14
5
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
Safety is a primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products. Unfortunately, our efforts to provide
safe equipment can be wiped out by a single careless act of an operator.
Know your controls and how to stop skid steer, tractor, engine, and loader quickly in an emergency. Read this
manual and the one provided with your tractor or skid steer.
In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are
dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training of personnel involved in the operation,
transport, maintenance and storage of equipment.
It has been said, “The best safety device is an informed, careful operator.” We ask you to be that kind of an
operator. It is the operator’s responsibility to read and understand ALL Safety and Operating instructions in the
manual and to follow these. Accidents can be avoided.
Train all new personnel and review instructions frequently with existing workers. A person who has not read
and understood all operating and safety instructions is not qualified to operate the machine. An untrained oper-
ator exposes himself and bystanders to possible serious injury or death.
Working with unfamiliar equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your
tractor, before assembly or operating, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the equipment owner’s
responsibility, if this machine is used by any person other than yourself, is loaned or rented, to make certain
that the operator, prior to operating:
1. Reads and understands the operator’s manuals.
2. Is instructed in safe and proper use.
SAFETY TRAINING
Do not allow children to operate this machine.
The Skid Steer Pallet Fork is designed for skid steer
power units or tractor loaders having the universal
bucket attach system (same as original Bobcat design).
Skid steer units must have rated lifting capacity greater
than or equal to the loads to be handled.
The Skid Steer Pallet Fork can handle loads up to
4,000 pounds. Load must be equally distributed on both
fork tines.
NOTE: The 4,000 pound load rating is figured with a load
center being 20 inches in front of the forklift frame.
TRACTOR AND LOADER/SKID
STEER REQUIREMENTS AND
PREPARATION
Be sure your tractor or skid steer is in good
condition. Read all the safety precautions and make
sure all operators are familiar with the safety rules of
operation.
CAUTION!
It is recommended that tractors and skid steers be
equipped with a roll-over protective structure
(ROPS) or cab.
CAUTION!
W ARNING!
The use of any loader attachment is NOT recom-
mended on tractors with a tricycle wheel arrange-
ment. Tricycle type tractors are unstable for front
loader use.
W ARNING!
A heavy load can cause instability in driving a trac-
tor or skid steer. Make sure the rear of the tractor or
skid steer is properly counter-balanced with weights.
Always drive slowly – especially around turns. An
unstable tractor or skid steer could steer badly and
possibly tip over, causing injury or death.
INSTRUCTIONS
ASSEMBLY – SKID STEER AND
TRACTOR LOADERS
Remove the bucket from your skid steer unit and con-
nect the main frame of the pallet fork to the universal
quick-attach coupler.
Raise the loader and main frame slightly so that the
bottom of the main frame is about one or two inches off
the ground. Engage tractor or skid steer parking brake
and shut off the engine.
To help prevent personal injury, stand clear of frame
and loader. Keep feet away from underside of main
frame.
CAUTION!
The models SSPF-3742 and SSPF-3748 pallet forks
can handle loads up to 4,000 lbs. Load ratings are
figured with the load about 20” in front of the fork lift
frame and evenly distributed between the two fork tines.
NEVER put load at the ends of the fork tines – the lift
capacity at the ends of the forks is only about
1
/
3
of the
total lift capacity. WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
BENT FORKS.
Be sure tires and rims are in good condition. Inflate
tires to the proper recommended air pressure.
It is recommended that a ROPS (Roll-Over Protection
Structure) and a seat belt be installed on all tractors.
Contact your local dealer for a ROPS for your tractor.
The operator is responsible for the safe operation of
this equipment. The operator must be properly trained.
Operators should be familiar with the tractor, loader and
loader attachment, and all safety practices before start-
ing operation. Read the safety rules and safety signs on
pages 3-13.
The required size of the tractor and front loader or skid
steer will be determined by the weight of the load to be
handled.
Always use a tractor and front loader or skid steer large
enough to safely handle the load.
Check your tractor and front loader or skid steer to
make sure they are in good working condition. Check all
frame mounting bolts to make sure they are tight.
Loaders that attach to the tractor frame rails should
have a cross-tie installed for stability.
Check the hydraulic system. Be sure the hydraulic oil
and filter have been serviced according to the manufac-
turer’s recommendations.