How to Operate a Bobcat // Skid Steer Training

How to Operate a Skid Steer, Skid Loader or Skid-Steer Loader. Whatever name it goes by, this popular piece of machinery is used for many smaller jobs across the world. Today we will be showing you the basics of operating a Bobcat T550. As with any of our training videos, we are open to tips and tricks from those that are proficient in operating Skid Steers. Feel free to comment below!
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[@jamesg1305]

You are a natural born instructor. Very well done, sir!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thank you very much!

[@marvindebot3264]

Agreed, you make good clear easy to understand videos.

[@neilreid9005]

Really good instruction, just info one needs, no music, good pace. Perfect.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@Boogman820]

Very well explained. Great job

[@raftermanhoward1883]

Really not my line of work but I've been asked to operate a bobcat for 1 day tomorrow because I occasionally do operate wheel loaders and forklifts , however, I have only operated a skid steer for like half an hour a couple of years ago, so it's great that these videos are out there, thank you so much!

[@bwwilson1765]

Great video for new/first time operators! +1 for respecting the limitations and dangers of your equipment. I happily have never rolled a skid steer in my 20+ years of operating them, but have come darn close. Here are a couple of things I would like to add as well. 1. If you ever feel like you are tipping forward with a load, lower your boom and/or dump your bucket. It's a natural reaction to want to back up, but that only puts your center of gravity farther forward and exacerbates the problem. Ending up on your nose is recoverable, but is uncomfortable to say the least. I've seen it lead to roll to the side before, especially on a slope. 2. After picking up a heavy load, your pivot point on the machine will change. Unloaded, it is somewhere between the the center of the machine and the rear wheel/sprocket. It shifts farther and farther toward the front wheel/roller the heavier the load is, and the higher you carry it. Many new operators, at some point, have run into problems with this change in pivot. "Problems" being trees, fences, etc. in tight quarters. 3. Personally, I find full throttle to be more conducive to predictability with machine response. I do quite a bit of tight quarters digging and grading and have never liked the jerkyness inherent in the foot throttle. TBH, I am an old Bobcat operator who still uses foot controls (can't stand hand controls, but use them from time to time). I never had the option for a foot throttle, but when I have tried it on other machines, didn't go great. Anyway, that's my two cents. Hope it helps anyone using any type of skid out there.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

These are awesome tips! Thank you for sharing!

[@halofan4life1000]

Heading up to New Jersey tomorrow for a snow storm job ill be operating a bob cat for the first time not sure if its foot controls or hand controls... but i sure am excited and this helped!

[@bwwilson1765]

@@halofan4life1000 Good luck Daylan. Just be careful of curbs, manholes etc that may be hiding in the snow if you aren't familiar with the site. They will rock your world if you hit them at speed. Seatbelt has saved my face from the front door glass more than once.

[@halofan4life1000]

@@bwwilson1765 thanks man! Ill keep that in mind 🤘🏼

[@avidsaya1172]

how good r u now?

[@GibsonCRG]

Outstanding basic video for skid steer operation and techniques. I learned the hard way on my first time in a Bobcat on our farm in 1997 about the high bucket problem. I didn’t have it all the way up, but I hit some bumps which rocked me front to back, which in turn caused my hand on the steering to rock front and back, which exaggerated the movement on the bumps…classic oscillation, and over the front I flipped after about 3 cycles. Kind of dazed but unhurt, literally hanging from the belly bar and seat belt inside. I heard my wife outside (who had seen the whole thing) clearly imaging the worst, and then I started laughing my butt off inside the cab. Probably not the best reaction but at least my wife knew I was alive. Man, if I’d been on a job site I would have earned a nickname like Crash or Flip for life. But I learned the high center of gravity lesson the hard way, and sure wish we’d had this video back then to learn it the soft way! I also had NO CLUE you could disengage the hydraulics then, so my “floating” left something to be desired. Thanks again - outstanding video.

