How to Operate a Wheel Loader

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Last Updated: March 11, 2026

If you need to move a large amount of bulk in a small amount of time, your options would be many people with shovels or a front-end loader/wheel loader. A wheel loader is a crucial piece of equipment for many construction, agriculture, and mining operations where various bulk materials need to be moved daily. Having knowledge and skill in operating a wheel loader is an asset to many of these operations.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Safety and Startup

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1
Complete a pre-trip inspection. Check the machine's fluid levels, such as engine oil, coolant, and fuel. Before starting any piece of equipment, it is essential to know if it is safe to operate. Check for hazards and obstructions as you are going around the machine.
2
Use a seatbelt when operating the wheel loader. Locate and know how to use any other safety equipment provided, such as a glass breaker for exiting the cab in an emergency.

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3
Remain seated with your seatbelt fastened. Insert the key into the ignition. Turn the key all the way in the clockwise direction and release it when the engine starts.

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Setup for Operating Conditions

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1
Press the corresponding switch to turn on the desired exterior light(s) for operating in low light environments. The switches for your external lights are located above the ignition switch area.
2
Rotate the knob on the right of the steering column to operate the windshield wipers at the desired wiper speed. Push the button on the end of the knob to activate the washer fluid for the windshield.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Moving the Wheel Loader

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1
Locate the knob on the left of the steering column. Rotating the knob is how you select your gear range 1-4. Pushing and pulling the knob like a lever is how you switch between forward, neutral, and reverse. Locate the pedals. The far right pedal is the accelerator, and the two others connected by a bar are the brake pedals.
2
Turn off the parking brake. Push the red tab on the switch while simultaneously depressing it to turn off the parking brake.
3
Move the wheel loader forward by pushing the lever to the (F) position. Pictured above is a wheel loader in gear range 1 forward. Use the accelerator pedal to control driving speed.
4
Move the wheel loader in reverse by pulling the lever to the (R) position. Pictured above is a wheel loader in gear range 1 reverse. Use the accelerator pedal to control driving speed.
5
Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to travel. Counter-clockwise (pictured) turns the wheel loader to the right. Clockwise turns the wheel loader to the left. Wheel loaders are articulated. This means that they bend in the middle to steer rather than turning the wheel themselves individually.
6
Stop the wheel loader by depressing either of the two brake pedals. The brake pedals are connected to each other, and both will depress regardless of which one is pressed. This makes it possible for the operator to use their left foot for braking if they desire.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Operating the Bucket and Boom

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1
Familiarize yourself with the controls. There are 2 main controls for the bucket and boom on a wheel loader. Boom raising and lowering, and bucket tilting. There is also a switch to the right to lock/unlock the hydraulic functions of the wheel loader.
2
Lift the boom by pulling the far right joystick backwards. To have the boom hold its position, release the joystick and let it float to the center. Lower the boom by pushing the joystick forward.
3
Tilt and dump the bucket by pushing the middle joystick forward. To have the bucket remain in a position, release the joystick and let it float to the center. Tilt the bucket back to scoop by pulling the joystick back.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Parking and Shutdown

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1
Park the wheel loader by putting the gear selector lever in the (N) neutral position. With the wheel loader in neutral, press the parking brake button to set the parking brake.
2
Lock the hydraulic functions of the machine. Slide the red portion of the switch to the front while simultaneously pulling up on the switch.
3
Shut off the wheel loader by turning the key all the way counterclockwise. Pull it out of the ignition switch for safekeeping.
4
When you exit the wheel loader, do a quick inspection and check for any new potential issues, such as leaks or breaks that could have occurred during operation. Document your findings and ensure they are corrected before the next use of the wheel loader.

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Tips

A Volvo L70H wheel loader was used in this "how-to," but the concepts remain similar for most makes and models of wheel loaders.

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Warnings

Operating this machine without the proper training could lead to serious injury or death of the operator and/or bystanders.

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Keep yourself and others clear of pinch points and danger zones.

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Be aware of your surroundings constantly.

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Only operate the loader in conditions deemed safe to do so.

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