12. OPERATION 12.12 PRECAUTIONS WHEN TRAVELLING UP OR DOWN HILLS 1) When travelling down steep hills, keep the travel speed low. When travelling down slopes of more than 15 o , set the work equip- ment in the posture shown in the figure on the right, and lower the engine speed. 2) When travelling up a steep hill of more than 15 o , set the work equip- ment in the posture shown in the diagram on the right. PC450-ENG 2-70 WARNING • When travelling, raise the bucket approx. 20 - 30 cm (8 -12 in) from the ground. Do not travel downhill in reverse. • When travelling over ridges or other obstacles, keep the work equipment close to the ground and travel slowly.
• It is dangerous to turn on slopes or to travel across slopes. Always go down to a flat place to perform these operations. It may be longer, but it will ensure safety. • If the machine starts to slide or loses stability, lower the bucket immediately and brake the machine. • Turning or operating the work equipment when working on slopes may cause the machine to lose its balance and turn over, so avoid such operations. It is particularly dangerous to swing downhill when the bucket is loaded. If such operations have to be carried out, pile soil to make platform on the slope so that the machine can be kept hori- zontal when operating.
• Do not travel on slopes of over 30o as there is danger that the machine may overturn.