Altrad Belle PCX 17/50A, Operator'S Manual

Page: 18 / 198

18
Pre-start Checks
Health & Safety
Vibration
Some vibration from the trowelling operation is transmitted through the handle to the operator’s hands. Refer to speci ¿ cations & techni-
cal data for vibration levels and usage times (recommended maximum daily exposure time). DO NOT exceed the maximum usage
times.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
Suitable PPE must be worn when using this equipment i.e. Safety Goggles, Gloves, Ear Defenders, Dust Mask and Steel Toe capped
footwear (with anti-slip soles for added protection). Wear clothing suitable for the work you are doing. Always protect skin from contact
with concrete.
Dust.
The compaction process can produce dust, which may be hazardous to your health. Always wear a mask that is suited to the type of
dust being produced.
Fuel.
Do not ingest fuel or inhale fuel vapors and avoid contact with your skin. Wash fuel splashes immediately. If you get fuel in your eyes,
irrigate with copious amounts of water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Exhaust Fumes.
Do not operate your ‘PCX 17/50A’ indoors or in a con ¿ ned space, make sure the work area is adequately ventilated.
Pre start-up inspection.
The following Pre-start-up inspection must be performed before the start of each work
session or after every four hours of use, whichever is
¿ rst. Please refer to the service
section for detailed guidance. If any fault is discovered, the ‘PCX 17/50A’ must not be used until
the fault is recti
¿ ed.
1. Thoroughly inspect the ‘PCX 17/50A’ for signs of damage. Make sure that the belt guard is secure before using the machine.
2. Check hoses,
¿ ller openings, drain plugs and any other areas for signs of leakage. Fix any leaks before operating.
3. Check the engine oil level and top up as necessary.
4. Check the engine fuel level and top up as necessary.
5. Check for fuel and oil leaks.
Operating Instructions
The exhaust fumes produced by this equipment are highly toxic and can kill! WARNING
• Take the compactor to where it is required.
Where it is necessary to use lifting equipment to position the ‘PCX 17/50A’, make sure the lifting equipment has a WLL (Working
Load Limit) suitable for the ‘PCX 17/50A’s weight (see Technical Data section or machine serial plate). Attach suitable chains or
slings ONLY to the lifting point on the top of the ‘PCX 17/50A’.
• NEVER leave the engine running whilst transporting or moving the ‘PCX 17/50A’, even if it is only a short distance.
• Having carried out the checks listed in the ‘pre start’ section, you may start the engine.
The Altrad Belle ‘PCX 17/50A’ range of compactors are ¿ tted with a centrifugal clutch, this allows the engine to run at idle without
driving the vibrator. As the engine speed is increased the clutch will engage and will drive the vibrator. For correct operation, the
engine speed should be set to maximum.
• Set the throttle to maximum and use the control handle to steer or turn the ‘PCX 17/50A’.
The vibrator will not only cause the baseplate to vibrate but will also cause it to travel forward. During normal operation you
should not have to push the ‘PCX 17/50A’ but allow it to travel at its own pace. The speed of travel will be determined by the
condition of the surface being compacted. If the surface to be compacted is on a slope, great care must be taken when controlling
the ‘PCX 17/50A’s direction of travel. If necessary, use a suitable rope attached to the ‘PCX 17/50A’ at a low point on the chassis, to
allow a helper to take part of the ‘PCX 17/50A’s weight. Work up and down a slope not across.
• Work the ‘PCX 17/50A’ over the surface in an organized pattern until the required compaction has been achieved.
Where there are a number of different layers to be compacted on top of each other, compact each layer individually.