SAFETY PRECAUTIONS If the engine has a tendency to stall, investigate immediately. Do not operate the machine until the cause has been corrected. If noise exposure exceeds 90 dBA for eight hours, wear ear protective equipment. DRIVING THE MACHINE Carry the bucket low for maximum visibility and stability when traveling. Never shift the transmission into neutral (N) when traveling downhill. The machine could go out of control or the power train could be damaged when the transmission is shifted into gear again. Before operating in areas with overhead obstructions, carefully check overhead clearance.
Obstructions, such as guy wires, power lines, tree branches, bridges and building doors could cause a rollover accident. Do not overspeed the engine. Excessive speeds can be hazardous and harmful to the power train. Select the proper gear before starting downhill. Control speed with the brakes. Drive slowly enough to insure complete control. Slow down when traveling in congested areas or on mud, ice or other slippery surfaces. Keep a safe distance away from other vehicles, according to the load and ground conditions. Never use the bucket as a brake except in an emergency. It might catch on the ground and result in personal injury.
Avoid crossing obstacles, such as ridges, curbs, logs and rocks. If you cannot avoid them, reduce speed and cross at an angle. Ease up to the breakover point, pass the balance point slowly and ease down on the other side. If the main steering light comes on, IMMEDIATELY stop the machine in a safe place. Shut off the engine and apply the parking brake. Correct the cause before operating again. Cross ditches and gullies slowly and at an angle after checking that the ground will safely support the machine. If the brake system warning light or buzzer comes on during operation, IMMEDIATELY stop the machine in a safe place. Apply the parking brake. Correct the cause before operating again.
Avoid sidehill travel whenever possible. Drive straight up and down the hill. If the machine starts slipping sideways, turn downhill immediately. Know the traffic flow pattern of the job site. Obey flagmen, signs and signals. When traveling on hills with a loaded bucket, travel forward up the hill and in reverse down the hill. Give the right-of-way to loaded machines. On narrow or hilly roads, loaded machines should stay next to the high wall. Stop, look and listen before entering a highway. Stay on the right side of the road. Slow down and signal when turning off. Keep the machine as close to the side of the road as safely as possible to leave room for oncoming and passing vehicles.
When roading the machine, engage the hydraulic control lever lock to guard against accidental actuation of the levers. Personal injury could result if the bucket catches on a ledge in the road. Pass other vehicles only when the road is clear and the machine has enough distance and reserve power to pass. Do not use the transmission disconnect brake pedal when traveling fast or going downhill because this shifts the transmission into neutral. Loss of control or damage to the power train could result when the pedal is released and the transmission is re-engaged. l-5