Proper operation of a tractor loader is important for performance as well as for safety. Tractor and loader operator’s manuals contain detailed information and important tips that should be read carefully before commencing work to learn how to operate the loader in a safe and correct manner. The following review is meant to be helpful by making some important points stand out.

Safety of operators and bystanders

• Use a loader only with a roll-over protective structure (ROPS) installed on the tractor and in an upright, locked position. Equip the tractor with a falling object protection structure (FOPS), if available, and a seat belt before installing or operating a loader.

  Remember, ROPS provides only limited protection against falling loads; FOPS is not designed to protect against all falling loads, so also use implements designed to prevent loads from falling.

• Familiarize yourself with the working area and terrain. Pay attention to vertical clearance and limitations that arise due to increased reach, especially if the loader needs to be raised under power lines or other obstructions.
• Never use the loader or the implement/bucket as a work platform or to lift or transport people in any way.
• Never stand, walk or work under a raised loader and make sure that people, especially children and animals, are kept away from the working area.

Counterweights and tread widths

• Make sure the tractor with loader has ballast (counterweight) at the rear to stabilize its load-carrying capacity. Counterweight is essential for maintaining control under load. Follow the recommendations of the operator’s manual for information about proper counterweighting.
• Move the wheels to their widest recommended setting to increase stability when using a loader. The operator’s manual contains wheel-spacing information.

Load stability

• Always watch the bucket, forks or other loader implement carefully to keep them in the right position so objects cannot fall backwards toward the operator when the loader is raised. Adjust the tilt angle of the implement so the load is not directed toward the operator.
• Only lift loads that can be contained in and are intended for the loader implement. Do not overfill implements with loose material or load solid material that sticks up above the rear of the implement.
• Use caution when transporting raised loads and do not drive a tractor on public roads with a load in the implement.

Machine stability

• Buckets are filled most effectively by driving with a level bucket straight into a pile of material, forcing the bucket into the pile, then rolling the bucket back to tear the material loose and fill the bucket.
• Reverse carefully from the material pile, lowering the loader slowly. Sudden stops when lowering buckets quickly can result in damage to the loader or the tractor’s hydraulic system, and if traveling, momentarily reduce the tractor’s stability.
• Do not work on or close to steep slopes. Keep the tractor at a distance from the edge that is equal to or greater than the height of the bank or ditch.
• On slopes that are not as steep, operate up and down, not across the slopes; avoid sudden starts and stops and keep the loader as low as possible.
• Drive the tractor forward up mild slopes, fill the bucket or implement, and then reverse slowly down the slope.
• Always leave the tractor’s transmission in low gear to obtain engine braking when driving downhill; do not allow the tractor to roll freely. Use the same gear downhill as uphill.
• While driving with a load, lower the loader as far as possible, keeping in mind that the higher the load, the higher the center of gravity and the higher the risk of the tractor overturning.
• Restrict your speed when driving with a load in or on the implement. Remember: “Keep it slow; travel low.” Obstacles on the traveling surface such as rocks, boards or holes in the ground could cause a quick upset if loads are carried too high and the tractor is moving too fast.
• When leaving the tractor/loader parked or unattended, lower the bucket to the ground so it cannot be accidently lowered by children and others to cause pinch injuries.
• When not in use, remove the loader from the tractor; having the loader always attached to the tractor while it performs non-loader duties can make some situations complicated. This can lead to reduced maneuverability due to increased turning radius, impair visibility, increase fuel costs and place unnecessary weight on the tractor’s front axle.

Grading

• When doing grading work, tilt the bucket downward slightly (10 to 25 degrees), so the cutting edge of the bucket comes in contact with the ground to obtain optimum contact between the ground and the bucket’s cutting edge in order to avoid wear on the bottom of the bucket.

The points covered here do not necessarily cover all those that should be considered when operating a tractor with loader. Operator’s manuals contain other important suggestions and often more details.

It is therefore important to repeat the instruction to always read the operator’s manual carefully before starting work. If you require additional information related to safe operation, contact your dealer or the product’s manufacturer before operating the tractor and loader. PD

Ken Paul is a marketing manager of mid-range untility tractors, utility vehicles and ag loaders at New Holland.