Top tips to help you make the most of a bobcat for diy work

No matter the type of backyard work you plan on doing, whether it be installing a pond, putting in a new driveway or creating a little man cave out the back, you might need to do some earth moving work.

Bobcat hire can do the hard yards for you and is perfect for residential use - it is a compact machine, perfect for a non-professional.

However, as easy as it sounds, there are always a few tips you could take on board to make the job go even more smoothly.

Learn its limitations

Before completing any job with a bobcat, it is first necessary to find out just what it can handle. Overworking it or using it in areas not specified by its scope of work could damage the machine.

Bobcats are equipped with a tooth scoop that makes them an obvious choice for demolition projects as well as smooth scoop that can be used to shift mulch or gravel.

If you need to lift any heavy objects, such as tree stumps for example, you will need to attach a fork to the bobcat.

Organise safety gear

As well as determining which tasks the bobcat will be used for, you must ensure that you have adequate and appropriate safety gear in order to protect yourself from accidents.

You must always use a safety bar and wear suitable personal protective equipment, including eye and hearing protection.

Think about your location

Make sure the ground you have your bobcat resting on is level. Slopes that have a angle more than 15 degrees may cause the machine to tip.

If the bucket tips, remember the objects inside can fall out. To reduce this risk, always make sure the bucket is never raised above the base of the machine body. Try and keep it as close to the ground as possible.

Learn how to operate the bobcat

Bobcats have an ignition that turns on with a key, similar to that of your car. However, you must engage the relevant safety gauges before operating.

Then, use both of the forward handles to travel forward. To reverse, pull them back. There is a left lever and a right lever to control the direction it goes in.

To control the bucket, you will need to use the two pedals inside the too. The left pedal moves the arms up and down and the right pedal can be used to tip the bucket forward. To bring the bucket back later, press the back of the right pedal.