Is your Bobcat compact tractor ready for spring?
It may not feel like it in some areas of the country, but according to Puxatawney Phil (the world’s most famous groundhog), spring will be arriving on March 20th this year!
If your Bobcat compact tractor has been sitting idle over the winter, there are a few basic steps you can follow to get it ready for the upcoming spring season. We recommend the following “to do” items for anyone who wants to make sure their tractor is ready for work this spring.
- Check the engine oil, diesel fuel, coolant and front axle fluids. Bobcat makes it easy for any owner to check and fill these critical fluid levels. The engine and hydraulic dipsticks are easy to get to, the front axle uses a sight gauge and the coolant reservoir is situated conveniently under the hood.
- Check all the filters and replace them as needed, following your service schedule.
- Check carefully for any leaks and make repairs or tighten fittings where necessary.
- Property inflate the tires. Refer to your Bobcat compact tractor’s operator manual for the correct pressure.
- Check the battery for corrosion and clean it. Check the electrolyte levels in the cells and replace the battery or components as needed.
- Check all electrical functions on your tractor, including work lights, hazard flashers and turn signals.
- Lubricate all of the grease zerk fittings.
- Check all hardware for loose or missing pieces. Tighten or replace them as necessary.
It’s also very important to closely follow your recommended service schedule. You can find your service schedule on a decal under your hood or in the Operation & Maintenance Manual. Contact us at Williams Machinery if you need additional help. We have parts and service departments ready to help you get your compact tractor ready for the spring work season!
It’s all about the GREEN
There’s been a huge shift in thinking in the last few years and both consumers and businesses alike are increasing their awareness and focus on sustainability and environmentally-friendly practises and operations. But how does this shift impact forklift trucks and material handling operations? Here are a few examples of green or environmentally-conscious technology and the impact it has on forklift trucks:
Hydrostatics from Linde: Forklifts manufactured by German brand Linde feature hydrostatic technology. Unlike in a mechanical drive system, this system transmits power via closed oil circulation and the oil pressure distributes the power evenly and directly to the two motors of the drive wheels. This allows Linde forklifts to be uniquely sensitive and efficient. With this technology, a differential is also superfluous, as are a clutch and gearbox. Brakes are not needed either: dual-pedal control moves the truck forwards or backwards automatically, and the vehicle stops automatically when the pedal is released. This technology (in use with Linde forklifts for 50 years) eliminates the need for transmission and differential oil as well as brake pads and clutch linings. This, in turn, helps to conserve resources and decrease the environmental footprint of each truck by substantially reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Use of alternative energy sources: The rising acceptance and adoption of alternative energy sources (including solar energy and wind energy) can have a ‘green’ impact on how forklift batteries are charged. Take the example of a large warehouse in Mexico City owned by L’Oreal Paris Cosmetics. In 2008 they invested in an array of Day4 Energy solar panels to charge their forklift batteries in order to ensure warehouse operations were not impacted by the typically unreliable energy supply in Mexico. Additionally, this project demonstrated the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and the environment. Learn more about this project here.
Recycling or Retreading forklift tires: Each province in Canada has regulations surrounding the disposal and recycling of tires. Many used forklift tires will be recycled to create consumer products like rubber mats, box liners, playground equipment and more. Additionally, these old or worn-out tires can be reused to create what’s known as retreaded tires. Essentially, this process involves fastening a new tread to the old tire casing. This retreading process can be repeated up to 5 times, depending on the size and specifications of the tire. Retreaded tires are being touted as one of the greenest, most environmentally friendly products a company can buy for their fleet of forklifts. Retreaded tires have one of the highest post-consumer contents of all recycled products, and are responsible for saving North Americans more than 400 million gallons of oil every year. There can also be substantial cost benefits to simply retreading your tires rather than replacing them – up to one third or ½ the price of replacing the entire tire.
Williams Machinery’s sales consultants are experts in assessing the needs of your forklift fleet and designing a tailor-fit solution to better manage your consumption of resources and carbon footprint. Contact us today to see how we can help you make your forklift fleet leaner and greener!
Dude, where’s my Bobcat? How to Protect Your Equipment from Theft
By John Angard, Sales Consultant
If your Bobcat machine gets stolen you should immediately report it to the proper authorities but you should also report it to your Bobcat dealer. Your dealer will in turn report it to Bobcat. Bobcat will then enter the serial number in their service software. This value added feature enables the authorized Bobcat dealer to check if a machine is stolen when they connect the service software to the machine. And it doesn’t matter if the serial number tag has been removed from the machine – the serial number still stays in the machine’s computer so it will show up whenever a dealer’s laptop is connected.
Below are a few things to keep in mind when contacting your dealer with information on your stolen machine:
- Model
- Serial Number
- Your Name/Address
- Date Stolen
- Name and Phone Number of Contact Person (if other than yourself)
Include any other information that might help in the recovery of the equipment. This might include distinguishing marks, scrapes or damage, other equipment that’s been stolen, etc.
If the equipment is recovered, remember to notify your dealer so the serial number can be removed from the list. Of course, the best thing is to limit the risk of your machine being stolen in the first place and there are a few options for you in this regard.
Bobcat Deluxe Instrument Panel
Bobcat’s Deluxe Instrument Panel is an option on most Bobcat products. This intelligent option closely monitors key loader functions, and the keyless start helps prevent theft. The new five-inch, full-color LCD screen offers better readability and interaction. Easy-to-read virtual sweep gauges allow you to quickly read and understand operation levels.
Equipment Security and GPS Package
A Global Positioning System (GPS), theft-recovery and equipment-management package will soon be available for Bobcat® machines.
With this dealer-installed option you will be able to create virtual boundaries or “geo-fences” that will trigger alerts when a machine leaves a specified area. The system will also enable GPS tracking, and transmit equipment location data, operating status and engine hours on-demand or at automated intervals.
The new system is compatible with the entire Bobcat equipment lineup. Watch for more details in the next issue of WorkSaver and online at www.bobcat.com.