903C Compact Wheel Loader Caterpillar

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Improper attachment of work tools could result in injury or death. Do not operate this machine until you have positive indication that the coupler pins are fully engaged. Check for engagement by: 1. Tilt the work tool down. 2. Put downward pressure on the work tool. 3. Back the machine up and make sure there is not any movement between the work tool and the quick coupler assembly.

Attaching the Work Tool

Note: Before you install the work tool, inspect the coupler and the work tool mounting bracket for any wear or for any damage.

Illustration 1	g03344671
Horizontal Pin Manually Operated Coupler (1) DISENGAGED and ENGAGED Lever

Illustration 2	g03876922
Vertical Pin Manually Operated Coupler

1. Position the work tool on a level surface.

2. If the machine is equipped with a manual coupler, ensure that the levers for the coupler are in the DISENGAGED position.

3. Enter the machine.

4. Fasten the seat belt.

5. Start the engine.

6. Disengage the parking brake.

7. Tilt the quick coupler assembly forward.

8. Align the quick coupler assembly between the outer plates or hooks of the mounting bracket. Move the quick coupler assembly under the angled plate or hooks of the mounting bracket and rack back the work tool.

9. Fully lower the loader arms.

10. Tilt the work tool forward until the work tool is slightly off the ground.

11. Turn the engine start switch key to the OFF position in order to stop the engine.

12. If the work tool requires hydraulics, the hydraulic system pressure must be released before you connect the work tool. Refer to the section .

13. Exit the machine.

14. Engage the coupler pins. If the machine is equipped with a manual coupler, ensure that the levers for the coupler are in the ENGAGED position.

15. If the work tool requires hydraulics, refer to the following procedure in order to connect the hydraulic hoses.

    1. For Caterpillar work tools with the standard coupler, route the hydraulic hoses through the hose guide on the machine in order to prevent damage to the hoses. If the hook on the coupler is used, the hydraulic hoses are not routed through the hose guide. The work tool Operation and Maintenance Manual will inform you if the hydraulic hoses need to be routed through the hose guide.

    2. Ensure that the connectors are clean.

    3. Connect the auxiliary hydraulic hoses for the work tool to the machine.

    4. If the work tool is equipped with electrical lines, then route the electrical lines with the hydraulic hoses and connect the wire harness to the electrical connector on the host machine. Check the connections in order to ensure that the connections are properly secured. Check the connections on the work tool in order to ensure that the connections are in the correct receptacle.

16. Visually ensure that both coupler pins are extending out of the holes in the work tool mounting bracket.

17. Use the following procedure to verify engagement of the coupler pins.

    1. Enter the machine.

    2. Fasten the seat belt.

    3. Start the engine.

    4. Disengage the parking brake.

    5. Keep the work tool close to the ground.

    6. Activate the tilt control in order to tilt the work tool downward.

    7. Apply down pressure on the work tool.

       Note: The work tool Operation and Maintenance Manual will inform you if forward pressure should not be applied on a work tool.

    8. Move the machine backward. Ensure that the coupler pins do not disengage from the work tool.

18. Test the work tool for leaks and for proper operation.

Removing the Work Tool

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Disengaging the coupler pins will release the work tool from control of the operator. Serious injury or death may result from disengaging the work tool when it is in an unstable position or carrying a load. Place the work tool in a safe position before disengaging the coupler pins.

1. Position the machine on level ground.

2. Lower the work tool to the ground.

3. Rack back the work tool until the work tool is slightly off the ground.

4. Turn the engine start switch key to the OFF position in order to stop the engine.

5. If the work tool requires hydraulics the hydraulic system pressure must be released. Refer to the section .

6. Perform Step 7 through Step 9 only after you have released the hydraulic system pressure.

7. Disconnect the auxiliary hydraulic hoses from the machine.

   Note: If protective caps are available, install protective caps over the quick connect couplers.

8. If hoses are routed through the hose guide, remove the hoses from the hose guide. Move the hoses to a position that is away from the work tool mounting bracket.

   Note: Connect the hoses for the work tool together. Connecting the hoses together will reduce the probability of contaminating the hydraulic system. Connecting the hoses together will reduce the buildup of pressure in the hoses. Connecting the hoses together will ease the connection of the hoses to the machine.

9. Exit the machine.

10. Disengage the coupler pins. If the machine is equipped with a manual coupler, ensure that the levers for the coupler are in the DISENGAGED position.

11. Enter the machine.

12. Fasten the seat belt.

13. Start the engine.

14. Disengage the parking brake.

15. As you slowly back away from the mounting bracket, tilt the quick coupler assembly forward until the top of the quick coupler assembly clears the angled plate or hooks.

16. Back away from the work tool.