Wheel Loaders (a.k.a. front-end loaders and bucket loaders) are used to move and load materials such as clay, soil, snow, feed, gravel, rocks, sand, woodchips and many other types. The Wheel Loader has a bucket mounted to the front of the machine with two arms and articulated steering which allows it to carry more weight and maneuver and turn in tighter spaces. Material is picked up and moved rather than being pushed. Multiple types of buckets and work tools can be attached, depending on the job at hand. The versatility makes it a great investment, but versatility also means it is a difficult machine to learn to operate. Accidents can easily occur if the operator doesn’t know how to correctly use the controls, buttons and levers or perform the necessary applications in an efficient manner.
Gaining the skills necessary to properly operate the machine and reach optimum production levels can be accomplished with simulator training. In the safety of a virtual environment, operators can get a hands-on experience using the same controls as in the actual machine. Operators can make mistakes in the virtual environment without harm to themselves, machines or other personnel. Cat® Simulators are modeled after actual Caterpillar heavy equipment, down to the controls. Training exercises are developed with Cat expert operators and are the same applications that can be found on real-world worksites. The Small Wheel Loader simulator contains an articulation feature that allows 45° of articulation on the machine, making it possible to turn in tight areas when unloading material. The machine can also accommodate a variety of work tool attachments, such as forks or a multipurpose bucket (a.k.a. clamshell). The key to changing work tools safely and efficiently is the Quick Coupler. Step-by-step training is included in the simulator to teach users how to correctly use this feature. Operators can then switch to the forks and learn to load and unload pallets from a flatbed trailer. Or attach the multipurpose bucket and use it to carry poles or pipes; or open and use it as a blade to backfill a trench. All of the training scenarios mentioned above and other training applications are included in the Small Wheel Loader Simulator System. In addition to the educational and safety benefits of simulator training, the simulator software records and reports the results of each simulation session. This allows progress to be tracked for each user. Find out how many times it takes an operator to master a task, or screen new operator hires to assess their skill level without ever taking a machine out of production.
Take a look at the Infographic to better understand the capabilities of the Small Wheel Loader. Imagine how multiple operators are affecting your organization’s bottom line. Contact a Cat Simulators Account Manager today at 1.309.266.2640 and find out how to integrate simulator training into your construction or work yard operation.
