4
•
Check that the operator’s presence controls, safety
switches, and shields are attached and functioning
properly. Do not operate unless they are functioning
properly.
Operation
•
Never run an engine in an enclosed area.
•
Only operate in good light, keeping away from holes
and hidden hazards.
•
Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
engaged before starting the engine. Only start the
engine from the operator’s position.
•
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Be sure to
travel in the recommended direction on hillsides. Turf
conditions can affect the machine’s stability.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns and
when changing directions on slopes.
•
Never operate with the guards not securely in place.
Be sure all interlocks are attached, adjusted properly,
and functioning property.
•
Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
•
Stop on level ground, lower implements, disengage the
auxiliary hydraulics, engage parking brake, shut off
the engine before leaving the operator’s position for
any reason.
•
Keep hands and feet away from moving attachments.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of
a clear path.
•
Never carry passengers and keep pets and bystanders
away.
•
Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks.
•
Do not operate the machine under the influence of
alcohol or drugs
•
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a
trailer or truck
•
Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
•
Read all attachment manuals.
•
Ensure that the area is clear of other people before
operating the traction unit. Stop the traction unit if
anyone enters the area.
•
Never leave a running traction unit unattended.
Always lower the loader arm, stop the engine, set the
parking brake, and remove the key before leaving.
•
Do not exceed the rated operating capacity, as the
traction unit may become unstable which may result in
loss of control.
•
Do not carry a load with the arm raised. Always carry
loads close to the ground.
•
Do not over-load the attachment and always keep the
load level when raising the loader arm. Logs, boards,
and other items could roll down the loader arm,
injuring you.
•
Never jerk the controls; use a steady motion.
•
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
•
Do not touch parts which may be hot from operation.
Allow them to cool before attempting to maintain,
adjust, or service.
•
Check for overhead clearances (i.e. branches,
doorways, electrical wires) before driving under any
objects and do not contact them.
•
Before digging, have the area marked for underground
utilities, and do not dig in marked areas.
•
Locate the pinch point areas marked on the traction
unit and attachments and keep hands and feet away
from these areas.
Slope Operation
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.
•
Do not operate the traction unit on hillsides or slopes
exceeding the angles recommended in the Stability
Data section, page 10, and those in the attachment
operator’s manual. See also the slope chart on page 6.
•
Operate up and down slopes with the heavy end of
the traction unit uphill.
Weight distribution changes.
An empty bucket will make the rear of the traction
unit the heavy end, and a full bucket will make the
front of the traction unit the heavy end. Most other
attachments will make the front of traction unit the
heavy end.
•
Raising the loader arm on a slope will affect the
stability of the machine. Whenever possible, keep the
loader arm in the lowered position when on slopes.
•
Removing an attachment on a slope will make the rear
of the traction unit heavy. Refer to the Stability Data
section, page 10, to determine whether the attachment
can be safely removed on the slope.
•
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc. from
the work area. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps, as
uneven terrain could overturn the traction unit. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