[@wraith0127]

Another good tip for back dragging is if you are doing the aggressive drag like you showed the second time, when you near the end of your back drag and still have material built up behind your blade, keep it in float and roll your bucket back to level while still moving back. It will smooth out the end of your grade very smoothly. Let the machine do the work!

[@wraith0127]

Oh, and you can also grade a little while going forward by curling up slightly on your bucket and leaving the boom fully down. Then you can easily transition into the float back drag in reverse by engaging the float and curl your bucket down slightly to get that perfectly smooth finish!

[@codyralston2576]

a couple of things that I think are pretty important to mention when you're talking about running skid steers. I am very glad you stressed how dangerous they are they are very easy to tip over especially if they are on tires. Always wear your seatbelt. With skid steers make sure you are always watching the bucket level especially if you have concrete in your bucket or something like that I have seen it come through the cab on guys before. When you're loading trucks and your arms are high like that put a berm of dirt next to the dump truck that way the machine is angled back just a little bit as you're dumping and it will increase your stability by a lot. My biggest piece of advice with any equipment but especially skid steers get as comfortable as you possibly can in the machine because if you are comfortable you are more attentive to what you are doing as well as more proficient. Great job on this video if you are new to running skid steers this is a great place to start.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Great tips...thanks for sharing!

[@thevortex6754]

Sounds like you do more construction work with them, I do more forestry work. I’m sure you’d know that moving heavy and cumbersome material like pipes (my case trees) you really gotta find the center of gravity of your load, otherwise you can’t steer to well and is very dangerous to the people working near you

[@rodyates1]

This person is presenting his video very effectively. I hope more people watch this, rather than others. These machines require focussed attention, and clear thinking.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the feedback and comment!

[@davidhoover8862]

I have been running equipment for years and it seems I can always learn something from your videos.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Awesome to hear...thanks for the comment!

[@ItsLeems]

I'm buying my first skid steer for use on my property. I'm so excited! Thank you for this wonderful, exceedingly helpful video!

[@alexheckman6776]

Helped my boss yesterday by laying gravel in lateral field trenches for the first time as he was digging them out. Was already using your techniques. Laid nice even coatings of gravel. I feel like a pro already

[@tikitavi7120]

I have run equipment for 30 years, and that was all good information. We let a customer use one of our skid steers over a weekend once, and he managed to flop it onto it's side on a perfectly level lot. I guess he had the bucket high and did a sudden sharp turn. That's all it takes.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for sharing

[@wolvar6933]

I love these machines. been operating a case for a while, had a bobcat a long time. Amazing time and labor savers. They pay for themselves.

[@samk.790]

Helps refresh my mind on operating the skid steer. Much appreciated big life saver.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You're welcome...thanks for the comment!

[@Unfnation]

Having watched a few episodes now, I find them very informative and demystifying the equipment you demonstrate. Far more helpful in giving a general summary of various machines than some of the other videos I've watched. Thanks!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the feedback and comment!

[@avtarjohal7493]

This is excellent, learnt more here than the 3 full days of paid training.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

lol....thanks for the comment....sorry your paid training isn't good.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Just get in and start pushing buttons and knobs! Make sure to hit the horn a few times to ensure those around you know you don't know your way around the machine!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good call

[@rianmattes8292]

This right here...this was me today..🤣

[@donbeckham7348]

I was wondering if I can make the controls the same as my s185????

[@Fuckoff-1]

left trigger on a clark bobcat ;D

[@hello-hn6hs]

I did that in a mini.

[@andrewlarson1308]

Thank you for telling folks how to use and how the controls work on the skid steer. I am going to take an in-cab test today and I appreciate the clarity on this matter. You have earned my subscription. Bye for now.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good luck on your test. Thanks for the comment!

[@cammy470]

awesome video. only driven a skid steer once but after watching your video im better prepared for next time

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@PaulBPerkins]

Outstanding - really helpful clear instruction and I appreciate your focus on operator safety.

