OM3050 7/09 Operating Instructions - Section 30 Page 30-9 OPERATING ON THE HAUL ROAD 9. When operating the truck in darkness, or when visibility is poor, do not move the truck unless all headlights, clearance lights, and tail lights are on. Do not back up the truck if the back-up horn or lights are inoperative. Always dim the headlights when meeting oncoming vehicles. 1. Always stay alert! If you are unfamiliar with the road, drive with extreme caution. The cab doors should remain closed at all times if the truck is in motion or unattended. 2. Obey all road signs. Operate the truck so it is under control at all times. Govern the truck speed by the road conditions, weather, and visibility.
Report poor haul road conditions immediately. Muddy or icy roads, pot holes, or other obstructions can present hazards. 10. If the emergency steering and/or low brake pressure warning are activated during opera- tion, steer the truck immediately to a safe area away from other traffic, if possible, and stop the truck. Refer to Step 7. 3. Initial propulsion with a loaded truck should begin from a level surface whenever possible. If there are circumstances where starting on a hill or grade cannot be avoided, refer to Starting On a Grade With a Loaded Truck. 11. Check the tires for proper inflation periodically during your shift.
If the truck has been run on a "flat", or under-inflated tire, it must not be parked in a building until the tire cools. 4. When backing up the truck, give a back-up signal of three blasts on the horn. When starting forward, give two blasts on the horn. These signals must be given each time the truck is moved forward or backward. STARTING ON A GRADE WITH A LOADED TRUCK Initial propulsion with a loaded truck should begin from a level surface whenever possible. If there are circumstances when starting on a hill or grade cannot be avoided, use one of the following procedures: 5. Use extreme caution when approaching a haul road intersection. Maintain a safe distance from oncoming vehicles. 6.
Maintain a safe distance when following another vehicle. Never follow another vehicle in the same lane closer than 15 m (50 ft). When driving on a downgrade, this distance should be at least 30 m (100 ft). The truck is equipped with an anti-roll feature to assist on hill starts without any truck rollback. This feature automatically activates the brake lock solenoid if the truck is on an incline, engine running, and the directional control lever in forward or reverse position, and the truck is stationary. 7. Do not stop or park on a haul road unless it is unavoidable.
If you must stop, move the truck to a safe place, move the directional control lever to PARK and turn off the engine before leaving cab. Block the wheels securely and notify maintenance personnel for assistance. The brake lock solenoid will deactivate once the throttle pedal is depressed at least 50% and enough torque is built up to move the truck. 8. Before starting up or down a grade, maintain a speed that will ensure safe driving and provide effective retarding under all conditions. Refer to Dynamic Retarding in Section 32, Operator Cab And Controls.
The grade/speed retard chart in the operator's cab should always be referenced to determine the maximum safe truck speeds for descending various grades with a loaded truck.