Ditch Witch ST37x, Operator'S Manual

Page: 48 / 112

ST37x Operator’s Manual
Drive - 47
Drive
Safe Slope Operation
Operating safely on a slope depends upon many factors including:
• Distribution of machine weight, including front loading and absence of load
• Height of load
• Even or rough ground conditions
• Potential for ground giving way causing unplanned tilt forward, reverse or sideways
• Nearness of ditches, ruts, stumps or other obstructions and sudden changes in slope
• Speed
• Turning
• Braking performance
• Operator skill
These varying factors make it impractical to specify a maximum safe operating angle in this manual. It is
therefore important for the operator to be aware of these conditions and adjust operation accordingly.
Maximum engine angle and braking performance are two absolute limits which must never be exceeded.
These maximums are stated below since they are design limits.
These design limits usually exceed the
operating limits and must never be used alone to establish safe operating angle for variable
conditions.
Maximum engine lubrication angle – 20°
Maximum service brake retarding force – equal to traction of both tracks.
Maximum park brake holding force – equal to traction of one track.
Tipover possible. Machine can tip over and crush you.
To help avoid injury:
• Always operate with heavy end uphill.
• Drive cautiously at all times.
• Never jerk control levers. Use a steady even motion.
• Do not park unit on slope without lowering attachment to the ground,
returning all controls to neutral position, shutting down unit, and applying
parking brake.