8
HILLSIDE (SLOPE) OPERATION
WARNING: Improper operation of
your tractor on hillsides and slopes
can be dangerous. Avoid improper
operation! Read and follow the
instructions given in the section titled
“Hillside Operation” in this manual
before operating your tractor.
Avoid operating tractor on hillsides and slopes. To
minimize the possibility of accidents while operating on
hills and/rough terrain, obey a combination of rules,
practices and good common sense.
These include:
1. Reading, understanding, and obeying all written
safety messages appearing on decals on the
machine and in operator’s manuals.
2. Learning from your operator’s manual and carefully
from EXPERIENCE how to operate your tractor
correctly. Know your tractor’s limitations.
3. Knowing the terrain on which you are operating
your tractor. There are terrain conditions on which
your tractor cannot be operated!
4. Learning to expect changes in operating con-
ditions. Adding or removing attachments or weight
to your tractor will make your tractor perform
differently. Rain, snow, loose gravel, wet grass,
etc., change the tractive conditions of the terrain
requiring changes in your operating technique or
not to operate on that terrain.
The following paragraphs will cover these practices
one at a time. Read and study them. The examples
provided are not all inclusive but will give you a firm
understanding of the requirements for avoiding ac-
cidents while operating your tractor.
THE OPERATOR IS THE SOLE JUDGE AS TO THE
DEGREE OF SLOPE ON WHICH THIS TRACTOR
CAN BE SAFELY OPERATED. IF IN DOUBT THAT
THIS TRACTOR CAN BE SAFELY OPERATED ON A
PARTICULAR SLOPE, DO NOT OPERATE ON THAT
SLOPE! COMMON SENSE MUST PREVAIL.
Read, Understand, Obey:
Safety messages are found on the tractor and in the
operator’s manuals. These must be understood by the
tractor operator to be of value. Be sure that these
messages are studied before starting and/or operating
the tractor by an operator not familiar with this
particular tractor.
Learn to Operate:
Learn your tractor’s controls from decals on the tractor
and from instructions in the operator’s manual. Practice
how to properly manipulate these controls. Practice
must be done in a flat area, clear of obstacles and
bystanders. Learn your tractor’s operating
characteristics and limitations. These include:
a.
amount of engine power available
b.
engine governor response
c. tractive
ability
d. steering
characteristics
e. braking
characteristics
f.
movement of travel lever
g.
forward and reverse ground speeds
h.
speed of attachment lift
I.
and others
Attempting any operation, which approaches or ex-
ceeds the tractor’s limitation is risking an accident.
Know the Terrain:
Know the terrain on which you are working. Find hidden
obstacles by walking through and inspecting the area
prior to operating your tractor on it. Mark obstacles,
such as, rocks, ruts or holes with a 6 ft. long pole and
red flag and stay well clear of these obstacles when
operating.
Operate your tractor at a ground speed slow enough to
insure complete control at all times.
Place the transmission in low gear and regulate the
throttle control lever slowly and smoothly to maintain
this safe speed. Do not stop on a hill or slope to change
gears.
Always drive in a forward direction when proceeding
downhill. Never drive up a hill. If necessary, back up a
hill to the desired position. Always back up loading
ramps and tilt bed trailers. If necessary to turn while on
a hill, always turn downward.
Your judgment, based on operating experience is the
final word in deciding if you should negotiate any given
hill or slope. If you are in doubt about safety, STAY OFF
THE SLOPE.
Under no circumstances should an inexperienced
operator attempt to use your tractor on slopes or
hillsides.
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