I. Purpose & Scope

To safely and effectively provide instruction on the inspection and proper use of skidsteers.

II. Definitions

Standard PPE – High Viz Garment, Hard Hat, Z-87.1 Safety Glasses, Gloves, Pants, Work Boots

III. Process

NOTE: Work instruction does not supplement the manual. For specific instructions for the exact model please refer to the owner’s manual.

A. Potential Hazards

• Fire or Explosion hazard
• High Noise Levels
• Crushing hazard
• Moving parts hazard
• Hot parts
• Tip over hazard

B. PPE

• Standard PPE
• Hearing Protection
• Face shield
• Respirator – recommended
• Insulated boots and gloves – recommended

C. Inspection

1. Check fluid levels
   • Fuel
   • Engine Oil level at dipstick. Keep level at highest line on dipstick.
   • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), if needed
   • Hydraulic Fluid level at sight glass. Keep level at halfway point on sight glass when engine is off, cylinders are fully retracted, and fluid is cool.
   • Engine Coolant at overflow bottle.
2. Check the condition and function of;
   • All controls
   • Battery
   • Hoses and Valves
   • Pumps and Motors
   • Tires or Tracks
   • Signs, guards and shields
   • Filters (air, oil, hydraulic, fuel)
   • Belts
3. Check dust ejector valve and ensure valve is not inverted, damaged, plugged or cracked.
4. Check engine compartment for debris, remove debris form engine compartment manually. Do not use water or compressed air.
5. Check air filter service indicator. Change filter when red band on indicator is visible.
   • Remove cover.
   • Remove primary element.
   • Wipe inside of housing and cover.
   • Insert secondary element and ensure it is seated correctly.
   • Insert new primary element.
   • Install cover with dust ejector facing down.
   • Reset air filter service indicator.
6. Check filter, Water Separator, if red floating ring is raised, drain.
   • Turn off at valve.
   • Remove plug to drain.
   • Install plug
   • Turn on at valve.
   • Start engine. Filter will purge air from system.
7. Check fuse box cover for damage. If cover is missing or damaged, replace.
8. Check parking brake.
   • Start engine.
   • Ensure parking brake pin moves freely allowing brake to be set and released.
   • Clean mud and debris form area around pin.
9. Check track tension. Adjust as needed using one of the methods below, depending on machine configuration.
   • Straightedge Adjustment
     • Lift track.
     • Place straightedge across front track span from idler to sprocket as shown.
     • Measure distance from top edge of top of track to straightedge. Distance should be 0.5 inches.
   • Pressure Gauge Adjustment
     • Lift track.
     • Remove gauge from stored location.
     • Thread gauge into connection.
     • Track is correctly tensioned when gauge measures 700-900psi.

D. Use

Lifting

1. Lifting points are identified by lifting decals. Lifting at other points is unsafe and can damage machine.
2. Use equipment capable of supporting the machine’s size and weight to lift.

Hauling

1. Attach trailer to vehicle before loading or unloading.
2. Load and unload trailer on level ground.
3. To help prevent trailer sway, load trailer so that 10-15 percent of total vehicle weight (equipment plus trailer) is on tongue.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Start engine.
6. Move throttle to low speed.
7. Raise attachment clear of trailer, but keep it low.
8. Move machine to rear of trailer and align with ramps.
9. Driver forward slowly to move machine onto trailer until tiedown position is reached.
10. Lower attachment to trailer bed.
11. Set parking brake.
12. Ensure all controls are in neutral position.
13. Shut off machine.
14. Tie down machine. Tie down points are identified by tiedown decals. Securing to truck or trailer at other points is unsafe and can damage machinery.
15. Loop a transport chain around each tie down point. Ensure tiedowns are tight before transporting.

Start

1. Ensure all controls are in neutral.
2. Set parking brake.
3. Activate accessories using ignition switch.
4. If starting machine in normal conditions, start engine and run at low throttle under light load for at least one minute before applying heavier load.
5. If starting machine in cold weather:
   • Start engine.
   • Set parking brake.
   • Warm engine and hydraulic fluid by gradually increasing engine speed for up to 30 minutes.
   • After warmup, carefully operate all hydraulic controls at low throttle until controls operate as designed.

Operate

1. Release parking brake.
2. Raise attachment off ground.
3. Drive machine.
4. Adjust throttle as needed.

Shut Down

1. When job is complete, move machine to level ground.
2. Stop machine movement.
3. Set parking brake.
4. Lower lift arms to ground.
5. Return all controls to neutral.
6. Run engine at low throttle with no load for at least five minutes to cool.
7. Shut off machine.
8. If leaving machine unattended, remove key.

E. Maintenance

1. Ensure all mud and debris is rinsed from tracks before parking unit overnight.
2. Spray water onto equipment to remove dirt and mud.
3. Remove mud from track sprockets.
4. Wash undercarriage. Pay special attention to brake pin area.

F. Live Line Contact

1. Immediately stop work. 
2. Treat equipment, attachments and ground as energized. 
3. Warn people nearby that an electric strike has occurred. 
4. DO NOT exit equipment and stay inside cab while contact or arcing is occurring.
5. Ensure equipment is barricaded.
6. If there is an immediate hazard (i.e. fire hazard) that requires the exiting of equipment employee shall jump out of equipment with both feet together, landing on the ground. 
7. Employee shall than shuffle away from equipment, not walk or run, taking small steps and feet together to minimize voltage difference in the ground until they reach a safe location. 

IV. Reference Documents

Skidsteers Manual