SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR OPERATION q Avoid traveling over obstacles when possible. If the machine has to travel over an obstacle, keep the work equipment close to the ground and travel at low speed. Never travel over obstacles which make the machine tilt strongly to one side. q When traveling or carrying out operations, always keep a safe distance from people, structures, or other machines to avoid coming into contact with them. q When passing over bridges or structures, check first that the structure is strong enough to support the weight of the machine. When traveling on public roads, check first with the relevant authorities and follow their instructions.
q When operating in tunnels, under bridges, under electric wires, or other places where the height is limited, operate slowly and be extremely careful not to let the work equip- ment hit anything. q Do not approach the edge of a cliff carelessly. When dropping soil over a cliff for banking or reclamation, leave soil of one scoop at the edge of the cliff and push it with the next scoop. q When the machine passes over the top of a hill or when a load is dumped over a cliff, the load is suddenly reduced, and there is danger that the travel speed rises suddenly. To prevent this, lower the travel speed. q If the machine moves with only either side of the blade loaded, its tail may swing.
Take care. TRAVELING ON SLOPES To prevent the machine from tipping over or slipping to the side, always do as follows. q Keep the work equipment approx. 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) above the ground. In case of emergency, lower the work equipment to the ground immediately to help stop the machine. q Always travel straight up or down a slope. Traveling at an angle or across the slope is extremely dangerous. q Do not turn on slopes or travel across slopes. Always go down to a flat place to change the position of the machine, then travel on to the slope again. q Travel on grass, fallen leaves, or wet steel plates with low speed. Even with slight slopes there is a hazard that the machine may slip.
q When traveling down a slope, always place the transmis- sion in low speed and travel down the slope slowly. q When traveling downhill, never shift gear or place the transmission at neutral. It is dangerous not to use the braking force of the engine. Always place the transmission in a low gear before starting to travel downhill. USING BRAKES q When the machine is traveling, do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. If you travel with your foot resting on the pedal, the brake will always be applied, and this will cause the brakes to overheat and fail. q Do not depress the brake pedal repeatedly if not necessary.
If this is neglected, the brake will be overheated and will not work when required. q When traveling downhill, use the braking force of the engine. If necessary, use the brake pedal at the same time. 2-21