OM3040 03/13 Operating Instructions - Section 30 Page 30-1 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS PREPARING FOR OPERATION If problems or potential problems are found during the "walk-around", be sure to notify maintenance. Vehicle breakdowns and unscheduled downtime and loss of production can be reduced. The safest trucks are those which have been prop- erly prepared for operation. At the beginning of each shift, a careful check of the truck should be per- formed by the operator before attempting to start the engine. Local work practices may prevent an operator from performing all tasks suggested here, but to the extent permitted, the operator should follow this or a similar routine.
Safety Is Thinking Ahead Prevention is the best safety program. Prevent a potential accident by knowing the employer's safety requirements and all necessary job site regulations. Be familiar with use and care of the safety equipment on the Komatsu HD1500-5 truck. Only qualified oper- ators or technicians should attempt to operate or maintain the HD1500-5 truck. 1. Start at left front of the truck (see illustration, next page). While performing the walk around inspection, visually inspect all lights and safety equipment for external damage from rocks or misuse. Make sure lenses are clean and are not cracked or broken. 2.
Move behind the front of the left front tire; inspect the hub and the oil disc brake assem- blies for leaks and any abnormal conditions. Safe practices start before the operator gets to the equipment! Wear the proper clothing. Loose fitting clothing, unbuttoned sleeves and jackets, jewelry, etc., can catch on a protrusion and cause a potential hazard. Check that all suspension attaching hardware is secure and inspect for evidence of wear. Verify suspension extension (exposed piston rod) is correct, and there are no leaks. Always use the personal safety equipment provided for the operator such as hard hat, safety shoes, safety glasses or goggles.
There are some conditions when protective hearing devices should also be worn for operator safety. 3. With the engine stopped, check the engine oil level. Verify engine oil filters or oil lines to filters are not leaking. 4. Inspect the fan and air conditioner belts for cor- rect tension, wear, and tracking. Inspect the fan guard condition and secureness. When walking to and from the truck, maintain a safe distance from all machines even if the operator is visible. 5. Move outboard of the front wheel, and inspect attaching lugs/wedges to be sure all are tight and intact. Check the tires for cuts, damage or bubbles and under-inflation. At The Truck - Ground Level Walk Around Inspection 6.
Move behind the rear of the front wheel. Check for leaks or any unusual conditions at the hub and brakes. Inspect the suspension hardware. Inspect the tie-rod pivots and steering cylinder for proper greasing, and for secureness of all parts. Check for hydraulic leaks. At the beginning of each shift, a careful walk around inspection of the truck should be performed before the operator attempts engine start-up. A walk around inspection is a systematic ground level inspection of the truck and its components to ensure that the truck is safe to operate before entering the operator's cab.
Start at the left front corner of the truck (see illustra- tion, next page), and move in a counter-clockwise direction, front-to-rear, across the rear. Continue for- ward up the opposite side of the truck to the original starting point. If these steps are performed in sequence, and are repeated from the same point and in the same direction before every shift, many poten- tial problems can be avoided. 7. Check the transmission oil level. Check the pumps at the front of the transmission for leak- age and secureness of parts.