Will be getting a regular dose of loading and unloading one of these machines and was looking for tips on loading one --- as in driving one onto and off of the trailer without a spotter.
It's a torque converter machine, so it should be pretty easy. Just point it the right way and hit the accelerator. Make sure the brakes work. Have you checked your height? There's a 444 at my shop and it's almost 11 feet tall.
Height should be ok. Nothing on the cab roof like strobes so the height of machine is around 10' 4". Can't remember deck height on the step deck but Texas and New Mexico where I will be moving it is 14' states. My big concern is not being able to see the ground contact area with the wheels so it doesn't track off the edge of deck since they articulate so easily. Do you drop the articulation lock in place once you get it lined up straight? Or is that just for transportation?
I can't answer your question, but which company you gonna be hauling for? Using the 644 to load/unload pipe? I'm working in the Permian too, directional drilling for Schlumberger.
Yes on the pipe -- leased to Brady. I've hauled this loader before up in North Dakota with this same dovetail, but it always had an an operator that drove it on and off the trailer.
Don't lock the joint until you have it loaded and where you want it. The best thing to do is get a long run up to the trailer to make sure you are perfectly straight before you head up the ramps. Just go easy and ease off as soon as you get over the tail and onto the flat. Loaders are easy machines to operate. Something with tracks is where you really get in trouble because they love to slide.
Any visual reference points that you use -- or just close your eyes and gun it?
I don't know if you can articulate it. It's like explaining how to ride a bicycle. It's meaningless until you get on the thing and give it a try. You'll do fine. If you can drive the truck, you can drive the loader.
I've ran loaders way back before the controls became electrical. My main concern is keeping it straight. The goofiest machine I ever hauled was a articulated telehandler. But it had a magic switch that locks if from articulating and you can lean out the door and watch your wheel track up the edge of ramp. Without a magic switch on a wheel loader and not being able to watch the tires track up the ramp is what I am trying to prepare for. Appreciate all your help
we have hauled our 204 sized Deere loader on the farm. I know it's not a huge loader, but I can't stick my head out the window on that one either. Since you sit centered in a loader, line yourself up with the centerline of your trailer. Also, since they pivot point is in front of the operator on pretty much all new loaders, you will see if the machine is not straight. You could also practice driving and keeping a straight line on flat ground. Chalk/paint a line on the ground and take a few practice tries. Like Wes J said, if you can drive the truck, you can drive the loader. They really are a straight forward machine.
Mark center of bucket on top so you can see it . Mark center of trailer at front . Line up marks,go for it.
Some good tips -- thanks
You can also usually line up a board on the trailer with the center Z bar linkage to keep her heading straight.