The basic controls and what each one does

A Bobcat skid steer loader has two control sticks — one on each side of the operator seat — that work together to move the machine forward, backward, and turn. Each stick controls the hydraulic motors on that side of the machine. Push both sticks forward at the same time to go forward; pull both back to reverse. To turn right, push the right stick forward while pulling the left stick back. To turn left, do the opposite. The machine can pivot in place by moving the sticks in opposite directions with equal force.

The attachment controls are separate from the drive sticks. Most Bobcats have a third control lever or joystick that raises and lowers the boom (the arm that holds the bucket or other tool), and a fourth control that tilts the attachment itself. Some models combine these into a single multi-function joystick. The exact layout depends on your machine's year and model, so check the operator manual before you start — the controls are not standardized across all Bobcat models.

Throttle and engine speed are usually controlled by a foot pedal or a hand lever near the steering sticks. Idle speed is sufficient for most work; you do not need full throttle to operate the hydraulics. Running at full throttle all day burns fuel and generates unnecessary heat in the hydraulic system.

Key Takeaways

  • Both control sticks must move together to drive forward or backward; opposite movements turn the machine or make it pivot in place.
  • The boom and bucket controls are separate from the drive controls and require practice to coordinate smoothly.
  • Bobcat controls vary by model year, so always review the operator manual before operating an unfamiliar machine.
  • Skid steer loaders turn by moving tracks at different speeds, which means the inside track can slip — keep loads low and turn slowly on slopes.
  • Hydraulic systems can overheat if you run the engine at full throttle continuously; idle speed is usually enough for normal work.

Starting the engine and warming up the hydraulics

Insert the key and turn it to the "on" position without cranking yet. Check that the parking brake is set — on most Bobcats this is a lever or button near the seat. Look around the machine to make sure no one is standing behind it or near the bucket. Turn the key to start the engine and hold it until the engine catches; release when ready once it fires.

Let the engine idle for 30 seconds to a minute before you move the machine or operate the boom. The hydraulic fluid needs time to warm up, especially in cold weather. If you try to lift a heavy load or move quickly before the hydraulics are warm, the system will not respond smoothly and you risk damaging seals. You will feel the difference — cold hydraulics are sluggish and jerky; warm hydraulics respond when ready to stick input.

On very cold days, let the machine run for two to three minutes at idle before putting it under load. In summer, 30 seconds is usually enough. If the engine stalls or runs rough after starting, check that the fuel tank has fuel and that the fuel filter is not clogged. A Bobcat that will not start or runs poorly is usually a fuel or air filter problem, not an engine problem.

Moving forward, backward, and turning without a load

Once the engine is warm, push both control sticks forward slowly. The machine will creep forward. Push harder and it accelerates. The speed is proportional to how far you push the sticks — this is not an on-off switch. Release the sticks and the machine stops when ready. Reverse is the same motion in the opposite direction: pull both sticks back.

To turn right while moving forward, push the right stick forward more than the left, or pull the left stick back while keeping the right stick forward. The machine will arc to the right. Sharp turns require more dramatic stick movements. A full pivot — spinning the machine 180 degrees in place — requires pushing one stick all the way forward while pulling the other all the way back. The machine will rotate around its center.

Practice these movements in an empty lot before you try to operate an attachment or carry a load. Skid steer loaders feel different from cars or trucks because they turn by moving each track independently, not by steering a front axle. The learning curve is short — most operators feel comfortable with basic movement after 15 to 20 minutes of practice — but the feel is unfamiliar at first.

Operating the boom and bucket safely

The boom control (usually a separate joystick or lever) raises and lowers the arm. Push it forward to lower the bucket; pull it back to raise it. The bucket tilt control tilts the bucket itself — push to dump the load, pull to scoop. On some models, a single joystick controls both boom and tilt depending on which direction you move it; on others, they are separate controls. Check your manual to know which is which on your machine.

Never raise the boom all the way while the bucket is full and you are on a slope. A full bucket at maximum height shifts the center of gravity forward and upward, which can tip the machine. Keep loads low and centered. If you are working on a slope, angle the machine so the bucket is on the uphill side, not the downhill side. A Bobcat can tip over, and a tipped machine is expensive to recover and dangerous to the operator.

Coordinate your stick movements smoothly. Jerky, sudden movements stress the hydraulic system and the attachment. Move the sticks at a steady pace and let the machine respond. If you are new to the machine, work slowly until you develop a feel for how the controls respond. Speed comes with practice, not by forcing the sticks.

