Front-End Loader Training

1. Front-End Loader Training

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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)

15. Pre-shift Inspection Cont’d. • Do an operational check before working the loader • Follow the pre-shift checklist to inspect the loader

16. 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

17. Safe Operating • Proper Steering • Normal steering • Simply turn the steering wheel in the desired direction • Tight Turns – Three Point Turn • Reduce ground speed • Turn the wheels in the desired direction of travel

18. 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

19. Safe Operating Cont’d. • 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

20. 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

21. Safe Operating Cont’d. • 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

22. 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

23. Safe Operating Cont’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)

24. Safe Operating Cont’d. • 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

25. 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

26. Safe Operating Cont’d. • Safety Tips • Follow company traffic rules • Always be on the look out for pedestrian and small vehicular traffic

27. QUESTIONS?