Kubota M4N-071, Operator'S Manual

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5. Operating on slopes
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution.
• To avoid upsets, always back up steep slopes. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy
on it, do not operate on it. Stay off slopes too steep
for safe operation.
• Driving forward out of a ditch, mired condition or up
a steep slope increases the risk of rear rollovers.
Always back out of these situations. Extra caution is
required with 4-wheel drive models because their
increased traction can give the operator false
confidence in the tractor's ability to climb slopes.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed, direction or
braking, nor make sudden motions with the steering
wheel.
• Avoid disengaging the clutch or changing gears
when climbing or going down a slope. If on a slope,
disengaging the clutch or changing gears to neutral
could cause the loss of control.
• Special attention should be paid to the weight and
location of implements and loads as such will affect
the stability of the tractor.
• To improve stability on slopes, set the widest
possible wheel tread.
(See TIRES, WHEELS AND BALLAST on page
87.)
Follow the recommendations for proper ballasting.
• To avoid free wheeling:
– Do not shift the shuttle lever while on a slope.
– Stop completely by using the brakes and by
depressing the clutch pedal, then shift the
shuttle lever.
– Start off after selecting shuttle direction, by
releasing the clutch pedal.
• When driving down a slope, ensure that 4-wheel
drive is engaged to increase traction and braking
efficacy (if equipped).
6. Driving the tractor on the road
• Lock the 2 brake pedals together to help assure
straight-line stops. Uneven braking at road speeds
could cause the tractor to tip over.
(1) Brake pedal (LH)
(2) Brake pedal (RH)
(3) Brake pedal lock (A) Whenever traveling on the
road
• Check the front-wheel engagement. The braking
characteristics are different between 2 and 4-wheel
drive. Be aware of the difference and use carefully.
• Always slow down the tractor before turning.
Turning at high speed may tip over the tractor.
• Make sure that the slow moving vehicle (SMV) sign
is clean and visible. Use hazard lights and turn
signals as required.
(1) SMV emblem (2) Bracket
• On public roads use the SMV emblem and hazard
lights, if required by local traffic and safety
regulations.
• Observe all local traffic and safety regulations.
• Turn the headlights on. Dim them when meeting
another vehicle.
• Drive at speeds that allow you to maintain control at
all times.
• Do not apply the differential lock while traveling at
road speeds. The tractor may run out of control.
• Avoid sudden motions of the steering wheel as they
can lead to a dangerous loss of stability. The risk is
especially great when the tractor is traveling at road
speeds.
• Keep the ROPS in the upright position and wear the
seat belt when driving the tractor on the road.
Otherwise, you will not be protected in the event of
a tractor roll-over.
SAFE OPERATION
10
M4N-071, M5N-091, M5N-111