SAFETY RULES FOR ROAD TRAVEL Traveling with your machine may pose some hazards. When traveling, always travel in a safe manner and remain alert at all times. A safety-conscious operator is the most important insurance when traveling with the machine. The operator should be aware of the following situations and information. Travel Precautions Lock the work equipment control lever using the safety lock. If it is necessary to operate the work equipment control lever, stop the machine first, then operate the control lever. Obey all traffic rules when traveling on local and state roads. Always travel at a safe, controllable speed.
Never turn the key in the starting switch to the OFF position while traveling. It is dangerous if the engine stops when the machine is traveling because the steering becomes stiff and difficult to control. The danger is that this may cause a steering wheel malfunction and could lead to serious personal injury or death. If the engine stops, depress the brake pedal immediately to stop the machine. When traveling or carrying out operations, always keep a safe distance from people, structures, or other machines to avoid coming into contact with them. When passing over bridges or structures, check first that the structure is strong enough to support the weight of the machine.
When operating in tunnels, under bridges, under electric wires, or other places where the height is limited, operate slowly and be extremely careful not to let the machine body or work equipment hit anything. Avoid traveling over obstacles when possible. Do not travel over obstacles which make the machine tilt exceptionally to the left or right side. There is more danger of the machine tipping over to the left or right than tipping over to the front or rear. If the machine must travel over an obstacle, keep the work equipment close to the ground and travel at low speed.
When traveling on flat ground, keep the work equipment at a safe travel height (A) of 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) above the ground. If the work equipment is too close to the ground, the work equipment may contact the ground and cause the machine to tip over. When traveling on rough ground, travel at low speed and do not operate the steering suddenly. There is danger that the machine may turn over. The work equipment may hit the ground surface and cause the machine to lose its balance, or may damage the machine or structures in the area. Plan your route in advance. If necessary, obtain the aid of an escort to lead or prepare your travel route.
Do not exceed the permitted performance of the machine or the maximum permitted load for the structure of the machine, to prevent personal injury caused by damage to the work equipment or by the machine overturning due to overloading,. Never travel at high speeds. If you drive the machine at high speed continuously for a long time, the tires will overheat and the internal pressure will become abnormally high. This may cause the tires to burst. If a tire bursts, it produces a large destructive force; this may cause serious injury or death. Consult your Komatsu distributor regarding continuous travel.
When the machine is traveling on flat ground or down a slope, NEVER set the directional lever to the Neutral position. Always set it to a transmission speed range. If the transmission is at neutral, the engine brakes will not work and the steering becomes hard to control, creating a dangerous situation. It may also damage the transmission or other parts of the power train; this may lead to serious personal injury or death. 1-34 WA430-6