Komatsu — 7.1 BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

WARNING:For reasons of safety, always follow these safety precautions. SAFETY 7. PRECAUTIONS DURING OPERATION 7.1 BEFORE STARTING ENGINE Before entering the operator’s compartment, walk completely around the machine and clear the area of personnel and obstructions. Before starting the engine, thoroughly check the area for any unusual conditions that could be dangerous. Before starting the engine, examine the terrain and soil conditions of the worksite. Determine the best and safest method of operation. If you need to operate on a street, protect pedestrians and cars by designating a person for worksite traffic duty or by installing barriers around the worksite.

If water lines, gas lines, telephone lines, and high-voltage electrical lines may be buried under the worksite, contact each utility and identify their locations. Be careful not to sever or cut any of these lines. Check the depth and flow of water before operating in water or crossing a river. NEVER be in water which is in excess of the permissible water depth. Permissible water depth See 12.11 PRECAUTION FOR OPERATION on page 2-65. Perform the following checks before starting the engine at the beginning of the days work. Failure to perform these checks may lead to serious injury or damage.

Completely remove all wood chips, leaves, grass, paper and other flammable materials accumulated in the engine compartment and around the battery. Check fuel, lubrication, and hydraulic systems for leaks, and have any leaks repaired. Wipe up any excess oil, fuel or other flammable fluids. Return all fuel containers to their proper place, remove all parts and tools from the operator’s compartment, and remove any dirt from the mirrors, handrails, and steps. Check points Check the coolant level, fuel level, and oil level in the engine oil pan, check for clogging of the air cleaner, and check for damage to the electric wiring.

Checks before starting Adjust the operators seat to a position where it is easy to carry out operations, and check for wear or damage to the seat belt and seat belt mounting equipment. Adjusting operators seat See 12.1.3 ADJUSTMENT BEFORE OPERATION on page 2-43. Handling seat belt Check that the gauges work properly, and check that the control levers are at the PARKING position. Method of checking operation of gauges See 12.1.4 OPERATIONS AND CHECKS BEFORE STARTING ENGINE on page 2-46. Remove all dirt from the surface of the window glass and lights to ensure good visibility.

Adjust the side mirror to a position which gives the best view from the operator’s seat, and clean the surface of the mirror. If the mirror glass is damaged, replace with a new part. Check that the front lamps and working lamps light up properly. If the results of the inspection show any abnormality, always carry out repairs. Before starting the engine, check that the safety lock is at the LOCK position. Be sure a fire extinguisher is present and check the method of using it. Do not operate the machine near any fire or flame. WA380-3MC 1-8 SAFETY AT WORKSITE BEFORE STARTING ENGINE