Komatsu D31EX-21, Operation & Maintenance Manual, Page: 40 / 256

PRECAUTIONS FOR OPERATION
SAFETY
2-22
q
Avoid traveling over obstacles when possible. If the
machine has to travel over an obstacle, keep the work
equipment close to the ground and travel at low speed.
Never travel over obstacles which make the machine tilt
strongly to one side.
q
When traveling or carrying out operations, always keep a
safe distance from people, structures, or other machines to
avoid coming into contact with them.
q
When passing over bridges or structures, check first that
the structure is strong enough to support the weight of the
machine. When traveling on public roads, check first with
the relevant authorities and follow their instructions.
q
When operating in tunnels, under bridges, under electric
wires, or other places where the height is limited, operate
slowly and be extremely careful not to let the work equip-
ment hit anything.
q
Do not approach the edge of a cliff carelessly. When dropping soil over a cliff for banking or reclamation, leave
soil of one scoop at the edge of the cliff and push it with the next scoop.
q
When the machine passes over the top of a hill or when a load is dumped over a cliff, the load is suddenly
reduced, and there is danger that the travel speed rises suddenly. To prevent this, lower the travel speed.
q
If the machine moves with only either side of the blade loaded, its tail may swing. Take care.
TRAVELING ON SLOPES
To prevent the machine from tipping over or slipping to the side, always do as follows.
q
Keep the work equipment approx. 20 to 30 cm above the
ground. In case of emergency, lower the work equipment to
the ground immediately to help stop the machine.
q
When traveling down a slope, always place the transmis-
sion in low speed and travel down the slope slowly.
q
Always travel straight up or down a slope. Traveling at an
angle or across the slope is extremely dangerous.
q
Do not turn on slopes or travel across slopes. Always go
down to a flat place to change the position of the machine,
then travel on to the slope again.
q
Travel on grass, fallen leaves, or wet steel plates with low
speed. Even with slight slopes there is a hazard that the
machine may slip.
USING BRAKES
q
Use the deceleration pedal or speed shift switch to adjust the speed. If the brake pedal is suddenly
depressed, the mechanical brake is applied to stop the machine suddenly, but this is dangerous if the machine
is traveling too fast.
q
When traveling downhill, set the travel speed to a low speed and use the engine as a brake.