ROPA KS 475, Translation Of The Original Operating Manual

Page: 67 / 110

Operation
Road travel
6.6 Road travel
6.6.1 General
The machine is classified as a towed agricultural machine within the territory of the
European Union. This type of vehicle is subject to very specific regulations and condi-
tions which may differ between countries. Differences are also possible within a coun-
try in the individual conditions established by the respective competent road traffic
authorities. In any case, the operator must make sure that the machine is furnished
with the regionally required safety equipment and devices, e.g. warning triangle, warn-
ing lights on the tractor etc. and that these devices are always carried in functional
condition.
ADVICE
ROPA expressly wants to point out that the driver and owner of the machine are
always alone responsible for compliance with the respective regulations and condi-
tions of the competent road traffic authorities.
Generally applicable for the Federal Republic of Germany:
Driving on public roads is only permitted with the end tow kit and road lighting.
Before driving on public roads:
– the machine must be coupled to a suitable towing vehicle as described in the chap-
ter "Coupling the machine" (
See Page 59
);
– the two support wheels must be set at the same height, thereby make sure that
ground clearance is sufficient;
– the optional firming wheels must be folded into the transport position and secured;
– check the operating and traffic safety of the machine;
– the machine must be sufficiently cleaned.
Further requirements for operating the machine:
Before driving on public roads and paths, the machine must be cleaned so far that:
the gross weight is not exceeded;
all warning signs are visible;
all direction indicators and lighting devices are clean and functional;
stones, earth or vegetation cannot fall off the machine and affect other traffic.
As a towed agricultural machine with a maximum speed of 25 km/h the machine must
neither be registered nor carry the registration plates. Furthermore, the machine must
be insured against damage from vehicle owners‘ third-party liability according to the
locally applicable regulations.
The following conditions must always be fulfilled:
A guide giving the directions required for safe driving of the vehicle to the driver
must always be used, if otherwise safe driving of the vehicle (for instance at inter-
sections and road junctions, when backing up, or in case of unfavourable weather
conditions) cannot be ensured.
Only persons familiar with the vicinity, experienced and reliable may be used as
driver and accompanying personnel (guide).
The vehicle may only be moved on public roads and paths by drivers having
the required and valid driver's license. Besides the valid driver's licence, the dri-
ver must also carry originals of the general type approval of the machine and, if
required, the existing and valid exemption permit.
Safety vests, first aid kit and warning triangle must be be carried in the tractor.
The vehicle owner or his representative have to instruct each driver before begin-
ning a working period about his special obligation for safe driving of the vehicle.
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