[@lchope573]

Crazy from an old school operator. Lots of safety stuff now days that's unwarranted if you just pay attention to what you're doing. Hearing protection is the one thing I should have done.

[@austinpratt9235]

Ok Boomer

[@andyone4127]

Thanks. I'm about to go rent one and it's been 15 years since I have been in one so it was nice to go through everything real quick. Seems easier now without the foot controls for the bucket.

[@c4given346]

Great reminder, good instruction with no fluff! Thanks so much!

[@lovelylurker880]

Great video, I used to operate a wheeled version on road construction sites about 20 years ago, they weren't quite as fancy as this one, it was pedals for the boom and bucket and you'd whack it up to full revs at the start of the shift and leave it there as they didn't like anything other than full power! I can remember the day I finally had one with a door too, such luxury! Very true about skid steers being one of the more dangerous bits of equipment on site, people often overlook them as a hazard as they are small, the main issue I had (other than being 'buzzed' by 40 ton articulated rock trucks) was labourers or other workers wandering into your work area, not realising that the visibility is quite poor when reversing and you tend to spend as much time going backwards as you do going forwards.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Absolutely...thanks for the comment!

[@northernoutdoorsmandave9067]

Great instructional video. You did a great job explaining the dangers of the machine. Very helpfull. Thankyou

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@dlaniamare1666]

I waiting for you to post another training vid Thanks for posting one👍👍

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment. We are trying to mix it up with some training vids, some funny stuff, and others about our business. Hopefully people like the variety, but also that's why we separated content in to our playlists in case you only want one type of videos. Just let us know if there are any other types of videos you would like to see.

[@nickhudgins16]

Renting a Bobcat in a couple weeks to smooth out and level a clearing in the woods where we bought property never had operated one before I do feel more comfortable about it watching your video, thanks for the post!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Best of luck!

[@gman8648]

Very nice introduction. Clear, concise and to the point. Thank you.

[@nathancarter2856]

Waiting to here back about a job running bobcats for a mill in town. Wanted a quick rundown on controls this was great.

[@ArminGianni]

I learned quickly how to operate one when I rented it this weekend. you also get more comfortable when the first thing you have to do without knowing how to operate it is to unload it from the trailer with the use of this two thin aluminum ramps. yeah that's how you learn quickly hahaha

[@TamaraGrace]

This is a very good tutorial. Really appreciate your training. My husband and I will be running one of these puppies today. We're both cherry with heavy equipment but, with this video, we'll take it slow and steady. I'm so excited! Thanks so much!

[@danielmejia1096]

How’d it go?

[@TamaraGrace]

@@danielmejia1096 this has been months ago but, we had fun and got our job done. Thanks for asking!

[@RiverValleyAcres]

First piece of equipment I got to learn on. Also one of the hardest pieces to master.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Totally agree....skids can be tough to master but are a great entry point in to other equipment!

[@luiscervantes961]

Today was my first time driving a bobcat didn’t do bad eventually I’ll get more comfortable, hopefully this helps me more with a better understanding of controls etc

[@jameskendricks4508]

Thanks, very informative!. I appreciate the safety tips. I may have to operate a Bobcat in the near future and this will help me to quickly become familiar with a Bobcat. I operate a CAT 938M loader and your floating technique will help me whenever I have to fill in some of the low spots at work. Straight to the point with no fluff. Thanks again for the great video.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment

[@Fixin2Ride-Official-]

Great Instructional Video! This really help to layout the controls and basic functions for someone just getting into the use of one of these machines. Thank you sir!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome!

[@robertleonard266]

Very Helpful , clear concise narration. Thank you

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@SOUNDINTHECITY]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge. Now i'm ready for a test drive

[@21bruce]

The smallest Bobcat is the S70 which we use to get through gates and it is comparatively light weight. Of course lacks the power and brute capability of the larger machines which means finessing every task. Enjoyed your video as it gave me some useful tips on maximizing the use of our small machine. More detail on lifting and traveling techniques as well as tricks with grading and maneuvering would be most welcome.

