TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE ON ANOTHER VEHICLE 4. TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE ON ANOTHER VEHICLE 4.1 LOADING AND UNLOADING Loading and unloading the machine onto and off another vehicle always involves some element of danger. Take the greatest care throughout these operations. Only perform loading and unloading operations on firm, level ground. Keep well away from the edges of ditches and roads. If the vehicle which is to transport the machine is not specially equipped for loading and unloading, place supporting blocks underneath the ramps to prevent them bending. D00801 Ramps Always block the wheels of the transporting vehicle with wedges.
Only use ramps which are wide enough for the purpose and which are capable of withstanding the weight of the machine. Position the ramps parallel to each other and perpendicular to the edge of the loading platform. Make sure that the ramps are placed at the right distance for the machine’s track. Blocks Max.15° Blocks Make sure that the ramps are firmly attached to the loading platform. Only use ramp pairs of the same length. Position the ramps at a maximum angle of 15 ° . Make sure that there are no traces of oil, grease, earth, or ice on the ramps. Clean the dirt off the tracks before starting to negotiate the ramps. Load the machine with the bucket facing forward, i.e.
in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Do not correct steering on the ramps. If correction is required, reverse down off the ramps and re-align the machine before trying again. After loading, block the machine with wedges under the tracks and tie it down with cables or chains to prevent it swaying or moving sideways. 4.2 THE ROUTE Work out the route to be followed, taking into account the width, height, and weight of the transporting vehicle plus the machine. Make sure that the overall dimensions of the vehicle and load are compatible with the roads, tunnels, underpasses, bridges, power and tele- phone lines, etc. along the route.
Obey all laws and regulations governing the width, height, weight, and speed of heavy vehicles. 18