–
Watch for holes or other hidden hazards.
–
Use extra caution when operating the machine on
wet surfaces, in adverse weather conditions, at higher
speeds, or with a full load. Stopping time and distance
will increase with a full load.
–
Avoid sudden stops and starts. Do not go from
reverse to forward or forward to reverse without first
coming to a complete stop.
–
Slow down before turning. Do not attempt sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers or other unsafe driving
actions that may cause a loss of machine control.
–
When dumping, do not let anyone stand behind the
machine and do not dump the load on anyone's feet.
Release the tailgate latches from the side of the box,
not from behind.
–
Only operate the machine when the cargo box is
down and latched.
–
Before backing up, look to the rear and ensure that
no one is behind you. Back up slowly.
–
Watch out for traffic when you are near or crossing
roads. Always yield the right of way to pedestrians
and other machines. This machine is not designed for
use on streets or highways. Always signal your turns
or stop early enough so that other people know what
you plan to do. Obey all traffic rules and regulations.
–
The electrical system of the machine can produce
sparks capable of igniting explosive materials. Never
operate the machine in or near an area where there is
dust or fumes in the air which are explosive.
–
If you are ever unsure about safe operation, stop work
and ask your supervisor.
•
If the machine ever vibrates abnormally, stop immediately,
wait for all motion to stop, and inspect the machine for
damage. Repair all damage before commencing operation.
•
Before getting off the seat:
1.
Stop the movement of the machine.
2.
Set the parking brake.
3.
Turn the key to the Off position.
4.
Remove the key.
Note:
If the machine is on an incline, block the
wheels after getting off of the machine.
5.
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If
lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the area, do
not operate the machine; seek shelter.
Braking
•
Slow down before you approach an obstacle. This
gives you extra time to stop or turn away. Hitting an
obstacle can damage the machine and its contents. More
important, it can injure you and your passenger.
•
Gross machine weight (GVW) has a major impact on your
ability to stop and/or turn. Heavy loads and attachments
make a machine harder to stop or turn. The heavier the
load, the longer it takes to stop. Refer to Loading the
Cargo Box (page 21) for more information.
•
Decrease the machine speed if the cargo box has been
removed and there is no attachment on the machine. The
braking characteristics change and fast stops may cause
the rear wheels to lock up, which may affect the control
of the machine.
•
Turf and pavement are much more slippery when they
are wet. It can take 2 to 4 times as long to stop on wet
surfaces as on dry surfaces. If you drive through standing
water deep enough to get the brakes wet, they will not
work well until they are dry. After driving through water,
you should test the brakes to make sure they work
properly. If they do not, drive slowly while putting light
pressure on the brake pedal. This will dry the brakes out.
Operating on Hills
WARNING
Operating the machine on a hill may cause tipping
or rolling of the machine, or the batteries may run
low and you could lose headway on the hill. This
could result in personal injury.
•
Do not operate the machine on excessively steep
slopes.
•
Do not accelerate quickly or slam on the brakes
when backing down a hill, especially with a load.
•
If the batteries run low or you begin to lose
headway while climbing a hill, gradually apply
the brakes and slowly back straight down the
hill.
•
Operate the machine slowly on a hill and use
caution.
•
Avoid turning on a hill.
•
Reduce your load and the speed of the machine.
•
Avoid stopping on hills, especially with a load.
These extra cautions need to be taken when operating the
machine on a hill by performing the following:
•
Slow down before starting up or down a hill.
•
If the batteries run low or you begin to lose headway
while climbing a hill, gradually apply the brakes and slowly
back straight down the hill.
•
Turning while traveling up or down hills can be dangerous.
If you have to turn while on a hill, do it slowly and
cautiously. Never make sharp or fast turns.
•
Heavy loads affect stability. Reduce the weight of the load
and your speed when operating on hills or if the load has
a high center of gravity. Secure the load to prevent it from
shifting and take extra care when hauling loads that shift
easily (liquid, rock, sand, etc.).
•
Avoid stopping on hills, especially with a load. Stopping
while going down a hill will take longer than stopping
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