[@berniec3903]

Wow thank you so much. I have never driven one before and I have 1 coming in tomorrow. You really help me out I really appreciate it.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Glad I could help!

[@Theheraldsblog]

Thank you got job this week for a subcontractor and a little nervous never been on Bob cat this makes it little bit better

[@haseru4380]

What a wonderful, well made training video full with useful information for the first time operator. I'm gonna drive one next week, but I rented the walk behind typed bobcat a while ago when I learned if you raised the blade too high and full with soil or rocks, the machine will lose balance and I almost tip over than machine.

[@MTMiser]

Nice, clear video. Good job. I've rented one of these a couple of times before and am about to rent one again to prepare some ground for a paver patio. It's been a few years since the last time though, so I came here to get a refresher before renting. Thanks for taking the time to record and post this. Good information.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment. Hopefully the patio project goes well.

[@MTMiser]

@@HeavyMetalLearning Thanks. The project is going slow so far. All the local skid steers are rented out for the next few weeks so I've been going at it with a shovel. I'm wishing I was about 40 years younger. :-)

[@LemonyFresh]

Great video, I was just looking to rent one to grade my backyard and this answered everything I wanted to know.

[@ArabXian]

GREAT VIDEO!!! I truly enjoyed your basic training on how to operate a Bobcat skid steer. I'm having some work done in my backyard by some contractors and they left their skid steer over the weekend. I needed to learn how to operate a skid steer because I'm going to steal the contractor's skid steer and move a fair amount of dirt myself. Now I know how!!! YIPEE!!!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Lol...good luck with that. Hopefully it’s not foot controls or you’ll really be screwed!

[@Backyardmech1]

It’s about getting oriented with the controls and understanding the limitations within safe boundaries. I’ve learned to use some heavy equipment by training of the operators. Those same operators are also the same ones that say “Don’t let me find you doing *blank* after explaining certain hazards.

[@boomerang6130]

Excellent tutorial. I enjoyed watching it. 👍

[@SonOfTamriel]

Great video thanks! I'm training on one of these tomorrow. Pretty sure I'll nail it!

[@alvarezcop]

thank you for taking time to share your knowledge.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome!

[@katherinestone5970]

Bob cats are such cute little machines! I get re-trained very soon. Can't wait!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@ronniepowers3465]

thank you very much for this. my operator quit on me 2 days before a big job, and i needed a huge refreshment aswell as learning some new things. thank you !!!!!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome...thanks for the comment!

[@ravi3shekh1]

Oh man, how'd it go. Or did u hire someone else.

[@ronniepowers3465]

@@ravi3shekh1 got 200 yards spread and the customer loved it !

[@jonasmorisma1479]

wonderful demo

[@cooper8318]

I rented a track skid the first time this past weekend. I found that the controls came quite natural to me thanks to this video. I quickly learned how much more powerful and faster this machine is than my 50hp tractor loader. Its a powerhouse! As a first timer, I seemed to do best at about half throttle and keeping my hands lower on the joystick toward the base so when I bounced around I wasn't hitting the controls and making it worse. I would then throttle up when driving in straight lines. 5 star, will rent again

[@arminmaniago6496]

Thank you, very nice instruction with demo. i've been longing to know how to operate a bobcat hopefully i can practice it in actual.

[@bluplow]

Thanks. that was great. Going to lay down roadbase soon and I feel like I got a great start

[@Daniel243530]

Thank you so much for all these videos. Great learning source.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome...thanks for the comment!

[@KevinLopez-vf1wk]

I'm about to rent one, first time. This video is perfect. Wish me luck! Thanks.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Best of luck!

[@EricBuechel]

Excellent training video

[@tibor452]

Very well explained. Great job

[@TheRez627]

Great resource, thank you so much!

[@foundbythehounds4318]

Have a interview tomorrow for punch crew/bobcat operator. I'm brand new to this. But confident . Got my certification and time to put it to work. Appreciate all these videos to give me a head start

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good luck...thanks for the comment!

