Basic Operator Functions
General Operation
A hand throttle and decelerator are used to control engine speed. The maximum engine speed required is set with the hand throttle, and the operator keeps the right foot on the decelerator, making constant adjustments. The transmission/drive system is controlled by the left hand - either by selecting forward and reverse gears on direct drive units, or by moving the joystick on hydrostatic drives. Whether direct or hydrostatic, the machine should be stopped and engine reduced before changing direction. brakes are controlled by the feet - usually only the left foot so that the model and manufacturer. The blade and other attachments (if equipped) are controlled by levers with the right hand.
Gauges and instruments
Gauges and instruments differ, but will usually include a fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge, as well as lights, digital readouts, or gauges to monitor the charging system, transmission and torque converter oil temperature, and possibly hydraulic oil temperature. Lights will usually be included to indicate restrictions in transmission filters and air filters. Often fluid levels are monitored, but operators must still visually check all fluid levels as part of the pre operational inspection. Flashing lights and audible signals are typical to warn the operator of the conditions requiring immediate inspection attention or shutdown of the machine. It is important to be familiar with the monitoring system on your machine and to respond appropriately when problems are indicated. Consult your operator's manual.
Turning
Steering is accomplished by slowing, or stopping one track while the other continues. This is controlled on direct drive machines by applying a steering clutch and brake to one track - disconnecting the application of power. This was the typical system for many years, and although it works well, it has the disadvantage of essentially reducing the available pushing force by one-half during turns. Operators overcome this by using techniques that rely on straight pushing under load, with minimal turns required. The machine is aligned when empty as much as possible, and if some turning is required, operators learn to make these turns before building a full blade load, or as the load is being feathered out and reduced. Another technique is to engage the ground in such a way as to apply a greater load to the side of the blade that 'favours' the turn required. Understanding these concepts will help to improve the efficiency of operating modern hydrostatic drive machines as well.
Hydrostatic drive systems allow variable control of speed to either track, without significantly reducing the force or power. Either track can be slowed to accomplish a turn without disconnecting power. This feature can greatly increase turning power under load, but operators should understand that straight pushing still produces the most efficient application of the total power available. Turns require traction and 'take' power from the forward thrust of the blade, regardless of the drive system.
A joystick is used to control the flow and pressure of oil flow to either track. The control offered by the four directions of stick movement varies, sometimes including rotation of the stick to control direction; sometimes including buttons to vary the speed in increments. Generally, increased stick movement provides increased oil flow, and increased speed if the load allows. Speed and power to either track is increased or decreased to accomplish turns. Counter rotating the tracks (one track forward and the other backwards) is sometimes used to perform a spot turn.
Blade Control
A lever operated by the right hand provides hydraulic control of the blade. Clearing rakes generally allow only raising and lowering. Straight blades and U blades have hydraulic cylinders to raise, lower, and tilt. Forward movement of the lever lowers the blade, rearward movement raises it. Pushing the lever completely forward engages the float position allowing the blade to 'float' and follow the contours of the ground. Moving the lever to the right tilts the blade - lowering the right side. Moving the lever to the left lowers the left side as the right side raises. The centered, or neutral position holds the blade in the position selected.
Power angle and tilt blades (PAT), also called 6 way blades, have hydraulic cylinders to raise, lower, tilt and to adjust the angle of the blade allowing the operator to 'angle' the right or left corner of the blade closer or further to roll material to either side. Control of this feature varies, but typically involves rotating the joystick.
Control of Attachments
A second lever to the right of the blade control is used to operate a winch or ripper attachment.
General Operation
A hand throttle and decelerator are used to control engine speed. The maximum engine speed required is set with the hand throttle, and the operator keeps the right foot on the decelerator, making constant adjustments. The transmission/drive system is controlled by the left hand - either by selecting forward and reverse gears on direct drive units, or by moving the joystick on hydrostatic drives. Whether direct or hydrostatic, the machine should be stopped and engine reduced before changing direction. brakes are controlled by the feet - usually only the left foot so that the model and manufacturer. The blade and other attachments (if equipped) are controlled by levers with the right hand.
Gauges and instruments
Gauges and instruments differ, but will usually include a fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge, as well as lights, digital readouts, or gauges to monitor the charging system, transmission and torque converter oil temperature, and possibly hydraulic oil temperature. Lights will usually be included to indicate restrictions in transmission filters and air filters. Often fluid levels are monitored, but operators must still visually check all fluid levels as part of the pre operational inspection. Flashing lights and audible signals are typical to warn the operator of the conditions requiring immediate inspection attention or shutdown of the machine. It is important to be familiar with the monitoring system on your machine and to respond appropriately when problems are indicated. Consult your operator's manual.
Turning
Steering is accomplished by slowing, or stopping one track while the other continues. This is controlled on direct drive machines by applying a steering clutch and brake to one track - disconnecting the application of power. This was the typical system for many years, and although it works well, it has the disadvantage of essentially reducing the available pushing force by one-half during turns. Operators overcome this by using techniques that rely on straight pushing under load, with minimal turns required. The machine is aligned when empty as much as possible, and if some turning is required, operators learn to make these turns before building a full blade load, or as the load is being feathered out and reduced. Another technique is to engage the ground in such a way as to apply a greater load to the side of the blade that 'favours' the turn required. Understanding these concepts will help to improve the efficiency of operating modern hydrostatic drive machines as well.
Hydrostatic drive systems allow variable control of speed to either track, without significantly reducing the force or power. Either track can be slowed to accomplish a turn without disconnecting power. This feature can greatly increase turning power under load, but operators should understand that straight pushing still produces the most efficient application of the total power available. Turns require traction and 'take' power from the forward thrust of the blade, regardless of the drive system.
A joystick is used to control the flow and pressure of oil flow to either track. The control offered by the four directions of stick movement varies, sometimes including rotation of the stick to control direction; sometimes including buttons to vary the speed in increments. Generally, increased stick movement provides increased oil flow, and increased speed if the load allows. Speed and power to either track is increased or decreased to accomplish turns. Counter rotating the tracks (one track forward and the other backwards) is sometimes used to perform a spot turn.
Blade Control
A lever operated by the right hand provides hydraulic control of the blade. Clearing rakes generally allow only raising and lowering. Straight blades and U blades have hydraulic cylinders to raise, lower, and tilt. Forward movement of the lever lowers the blade, rearward movement raises it. Pushing the lever completely forward engages the float position allowing the blade to 'float' and follow the contours of the ground. Moving the lever to the right tilts the blade - lowering the right side. Moving the lever to the left lowers the left side as the right side raises. The centered, or neutral position holds the blade in the position selected.
Power angle and tilt blades (PAT), also called 6 way blades, have hydraulic cylinders to raise, lower, tilt and to adjust the angle of the blade allowing the operator to 'angle' the right or left corner of the blade closer or further to roll material to either side. Control of this feature varies, but typically involves rotating the joystick.
Control of Attachments
A second lever to the right of the blade control is used to operate a winch or ripper attachment.