Gehl 503Z, Operator'S Manual, Page: 79 / 132

918070/FP0811 3-33 Printed in U.S.A.
DO NOT
jam bucket into the ground and use machine
weight to provide additional breakout force.
When working on soft or muddy ground, be sure that
the machine is not sinking.
DO NOT
use the bucket as a hammer or ramming
device.
Figure 3-40 Machine Position for Excavating
Operating on Slopes
Operating on a slope is hazardous. It is recommended
to level the work area as shown in Figure 3-41. If this is
not possible, use the following guidelines:
Figure 3-41 Level Work Area on Slope
• Travel straight up and down slopes; never travel
across the slope. See Figure 3-39. Extend arm and
lower boom to keep the bucket about 12” (305 mm)
off the ground. If the machine starts to slide or
becomes unstable, lower the bucket to regain con-
trol. If the engine stalls, lower the bucket, be sure
that all controls are in the neutral position and restart
the engine.
• When traveling down a slope, put the machine in the
position shown in Figure 3-42, control the speed with
the travel levers and the throttle controls, and reduce
engine RPM.
Figure 3-42 Travel Down Slope
• To achieve the best stability while excavating, lower
the dozer blade to the ground.
• Operate as slowly as possible and avoid sudden
changes in direction.
• Avoid traveling over objects such as rocks, trees,
stumps, etc.
• Stop the machine travel before moving the bucket or
dozer controls.
• Slow the work cycle. Take your time.
IMPORTANT
When digging at maximum excavation
depth, BE SURE that the dozer blade does
not contact the boom cylinder. Damage to
the boom cylinder may occur if it contacts
the dozer blade.
WARNING
• Do not travel up or across a slope
steeper than 15°. Do not travel down a
slope steeper than 25°. Keep boom cen-
tered while traveling.
• Keep attachments as low as possible
when traveling on slopes or rough ter-
rain.