Front-End LoaderTraining

General Traffic Guidelines

All equipment will be operated on the on the right side of the roadways and ramps

Speed limits must be observed unless road and weather conditions dictate a need for lower speeds

Traffic signs, as need dictates, will be posted at each intersection. They will be obeyed at all times.

Traffic Guidelines Cont’d.

Loaded units will normally have right-of-way over empty units. (Un-loaded unit will yield to loaded units) Your supervisor will communicate exceptions

If you are in doubt as to the movements of another unit in a right-of-way situation, stop and determine intent before proceeding

Loaders must not be coasted in neutral

Traffic Guidelines Cont’d.

Loaders should be parked, whenever possible on level ground with parking brakes applied. The bucket must be lowered to the ground with sufficient pressure to prevent unwanted movement. If it is necessary to park or stop a unit, the operator must remain in the cab unless the equipment is sufficiently chocked or the wheels are turned into a bank or pile of material.

Traffic Guidelines Cont’d.

Windshield and lights must be kept clean and clear of obstructions

Headlights shall be used by all equipment in mine areas, under claysheds, and when conditions warrant

Any equipment having a backup alarm that is not operating or not working properly shall be reported immediately to your supervisor and shall not be operated until repairs are accomplished

Traffic Guidelines Cont’d.Operators shall always be alert for

rocks and other hazardous items in the roadway and avoid passing over them. Operators will be particularly careful when crossing windrows created by blades or other equipment

Front-End Loader Guidelines

Do not undercut a highwall or stockpile. Stay within the digging height range of the loader and check for loose material overhead

Do not get too close to the edge of a cut or hill. There must be a berm to travel elevated roadways.

Do not operate a loader where there is an danger of sliding or tipping

Loader Guidelines Cont’d. Go straight up and down slopes. Do not descent a

slope faster than you could climb the slope using proper gearing

Keep the bucket close to the ground when traveling

Operate the loader on solid ground. Move slowly over rough areas

Do not us the bucket as a brake except in an emergency

Enter the bank slowly and squarely with the bucket parallel to the ground

Loader Guidelines Cont’d.

Start and stop smoothly when carrying a load. Keep the bucket low to the ground for stability and move the steering wheel smoothly

Do not articulate the loader with people close to the wheels or center section

Use the bucket to indicate where you want a truck to stop

Loader Guidelines Cont’d.

Do not swing the bucket over the cab of any piece of equipment

Do not hold a full bucket in an elevated position for long periods of time. Wait with the bucket lowered to the ground

Watch for cable on the ground and for overhead power lines and cables

Lower the bucket to the ground and set the parking brake when the loader is parked

Loader Guidelines Cont’d.

Check for any mechanical malfunctions or defects from poor brakes to missing teeth on the bucket

Personnel shall not ride or be elevated in the bucket

Fire Safety The loader shall be shut off and stopped before

being fueled. Smoking is prohibited while fueling the loader

All fire extinguishers shall be checked prior to operation the equipment as part of the pre-shift check

In the event of a fire, your first responsibility is your own safety and the safety of others in your area. If using an extinguisher is a risk to you, do not do so. Immediately report the fire, request assistance and notify people in your area

Pre-shift Inspection

Always perform a pre-shift inspection before operating a front-end loader on the job. Doing a safety inspection gives you a peace of mind as many operators may operate the loader throughout the shifts. A pre-shift inspection prevents many accidents and breakdowns.

Pre-shift Inspection Cont’d.

Always set the parking brake before you begin a safety inspection

Look for leaks, worn parts, missing parts, debris and trash on the loader

Check fluid levels, warning lights, and fire suppression systems (if loader is equipped)

Pre-shift Inspection Cont’d.

Do an operational check before working the loader

Follow the pre-shift checklist to inspect the loader

Your Responsibility

Inspection and maintenance is your responsibility. If you believe your loader is unsafe, report it to your supervisor. It will be checked and repaired. The most important part of any safety program is you, the professional equipment operator. Be alert and Safe!!

It is your responsibility to ensure proper servicing of your loader before you put it to work

Safe Operating

A. Proper Steering1) Normal steering

Simply turn the steering wheel in the desired direction

2) Tight Turns – Three Point Turn Reduce ground speed Turn the wheels in the desired direction of

travel

Safe Operating Cont’d.

Move the loader as far forward as the turn will allow

Put the loader in reverse and back up as far backwards as the turn allows

Turn the wheel in the opposite direction so that the loader lines up with the new direction of travel

Go forward while turning the front wheels to the new direction of travel

Safe Operating Cont’d.

B. Forward Motion Before moving the front-end loader,

check for personnel and equipment around the immediate area of the loader

Follow the start up procedures (see operator’s manual)

Adjust and fasten your seat belt Sound the horn twice, wait 10 seconds

Safe Operating Cont’d. Apply the service brake pedal to hold the front end

loader stationary Release the park brake Lift the bucket off the ground Push the transmission selector lever to the forward

position Release the service brakes Push down on the accelerator pedal gently to

move the loader forward Always come to a complete stop before changing

direction of travel

Safe Operating Cont’d.

C. Reverse Motion Before moving the loader, check the

immediate area around the loader for other personnel and equipment

Sound the horn 3 times and wait 10 seconds

Apply the service brake pedal to hold the loader stationary

Release the park brake

Safe Operating Cont’d. Lift the bucket off the ground Pull the transmission selector to the

reverse position Release the service brake Push down on the accelerator pedal gently

to move the loader backward, checking your mirrors and view to the rear of the loader

Safe Operating Cont’d.

D. Proper Stopping and Parking Reduce the engine speed by lifting your

foot off the accelerator pedal Step on the service brake to bring the

loader to a stop Lower the bucket to the ground and apply

slight down pressure Perform engine shut down procedure

(see Operator’s manual)

Safe Operating Cont’d.

E. Roading Raise the bucket off the ground

Keep the bucket at least 15 inches above the ground to give you adequate sight distance

Always start out in low gear and up shift the transmission to increase your speed

Do Not Coast in Neutral. Always leave the transmission in gear

Steer with both hands on the wheel and keep your thumbs out of the steering wheel voids

Safe Operating Cont’d. Use the service brake and downshift to

control speed when going downhill Always downshift on gear at a time

Maintain a safe speed for condition of the road

The front end loader tends to bounce when it is road at a high speed

This is dangerous especially when turning a curve

Safe Operating Cont’d.

F. Safety Tips Follow company traffic rules Always be on the look out for pedestrian

and small vehicular traffic

QUESTIONS?