SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OPERATING THE ATTACHMENTS Check the work area for hazardous conditions. Be alert for soft ground conditions, especially when working on slopes, near dropoffs or excavations or on fill material, which could lead to sudden tipping of the machine. DO NOT swing a load over the heads of other workers or a truck cab. If the loader begins to tip over because of an overload, IMMEDIATELY lower the bucket to regain stability. Keep the work area free from obstructions and as smooth as possible. There in no substitute for good judgment when working on a slope. Slope operation should be limited by ground and traction conditions, the load being carried and the speed of the machine.
Know the locations of underground cables, water mains, gas lines, etc. A broken gas line or electrical cable could cause personal injury or death. NEVER operate sideways on a steep slope because a rollover and serious injury could result. Avoid operating too close to an overhang, deep ditch or excavation because the machine’s weight and vibration may cause the edge to collapse and result in personal injury. If this cannot be avoided, use extra caution and face the machine toward the edge while operating. Using the loader to carry large objects which do not fii into the bucket is NOT recommended.
Handling large objects can be extremely dangerous because the objects may roll or slide down the lift arms onto the operator. NEVER lift large objects higher than the operator unless the machine has a device which prevents the objects from falling back onto the operator. Avoid undercutting high banks because the bank may cave in. Ramp up and remove the top layers first. Trucks should be loaded from the driver’s side whenever possible. When the truck is being loaded, be sure the driver either stays in the cab (on cab- protected trucks) or away from the truck and loader. When pushing over trees, the machine must have approved operator protection.
Back away immediately when the tree starts to fall. Use extreme care when pushing over trees with dead branches which may fall. To reduce the chance of machine upset, never allow the machine to climb up the root structure. When loading trucks, be careful not to hit the truck with the loader or its bucket. Use extra caution when moving with the bucket raised to minimize the chance of machine upset. PULLING/TOWING kinking. Do not pull with a kinked chain or cable because the high stresses could cause a failure in the kinked area. Wear heavy gloves when handling chain or cable.
When using a chain or cable, be sure it is strong enough for the expected load and properly secured to the drawbar pin. For your safety, never push or tow a disabled machine farther than absolutely necessary to load it onto a truck. When pulling with a chain or cable, take up the slack slowly to avoid jerking. A chain or cable which fails under load can whip and cause serious injury. STAND CLEAR. DO NOT PULL OR TOW UNLESS THE OPERATOR’S COMPARTMENT IS GUARDED AGAINST OR OUT OF REACH OF A WHIPPING CHAIN OR CABLE. Hitch only to the drawbar pin. Machine upset can result if pulling from the wrong location.
When pulling, position the machine so that the chain or cable aligns with the long axis of the machine. Inspect chains and cable for flaws before using. Avoid 1-6