Keeping your skiddie upright

LOOKING AFTER YOUR PLAYERS IS KEY TO TEAM SUCCESS

Knowing how to operate safely under load is vital to ensure your safety and the best performance from your skiddie.

Your Cat Compact Loader is a powerful machine and can be one of the most valuable and profitable members of your team – if it’s operated safely. 

People are the most important asset of any business, so ensuring you get home uninjured every day is our highest priority. 

To get the best results from your skiddie, and to operate it safely, there are a few tips things you need to understand when it comes to travelling and operating under load. 

KNOW YOUR WORKING LOAD LIMIT

First things first, read your Operation and Maintenance Manual to find the working load limit of your machine. Then if you’re unsure, read it again until you are well acquainted with the requirements for safe operation. 

• Always operate your machine within its working load limit – and consider the weight of the operator, attachment and any material you’re carrying as part of this
• Don’t overload the attachment
• Evenly distribute the weight of the material you’re carrying 
• Secure unstable loads
• Lift loads slowly and evenly to ensure stability 
• Carry your load close to the ground

TEAMYELLOW SAFETY TIPS

Check out the video below for a few more tips for operating and travelling under load to ensure you get home safely after work each day:

• Familiarise yourself with the ground conditions
• Operate slowly and smoothly according to conditions
• Keep sharp turns to a minimum 
• Operate on stable surfaces
• For stability on slopes, always keep the heavy end of the loader uphill 
• Keep the attachment level when moving lift arms or driving up and down hills
• When crossing rail lines, ditches and curbs, do so on an angle
• When transitioning across the job site, keep an eye out for edges, trenches, holes & obstacles

Remember to check your Operation and Maintenance Manual thoroughly and familiarise yourself with any local regulations.

With those things in mind, you can be comfortable knowing you are working safely keeping yourself and your equipment in good shape and ready to tackle another successful workday tomorrow.