[@foohorse]

I wish more informative videos were like this just good information at a good pace relevant no stupid music again very good video

[@dainadominguez6361]

Excellent tips excellent tips

[@roopraiconstruction3895]

Thank You, Really good instruction

[@robertgommer7244]

1st timer here. In a week or 2, I will rent my 1st skid. Not too, too worried, just don't wanna damage or destroy anything. Great video!!

[@sumralltt]

Great tips - Thanks

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You're welcome....thanks for the comment!

[@adamr3028]

running one of these today for the first time.thought it would be a piece of cake,its not.its not as easy as people think.takes practice.

[@christamonsta]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful!

[@altertek15]

Yeah I’m 14 and I’m working with my dad in excavating and I flipped forward and couldn’t get out till 5 minutes later my dad got the excavator and pulled the skid stear up again and he told me to watch a how to video about a skid steer, and it helped, thx a lot

[@MrJdspecial1]

Thanks so much for making this video. A+

[@tylerbis3113]

Thank you for the video! I will be trained on a skid steer for the first time to haul cement blocks. I was a bit nervous but you made it look simply and eased my anxiety. Good job!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Awesome to hear, glad we can help. Just be careful...safety first...always!

[@trucksandstuff2023]

I learned by watching your video. And an AZ road test next week

[@ragtie6177]

Fantastic instructions. Thank you

[@JC-fb7bm]

Excellent instruction!!

[@godostoyke5345]

Thanks, great video

[@RDeoNYC]

Awesome tutorial, thanks

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

You’re welcome...thank you for the comment!

[@jimmorton1169]

Excellent. Thanks

[@allupinthere1]

Very cool tutorial.

[@onewayortheotherinc.6555]

Thank you sir! This is great stuff to know! Thanks for your time !

[@frederick5697]

Thanks for sharing very helpful information.

[@darrenharvey2]

Really well done. Thank-you.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Appreciate that....thanks for the comment!

[@donobrenski630]

Great job! You are a good teacher

[@pacodefrancis7235]

Super helpful--Thanks!

[@ToddBryantsr]

Thank you very much! This is perfect!

[@kamirahenry3349]

Thank you Mr teaching the world

[@Wvcountrykid]

Its like a mini tank on tracks. Love it!!!!!!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

lol...I guess

[@jdclay9403]

Thank you! Good instruction.

[@egyptprolol]

i use a skid steer to move big rocks in my yard but it uses sticks and pedals instead of joysticks, even tho this was a bit helpful for someone who is a bit skilled with the skid steer: It was very helpful though.

[@tomdrendel8872]

Well done....easy to follow along and understand

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@robertbennett3432]

Good job you are a good teacher

[@debrahall5119]

Thanks, so detailed

[@brianpearl7504]

I would add that the tracked machines are way more stable than the wheeled ones Also I would say that your video production is amazing. Very well done!

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Thanks for the comment!

[@RonTrovatoRealtor]

great info thanks

[@davidhamberlin5155]

I'm starting a job this monday, skid with forks. New to this, hope I do well

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good luck man! We have a Skid Steer 201 video coming out later this week so stay tuned...

[@mr.bender1692]

David, Be sure to take your time. 90% of people would prefer the job gets done right rather than quickly.

[@danielstankiewicz5228]

@@mr.bender1692 100%

[@dougreid2351]

Howis it going, one year in?

[@johnathanleonardo912]

Definitely wanna get my 2A soon

[@abdulwahabsaifee9036]

Thank you for you help, very useful.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Failsafe31]

Definitely not me watching this video after getting into a bobcat

[@hulkmood3110]

Pouhahahqhqhha 😂😂😂😂 mee rn

[@victorruiz5727]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video u are awesome

[@GingerBreadJuJu]

great video, thank you

[@dennisfossey4312]

Cool vid, but will continue to watch it over. I am just learning to do this on this machine.

[@scottgillard4695]

Thank You good tips on not tipping!