Bartell Global Power Buggy: Jobsite Safety Guide for Operators and Supervisors
A power buggy moves fast, carries heavy loads, and operates on unpredictable terrain. When operators cut corners on safety, the consequences range from property damage to serious injury. This guide covers the specific hazards, inspection steps, and operating rules that apply to the Bartell Global DB17 and DB21 Power Buggies. Keep it accessible to every operator on your crew.
Why Equipment Safety Matters
The Bartell Global Power Buggy is a hydraulically driven machine with real stopping weight behind it. Overloading, skipping inspections, or operating on grades beyond the rated limit puts the operator and everyone nearby at risk. OSHA requires that only trained and authorized operators run this machine. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that anyone behind the handlebars has completed actual hands-on training, not just a walkthrough.
OSHA also prohibits any alteration or modification of this machine without written approval from the manufacturer. Use only factory-approved parts for all service and repairs.
Pre-Operation Safety Checks
Before starting the engine each day, walk through the following checklist. Do not operate the buggy if any item fails inspection.
- All guards, side screens, and panels are in place and secured.
- All safety and information signs are in place and legible.
- Engine oil and hydraulic oil levels are correct. The hydraulic oil tank should read 3 inches below the top of the filler neck.
- No hydraulic leaks are visible. Use cardboard to check for leaks. Never use your hand. Hydraulic fluid injected under the skin can cause gangrene and requires immediate medical attention.
- All operating controls move freely and return to their neutral positions.
- Fuel tank is full.
- Speed control operates freely and returns to the closed position when released. If it does not, do not start the engine.
- Parking brake holds the buggy stationary when the speed control is slightly activated at idle. If the buggy moves, adjust the brake before operating.
- Tires are undamaged, inflated to 50 psi, and lug nuts are tight.
Before moving into your work area, inspect the entire travel surface. Look for holes, drop-offs, soft soil, standing water, oil spills, and overhead obstructions including power lines, canopies, and doorways. Know your path before you pick up a load.
Operating Hazards Specific to This Machine
Slope Limits
The maximum permissible grade for the wheeled buggy is 10 percent in any direction, both fore-and-aft and side-to-side. To calculate grade, divide the vertical rise by the horizontal run and multiply by 100. Do not operate on any slope that exceeds this limit.
When traveling on a slope with a loaded bucket, the bucket must face uphill and the operator must be on the downhill end. When traveling with an empty bucket on a slope, the bucket faces downhill. Never travel with a loaded bucket facing downhill.
Speed Control
Full speed is only permitted on flat, level surfaces. On any surface that is not flat and level, do not exceed a creep speed of 10 feet in 5 seconds. The buggy has no speedometer. Use consistent judgment and err on the side of slower speeds.
Rough and Uneven Terrain
Do not ride the buggy on rough or uneven terrain. Raise and secure the platform, walk behind the machine, and do not exceed creep speed.
Filling and Dumping
Know the rated capacity of your buggy and never exceed it. When in doubt about load weight, split it into two trips. Before filling or dumping, bring the buggy to a complete stop and set the parking brake. Never dump toward other personnel, and never stand in front of or alongside the buggy during dumping. Do not dump when the buggy is facing downhill on a slope.
Explosion and Fire Hazards
Power buggies cannot be operated in areas with flammable or explosive atmospheres. Keep open flames and sparks away from the battery at all times. The battery produces explosive gases during normal operation.
Personnel Around the Machine
Keep all personnel clear of the buggy during travel. Do not allow anyone to stand or pass in front of the buggy while it is moving. No riders are permitted on the buggy under any circumstances.
Required PPE
Minimum PPE requirements depend on the task being performed. At a minimum, operators should have the following when working around this machine:
- Steel-toed boots with clean, dry soles before mounting
- High-visibility vest when working in areas with other moving equipment or personnel
- Face shield and chemical-resistant gloves when servicing the battery
- Long-sleeve shirt when working near the battery or hydraulic system
- Gloves for any inspection or maintenance near hydraulic hoses
Check local, state, and federal OSHA requirements for your specific jobsite. Site supervisors may require additional PPE beyond this list.
Safe Shutdown and Storage
Correct shutdown protects both the operator and the machine. Follow these steps every time:
- Bring the buggy to a complete stop.
- Set the parking brake.
- Let the engine idle for gradual cooling before shutting it off.
- Shut off the engine.
- Cycle the hydraulic controls to release residual pressure.
- Remove the ignition key on electric start models.
- Block the wheels if the buggy will be parked on any slope or incline.
If the buggy will be exposed to wet, freezing weather, position the concrete tub in the dump position so water cannot collect and freeze inside it. Freezing water inside a closed tub can crack it.
Keeping Your Equipment Safe
Regular maintenance is what keeps a power buggy working safely day after day. Check engine oil every 10 hours, change it every 50 hours, and replace hydraulic oil and the hydraulic filter every 200 hours. Lubricate all chassis fittings daily. Repack rear wheel bearings every 400 hours.
CCE Industries is an authorized Bartell Global dealer and carries genuine replacement parts for the DB17 and DB21 Power Buggies. When your machine needs parts or service, contact CCE Industries to keep your equipment running with the right components and the factory-approved support behind them.
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