The functionality of a wheel loader can be significantly varied using attachments such as buckets, pallet forks, log grabs and claws and rake buckets.
When purchasing a wheel loader, it usually comes with a general purpose or GP bucket. Consider the type of jobs your loader will be performing. If another bucket or attachment will be more suitable for your loader, tell your dealer. They are usually willing to give you a trade in for an attachment of the same value.
When working with an attachment you have selected, keep in mind to observe good safety practices. Some attachments, due to their size and design, may cause damage if not handled correctly. In this article, we provide some tips on how to safely work with three wheel loader attachments: the pallet fork, manure and silage grab, earth material bucket and light material bucket.
Pallet fork
A pallet fork is made of two prongs and used for the handling of stacked goods or pallet crates. Keep in mind that driving a wheel loader in public roads with the pallet fork attached is strictly prohibited. Before lifting a load, adjust the prongs as far as possible while keeping them symmetrical to the centre of the load. Always approach the load at right angles.
If you are working with an irregularly distributed load, make sure that the load's centre of gravity is in the middle of the prongs so that the wheel loader does not overturn. Never raise your load with only one prong!
Manure and silage grab
The manure and silage grab is an attachment used for picking up and carrying manure, loose silage, loose straw and roughage. Before working with this attachment, make sure that the personnel operating the loader has familiarised himself with the controls of the grab.
When filling the grab, open it and move the bucket at the desired height above the ground and into the material to be carried with the prongs pointing downwards. Close the grab and pay attention to the objects within the grab's range. Carefully drive out of the area with the load as low as possible. Avoid acute steering angles, uneven terrains and high speed driving.
Once done working with the manure and silage grab, the wheel loader must be parked at a level ground and secured against any movement. The tips of the prongs must be touching the ground before the mobile prong is locked. The driver cannot leave the loader until the grab has been completely lowered.
Earth and light material bucket
The earth material bucket is used to loosen, load and transport bulk materials such as soil or sand while the light material bucket is used for lighter bulk materials such as fodder or grain. When picking up bulk materials, lower the bucket so that the underside is parallel to the ground. Drive forward slowly until the bucket is full.
Raise the arm slightly and tilt the bucket back fully. Drive to the unloading site with the arm lowered and only raise the arm when the materials are ready to be unloaded. Keep in mind not to raise the arm too high with a loaded bucket. Raise the arms only as far as absolutely necessary. Also, drive along corners slowly and carefully when you have a loaded bucket to prevent the wheel loader from overturning.
Some final words
There are several other attachments that can be installed onto a wheel loader, each for a specific purpose or for working with a specific type of material. Make sure to ask your dealer for an operation manual or for instructions on how to safely use an attachment. Also ensure that all personnel working with an attachment knows its proper and safe usage. If you are unsure of the type of bucket or attachment that you should be using, discuss your requirements with your wheel loader dealer as they can advise you on the most appropriate attachment for the tasks of your loader.
This article was written by Tom Jerrat for Schaffer Loaders. Schaffer Loaders is the premier supplier of industrial quality German-built wheel loaders, front end loaders, mini loaders, mini diggers and articulated loaders in Australia. Visit www.schaffer-loaders.com.au for more information.
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