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How can you successfully load a Bobcat compact loader onto a trailer without any issues? It’s not a simple case of driving it on that’s for sure. There are certain steps that must be taken in order to ensure your safety, and the safety of the equipment that you are using.
It might feel like we are teaching you to suck eggs, but it is amazing how often things go wrong because people were a little bit too cocky and chose not to prepare themselves before going ahead and loading heavy equipment. Remember, health & safety is essential in this industry and the moment we let up and get lazy, is the moment something drastic happens.
Transporting compact loaders involves a few easy steps that mustn’t be ignored. You must select the right transport and towing vehicles, you need to properly load the machine, and practice proper fastening techniques.
If you want an easy life with so painful accidents that will either cost you your job (or a limb), then this is the article for you. Load your Bobcat without any issues and get on with the task at hand. Here’s how:
Make sure you are using the right transport and towing vehicles
It might sound daft, but how sure are you that your trailer is strong enough to handle your Bobcat? And are you certain that your towing vehicle is actually suitable to handle the task? These are essential things that must be checked. Winging it will not suffice and scraping by will only cost you in the long run!
You want to make sure that the towing vehicle is of an adequate size, and that the capacity for weight of the machine and attachments that is being transported is up to par. You also need adequately designed ramps of suitable strength to facilitate the loading process (wooden ramps simply will not cut it). An Australian made Bobcat trailer with aluminium loading ramps is the way forward!
How to load your Bobcat properly
You must always disengage the auto idle feature (if applicable) when you are loading or unloading your bobcat onto a trailer. Ensure that any mud, sand or debris are removed from the loading ramps as well, but loading your machine (this is to ensure that the ramps are smooth and clean to avoid any sliding).
Before attempting the loading process, ensure that your designated trailer is on a flat surface (or as flat as can be). Leave enough room so that the loading process can take place without any issues.
Once you are certain the aluminium loading ramps are clean, secure them to the Bobcat trailer properly. Double check your fastenings and check to see how secure they are before you proceed any further. Once slip and things can go terrible wrong, incredibly quickly.
Once you are ready, you can load the machine onto the trailer. To do so, travel up the ramp with the heaviest end facing upwards. The Bobcat loader will be heavier in the rear—unless the Bobcat is connected to an attachment, such as a breaker or planner (which will likely make it heavier at the front)—so make sure to face the Bobcat accordingly.
The rear of your trailer should be blocked or supported during the loading process to ensure that the front end of the trailer doesn’t rise up when the weight shifts.
Be sure to drive the Bobcat onto the trailer slowly, but at a consistent speed. You don’t want to stop halfway through, but you also don’t want to rocket off the other side either. Slow and steady!
Once up on the trailer, position the Bobcat in accordance with the relevant manufacture’s guidelines.
Securing your Bobcat loader
Once you have successfully loaded the Bobcat onto the trailer, you should lower the attachment onto the floor of the trailer, stop the engine, and engage the parking brake.
Next, you should install the chain at the front and rear of the loader in the relevant tie-down positions as recommended by the manufacturer’s operation & maintenance manual. Next, secure the binders and chains thoroughly, adopting recommended practices, and triple checking everything is secure.
Once you have completed these steps, you should be secure and ready to transport your Bobcat. Only once you have ticked off all of these boxes will it truly be safe to begin the transportation process. Failing to follow these instructions step by step can result in serious injury or damage to property.
Conclusion
Loading such expensive and heavy equipment requires patience is all. A simple following of steps can ensure that the process goes ahead without a hitch. Failing to tick each boss off and rushing through the process is how accidents happen. All in all, the loading process shouldn’t take very long at all. Once you and your employees are entirely familiar with the safety steps that must (ALWAYS) be adopted, the process should go quickly and smoothly.
Of course, the quality of the equipment that you use is just as important as the safety steps that you follow. It’s all very well being careful if your loading ramps or transporting trailer are of poor quality, or indeed, on their way out. If you think that it’s about time you upgrade your loading ramps or Bobcat trailer, then we highly recommend checking out a reputable Australian based company like SureWeld. Supporting local Australian businesses whilst ensuring the safety of your workers, and your equipment; it’s a win-win!
In any case, we wish you the best of luck. Always take your time and always double check your fastenings! Remember, it’s all very well rushing it to save time if you end up having a devastating accident. It doesn’t matter how busy you are; you can always make time for health & safety.