Loading and carrying material without tipping

Scoop material with the bucket low and the machine level. Fill the bucket until it is full but not overflowing — a bucket that is too full will spill material as you turn and raise the boom. Once the bucket is full, raise the boom slowly to carry height (usually about waist-high on the machine). Do not raise it higher than necessary; the higher the load, the more unstable the machine becomes.

Drive slowly while carrying a load, especially when turning. A Bobcat turning at speed with a full bucket raised high will tip. The inside track of the turn will slip, and the machine will roll toward the outside of the turn. This happens faster than you can react. Keep the load low, keep the speed low, and make wide turns. If you are dumping the load into a truck or pile, approach slowly and position the machine so the bucket is directly over the target before you raise it.

Never carry a load higher than the top of the cab. Never drive under a low ceiling or overhang with the boom raised. Never swing the boom side to side while the machine is moving — the swinging load can cause a tip. These are the three most common ways Bobcat operators damage machines or injure themselves. Slow, deliberate movements keep you and the machine safe.

Stopping, parking, and shutting down

To stop the machine, release both control sticks. The machine will stop within a few feet depending on your speed. There is no separate brake pedal on most Bobcats — the hydraulic system provides the braking. If you are parked on a slope, lower the bucket to the ground and set the parking brake. The bucket on the ground acts as a secondary brake and prevents the machine from rolling if the parking brake fails.

Before you shut down the engine, lower the boom fully and retract any hydraulic cylinders. This relieves pressure in the hydraulic system and prevents leaks. Let the engine idle for 30 seconds before turning off the key. This cools the engine slightly and allows the hydraulic fluid to settle. Turn the key to the off position and remove it.

Check the fuel level, hydraulic fluid level, and coolant level before you leave the machine. A Bobcat that runs out of fuel or hydraulic fluid in the middle of a job costs time and money. If any fluid level is low, top it off before the next shift. Keep the machine clean — mud and dirt trap moisture and cause rust. Wipe down the seat and controls before you park it.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is raising the boom too high while carrying a load. Operators see the bucket is full and want to get it up and over an obstacle, so they raise it all the way. The machine tips before they realize what is happening. The fix is straightforward: keep the load low, drive to a better position, and raise the boom only as high as you need. A few extra seconds of driving time is worth avoiding a tip.

The second mistake is turning too fast while carrying a load. A Bobcat can turn in a tight circle, which tempts operators to make sharp turns at speed. The inside track slips, the machine rolls, and the load ends up on the ground or on the operator. Always slow down before you turn, especially with a raised load. A wide, slow turn is faster overall than a sharp turn followed by recovery from a tip.

The third mistake is not warming up the hydraulics in cold weather. An operator starts the engine, when ready tries to lift a heavy load, and the hydraulic system does not respond. The operator pushes the stick harder, which can damage seals or burst hoses. Cold hydraulics are slow — that is normal. Wait for them to warm up. If the system still does not respond after a minute of idling, there is a problem with the hydraulic pump or fluid level, and you should not operate the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a skid steer and a track loader?

A skid steer has rubber tires or tracks that do not steer — the machine turns by moving each side at a different speed. A track loader (sometimes called a compact track loader) has rubber tracks instead of tires and operates the same way. Both use the same control system. The main difference is that tracks grip better in mud and snow, while tires are faster on pavement. The controls work identically.

Can I operate a Bobcat without training?

You can learn the basic controls in 20 to 30 minutes of practice in an empty lot. However, operating one safely on a job site — especially with loads, on slopes, or near obstacles — requires understanding how the machine behaves under different conditions. Many employers require operator training or certification. Even if it is not required, a few hours of supervised practice with someone experienced will teach you habits that keep you and the machine safe.

What should I do if the hydraulics feel sluggish or do not respond?

First, check that the engine is running at normal idle speed — if the engine is running too slow, the hydraulic pump will not produce enough pressure. Second, check the hydraulic fluid level on the dipstick; low fluid causes sluggish response. If both are normal and the system is still slow, the hydraulic pump or a valve may be failing. Do not force the controls — stop and have the machine serviced before you continue.

How do I know if the machine is about to tip?

You will feel it before you see it. The machine will feel unstable or like it is leaning to one side. If you feel this, when ready lower the boom and slow down. Do not make sharp turns or sudden movements. If the machine continues to feel unstable, stop and check that the load is balanced and the bucket is not raised too high. A machine that tips is usually one where the operator ignored the warning signs.