic drive modes to enable the traction drive function. When you push the switch, hydraulic fluid flows equally to each wheel, enabling each to provide traction as you travel through momentary, adverse conditions – like mud or snow.

To operate the traction assist switch, press and hold to enable traction drive. When you’ve cleared adverse terrain, release the switch to deactivate the traction drive. That’s it!

Changing and Using Attachments

A highly versatile machine, choose from over 32 Bobcat small articulated loader attachments. Popular attachment options include buckets, angle brooms, snowblowers, and pallet forks. Bobcat small articulated loaders include auxiliary hydraulics with a maximum flow of 12 gpm and up to 2900 psi, giving you powerful performance and superb work results. There are two options for connecting attachments, including the Bob-Tach® attachment mounting system and the Power Bob-Tach® system.

The Bob-Tach attachment mounting system comes standard and allows you to use a variety of attachments. The optional Power Bob-Tach system allows you to change non-hydraulic attachments without leaving the comfort of your cab.

Bob-Tach Attachment Mounting System: Comes standard and allows you to use a variety of attachments.

Power Bob-Tach System (Optional): Allows you to change non-hydraulic attachments without leaving the comfort of your cab.

Both systems feature pressure-release quick couplers to relieve system pressure for easy hydraulic hookup and removal.

When it comes to operating attachments, the convenient, intuitive, and ergonomic controls on the joystick allow you to control attachments without the need to look away from your work. Small articulated loaders make it easy to run hydraulics with a flip of the detent switch on the joystick.

Time To Get To Work

While new equipment often comes with challenges, Bobcat small articulated loaders make it easy to hit the ground running. For further help, check out your Operation and Maintenance Manual or see your local Bobcat dealer for advice and answers to any questions you may have along the way.