CUL-de-Safety
Getting to the Bottom of Compact Utility Loader Safety and Best Practices
By Greg Ehm

Any contractor knows that having the right tool is essential to getting the job accomplished. Few would go to a jobsite without a well-stocked toolbox. Much like a toolbox, a compact utility loader with the right tools — or attachments — can be indispensable. These machines are a popular choice for landscapers and rental centers due to their versatility and many contractors have become believers in the value of this multipurpose machine.

“The driving factor behind this machine is versatility and size,” said Jon Kuyers, utility products manager at Vermeer Corp. “Within minutes, a unit equipped with a trencher attachment can potentially eliminate the need to rent additional pieces of dedicated support equipment or subcontract services.”

According to Kuyers, the market for compact utility loaders has softened slightly due to the housing market. But with standard tools, such as auger, bucket, trencher, vibratory plow and bore attachments, contractors can meet several job demands with one machine, and the wide range of attachments can also help them extend their service offering, creating new business opportunities.

Another factor leading to the increased interest in compact utility loaders is that they are relatively easy-to-operate machines. Because of this, many employees on your crew may be operating the compact utility loader; that’s why it’s important to select a unit that offers built-in safety features.

Safety Built In

Manufacturers have integrated safety features like operator presence systems, hand grips and parking brakes into their compact utility loaders. These features are designed to help protect the operator and enhance overall efficiency.

An operator presence system uses a switch in the operator platform to detect the presence of an operator. The operator must be standing with both feet on the operator presence foot plate for the ground drive, lift/tilt functions or auxiliary attachment drive to be engaged. Should the operator leave the platform, the system locks out the machine functions and prevents the unintended movement of the machine on the absence of an operator.

Not all jobsites are level and smooth, so manufacturers have included integrated hand grips into the design of their machines. The hand grips are designed to help the operator control the machine functions while holding onto the hand-grip bar, which helps maintain their balance during machine operation, especially on uneven terrain. Parking brakes are another safety feature that prevents the unintended movement of the machine by engaging when the machine is turned off or when the operator leaves the platform with the engine on.

Operator Responsibility

While manufacturers have integrated safety features into their machines, the operator has a great deal of responsibility in the safe operation of their compact utility loader. Before operating the machine, operators should review the operator’s manual and videos provided by the manufacturer. These tools are designed to help protect the operator and the other employees working on the jobsite.

“These materials are provided to help you understand the proper operating procedures for your compact utility loader,” says Ivan Brand, senior technical coordinator of product safety with Vermeer Corp. “In addition, operators must be familiar with the worksite safety rules and regulations. Each worksite may have a different set of safety guidelines and the operators need to understand these variations.”

Brand offers the following safe operating tips:

1. Daily Inspection — Before starting the machine, make sure the proper maintenance has been performed and look for any pre-existing damage that may have occurred to ensure safe operation. The operator should also wear personal protective equipment, such as a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection and safety shoes.

2. Transport and Loading — The trailer should be placed on a level surface for loading and unloading to avoid an excessive ramp angle, and the ramps and trailer bed should be clear of debris. Once the machine is positioned on the trailer, engage the parking brake, lower the attachment and remove the key from the ignition. Use chain and binders to secure the machine and attachment to the trailer before transport.

3. Attachments — An attachment can fall off the compact utility loader if improperly attached, so it’s important to make sure the mating surface is clean and the attachment pins are completely secure. It’s also important to use only authorized attachments with your compact utility loader. Using unauthorized attachments may cause difficulties with steering, stopping, stability and other undesirable handling characteristics, or they may not attach securely to your loader.

4. Jobsite Evaluations — Examine the work area for any obstructions, conditions or situations which may create a safety hazard for the operator or other persons. Check for steep slopes, banks, overhangs, drop-offs and trenches and note these in your construction plan. When work is planned inside or around structures, such as buildings, bridges and low-hanging tree limbs, check for adequate overhead and side clearances.

5. Jobsite Operations — Always travel with the load lowered when practical, but high enough to clear ground obstructions. When traveling up or down slopes you may need to keep the heavy end uphill for added stability. Watch for ground objects (curb, ditch, etc.) and either avoid them or travel very slowly. If you encounter an object repeatedly, build a ramp, if practical, to make traveling smoother and speed up your work.

6. Load Capacities — Make sure the weight of the attachment plus materials being handled does not exceed the machine’s operating capacity. When moving the machine with a full bucket, go up or down slopes with the load (the heavy end of the machine) facing the top of the slope. When moving the machine with an empty bucket, go up or down the slope with the bucket (light end of machine) facing towards the bottom of the slope.

Daily Maintenance Adds to Safe Operation

Safety features and safe operation are just part of the equation. Regular preventive maintenance — performing basic maintenance tasks on your compact utility loader routinely — helps you maintain peak performance and machine safety.

First follow the proper shutdown procedure before servicing, cleaning or repairing the machine and wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, shoes and gloves. If you need to remove or open any compartment shields make sure they are properly latched open according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Should you plan to work beneath an attachment; install the lift arm support bars.

Your next step is to check your maintenance manual, which provides a comprehensive list of important daily inspections. After every use clean and inspect the machine. “It’s much easier to notice possible maintenance issues if the machine is clean and a routine inspection is performed after every use,” says Kuyers.

Check and maintain fluid levels of your compact utility loader before each use so your machine is ready for action. Make sure the engine has had time to cool down as the fluids, like the engine coolant, are under pressure and can scald at high temperatures. Kuyers also recommends you inspect the following components daily:

1. Hinge and Cylinder Pins — Check for tightness and lubricate daily or more often in extremely dusty conditions.
2. Tires and Tracks — Adjust the track tension as required and check tire condition and inflation pressure.
3. Hoses — Inspect for cracked hoses or pipes, loose or missing clamps, corrosion or punctures and cracked or broken mounting brackets.
4. Radiator — Inspect for damage and use compressed air to clear debris accumulated in the cores.
5. Fan/Alternator Belt Tension — Check the alternator/fan and accessory drive belt(s) for excessive wear, cracking, glazing or fraying.
6. Engine Cooling Fan — Examine the cooling fan and surrounding area and use compressed air to clear debris that may have accumulated in the fins and fan.
7. Air Filter — Manufacturers recommended replacing the air filter element when the air restriction indicator shows it needs replacement.

From time to time, you may use a trencher, auger or backhoe attachment with your compact utility loader. Beyond following the operating procedures for each attachment, extra steps must be taken to safely and efficiently identify existing infrastructure.

This task can be complex and time-consuming, but the introduction of the nationwide One Call system has made identifying infrastructure easier. However, the vast and complex array of underground lines means that One Call contractor’s marks may not be as accurate as your underground project demands.

The first step before digging is to contact your state’s One Call office and provide them with the location of the proposed area to be excavated. A One Call contractor will visit the site and mark the location of the existing utilities.

Before you begin any excavation, take time to verify the accuracy of the One Call contractor’s markings. Underground interference could cause the marks to be 3 to 4 in. off the actual line or pipe. Using a shovel or vacuum excavator, depending on the size of the project, will help you visually locate the line.

Safe Operation Leads to Production

Following these safety steps can help you create a safer work environment for your employees and ultimately lead to enhanced production on the jobsite.

“Safety on the jobsite is important,” says Brand. “Taking the time to properly train your employees on safe machine operation and maintenance will help avoid unexpected delays and provide a safe and productive work environment for your company.”

Greg Ehm is a technical writer for Two Rivers Marketing, based in Des Moines, Iowa.