OM3023 10/00 Operation - Section 3 Operating Instructions Page 3-9 HAULING RETARDER OPERATION 1. Always stay alert! If unfamiliar with the road, drive with extreme caution. During normal operation, the retarder control lever should be used to control the speed of the truck and to stop the truck instead of using the foot-operated service brake pedal. Use of this lever allows the operator to apply the REAR oil-cooled brakes only , thus extending the life of the front caliper disc pads while still maintaining maximum control of the truck.
The foot-operated brake pedal should be used when maneuvering in tight places, at the shovel and dump, and when quick stops or when severe braking is required . 2. Govern truck speed by the road conditions, weather and visibility. 3. Operate truck so it is under control at all times. 4. Use extreme caution when approaching a haul road intersection. Maintain a safe distance from oncoming vehicles. 5. Obey all road signs. 6. Always dim headlights when meeting oncoming vehicles. For better control under slippery road conditions, the optional front wheel brake cut-off switch may be turned on (if equipped). 7. Maintain a safe distance when following another vehicle.
Never approach another vehicle from the rear, in the same lane, closer than 15 m (50 ft). When operating on a down grade, stay at least 30 m (100 ft.) away. 1. Before starting down a grade, maintain a speed that will insure safe operation and provide effec- tive retarding under all conditions. 8. When operating truck in darkness or when visi- bility is poor, do not move truck unless head- lights are on. Do not back truck if back-up horn or lights are inoperative. 2.
When descending a grade with a loaded truck, the operator should adjust the speed of the truck , if necessary, to preselect a transmis- sion gear range , so that operation can be maintained within the speeds listed on the Retarding Capacity decal located inside the cab on the lower left corner of the front wind- shield. 9. When backing the truck, give back-up signal (three blasts on air horn); when starting forward, two blasts on air horn. These signals must be given each time the truck is moved forward or backward. 10. Do not stop or park on a haul road unless unavoidable.
If you must stop, move truck to a safe place, apply parking brake, shut down engine, block wheels securely and notify main- tenance personnel for assistance. 11. If the "Emergency Steering" light and/or "Low Air Pressure" warning light come on during opera- tion, steer the truck immediately to a safe stop- ping area, away from other traffic if possible. Refer to item 11 above. 12. Report haul road conditions immediately. Muddy or icy roads, pot holes or other obstructions can present hazards. 13. Cab doors should remain closed at all times while truck is in motion or unattended. 14. Check for flat tires periodically during shift.
If truck has been run on a "flat", it must not be parked in a building until the tire cools. Two lists are provided on the Retarding Capacity decal, one a continuous rating, and the second a short-length rating. Both lists are matched to the truck at maximum Gross Vehicle Weight.