Operation of the skip loader is controlled using a set of hydraulic levers and control switches. This standard equipment is mounted on the front-left-hand-side of the chassis. See "Skip Loader Components". Provided below is a description of this equipment.
It is also possible to order optional equipment for the skip loader, such as a cab mounted controller. For more information, refer to "Extra Options – Operation".
Hydraulic Pump
The skip loader is fed with a hydraulic supply that must be activated in order to operate the skip loader. A small JOAB LED panel and a button for activating the hydraulic pump are normally mounted on the driver's dashboard for this purpose, as shown opposite. The appearance of the pump button will look different for different vehicle manufacturers.
The driver should familiarize themselves with which buttons and lamps are actual for the operation of the hydraulic pump.
The right button is used to start and stop the hydraulic pump. When active, the pump LED will illuminate red on the left LED panel. For some vehicles a warning will also be displayed in the driver's dashboard. This is dependent upon the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Trailer Warning Lights
For vehicles with auxiliary equipment such as a tow hitch for trailers, an additional display will also be fitted, as shown. The red LED indicates that the tow-hitch is OPEN. The green LED indicates that it is closed.
Certain manufacturers, such as Scania, have a reset switch for the tow-hitch's servo. This must be pressed to deactivate the warning for the tow-hitch after it has been locked. If it is not reset, the warning for the tow-hitch will remain active both on the LED panel, and in the driver's display, where applicable.
Skip Loader Controls
The skip loader is controlled using five hydraulic levers, as shown opposite.
A label above the levers clearly indicates what each lever does, as described below. The levers have two functions, up and down, to extend and retract.
- Extending-body
- Left support-leg
- Right support-leg
- Folding-arm
- Lifting-arm
Tipping-Hook Controller
The controller for the tipping-hook, shown opposite, is located to the left of the skip loader controls, see "Skip Loader Components". This is used to both operate the tipping-hook and adjust the engine's rpm.
The left knob controls the engine's rpm. Position 1 increases the engine's rpm to 800 rpm. Position 2 increases the rpm to approximately 1200 rpm. These settings can be set to different values, if required, during manufacture.
The right knob controls the tipping-hook. Position 1 activates the tipping-hook.
Emergency Stop
In case of an emergency, such as a hydraulic leak or risk of injury, an emergency stop button is fitted to all vehicles that have a cab mounted controller.
Pressing the emergency stop button will stop all functions of the skip loader immediately. The button is usually placed below the steering wheel, in the cab.
To reset the emergency stop function, pull the button out, reset all functions to neutral, then switch off and restart the vehicle's engine.
Extra Options – Operation
A number of options are available for the skip loaders. Operation of these options is described below.
Extending-Body
skip loaders can be ordered with an extending-body. These allow for two skips to be transported on the same skip loader. Operation of the extending-body is done using either the standard controls on the chassis or a cab mounted controller, as shown below. For more information about the extending-body and the handling of two skips, see "Handling Double Skips".
Cab Mounted Controller
The cab mounted controller, shown opposite, is used for operating both the skip loader and the tipping-hook. Each switch is clearly labelled with its function and is used to both extend and retract. The switches have the following functions
- Tipping-hook
- Extending-body
- Left support-leg
- Right support-leg
- Folding-arm
- Lifting-arm
Safety-Wires
All skips must be properly secured onto the vehicle before driving. This can be done using manually placed securing equipment, such as chains. Alternatively, JOAB's hydraulic safety-wire system can be purchased. JOAB's safety-wire system is built into the skip loader and allows for fast and secure fastening of a skip(s) onto the vehicle.
The safety-wire system is primarily intended to be operated using JOAB's radio controller. This gives the operator the benefit of a good visual overview and ease of use.
It is also possible to operate the safety-wire system using the standard fitted controls. These are located on the front-right-hand side of the chassis, see "Skip Loader Components". There is a lever for activating each safety wire. These allow the operator to extend and retract the safety-wires.
Rotator
A rotator can be purchased for skip loaders. This makes it possible to rotate a skip 270 degrees when suspended from the lifting-arm. The rotator is mounted onto the skip loader's boom-pipe (see "Skip Loader Components").
Operation of the rotator is done using a switch that is located next to the skip loader controller. The switch can be turned right and left which corresponds to the rotation of the rotator, clock-wise or anti-clock-wise. It is also possible to operate the rotator using a radio controller.
Radio Controller
A radio controller can be purchased as an option for skip loaders. This allows for remote operation of the skip loader and safety-wire system, where applicable. The driver does not need to stand beside the standard controls to operate the skip loader. For information specific to the use of JOAB's radio controller, refer to "Radio Controller".