Loader operators who work in applications that are dangerous and who want to minimize worksite environment discomforts now have a solution - the loader radio remote control system from Bobcat Australia.

The innovative Bobcat loader radio remote control system enhances the capabilities of Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders with selectable joystick controls (SJC) and Bobcat all-wheel steer (AWS) loaders, offering a simple solution for customers who want to operate their loader remotely.

Operators can start the loader engine and operate the drive, lift, tilt and auxiliary hydraulic functions from approximately 700 m away with the radio remote control transmitter. The transmitter joystick controls activate the loader's joystick controls in the ISO control pattern. The system is useable for up to 15 hours on a rechargeable battery. In addition to being able to use the system in various climate conditions, operators can easily switch between "remote" control mode and "machine/direct" control mode.

The radio remote control system option will be attractive to customers in several markets, including mining, industry, government, construction, stevedoring and demolition.

The loader radio remote control system is beneficial when used with hydraulic breakers for demolition, buckets and dozer blades for scraping out barges and ships, grapples for grabbing various materials. The system, which has a maximum operation loader travel speed of 10 kmh, is approved for use with many Bobcat attachments.

The Bobcat loader radio remote control system is not approved for certain types of hazardous or explosive environments (see the Operation, Maintenance and Parts Manual for more information); however, it does allow the operator to be separate from the loader. This can potentially increase productivity and comfort by not subjecting the operator to dusty and noisy environments.

Operators can easily attach the system to remote control-ready loaders. They simply attach the receiver and E-stop box to the machine using included attached magnets. Then, they connect the harness, remove the rear window (or install the Rear Window External Removal Kit), attach the Remote Ready Identification Tag and the machine is ready to be operated remotely.

The Bobcat loader radio remote control system is portable so customers with multiple machines in their fleet can quickly transfer the system from one Bobcat loader to another. The loader's internal controllers must be programmed with the correct software version for the radio remote control system to function correctly. Older loader models may need a software upgrade. Customers should see their Bobcat dealer for software upgrades.

The Bobcat loader radio remote control system offers the following safety features:

• The Bobcat Loader Radio Remote Control Operator Training Course features video, hands-on and classroom training. The course includes operator training for individuals who also need basic operator loader training. Visit www.bobcat.com/trainings/ for more information about Bobcat training resources.

• An Operation, Maintenance and Parts Manual cabled to the transmitter.

• Transmitter tilt sensor stops the loader engine if the transmitter is tilted over 45 degrees in any direction. Transmitter joystick controls have a return to neutral feature.

• Red-coloured emergency stop buttons are located on the transmitter and an E-stop box is affixed to the rear of the loader.

• A transmitter guard bar provides protection against bumping or damaging the control and also connects to shoulder and waist straps to position the transmitter in a comfortable position for operation of controls.

• Flashing green and amber strobe lights and horn for start-up and operation.

• Complies with ISO 15817 earthmoving machinery safety requirements for remote operator control.

• Users of WLAN (wireless) devices operating in this band are required to comply with a prescribed set of conditions that are intended to avoid destructive interference between users, in most situations. Devices may be operated without payment of a license fee, and without individual frequency coordination or registration of location. Authorised operation is on the basis that no interference is caused to other radio communications users and no protection from interference is offered.

The Transmitter weights 3.8 kg without straps, and its actual transmitting range will vary depending upon worksite conditions; however visual contact with the loader and its travel path is always required. The radio remote control system transmits on 2.4 GHz (with interference-free frequency hopping spread spectrum). Transmitter and receiver configurations are factory-set and must be used as matched pairs.

For more information contact Bobcat Australia on 1800 643 853 or visit www.bobcat.com.au