Slope Safety
•
Operate the machine up and down slopes with
the heavy end of the machine uphill.
Weight
distribution changes with attachments. This
attachment makes the front of machine the heavy
end.
•
Keep the attachment in the lowered position
with the loader arms retracted when on slopes.
Raising the attachment or extending the loader
arms on a slope affects the stability of the machine.
•
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control
and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. Operating the machine on any
slope or uneven terrain requires extra caution.
•
Establish your own procedures and rules for
operating on slopes. These procedures must
include surveying the site to determine which
slopes are safe for machine operation. Always
use common sense and good judgment when
performing this survey.
•
Slow down and use extra care on hillsides. Ground
conditions can affect the stability of the machine.
•
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the
machine loses traction, proceed slowly, straight
down the slope.
•
Avoid turning on slopes. If you must turn, turn
slowly and keep the heavy end of the machine
uphill.
•
Keep all movements on slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or
direction.
•
If you feel uneasy operating the machine on a
slope, do not do it.
•
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps, as uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
•
Use caution when operating on wet surfaces.
Reduced traction could cause sliding.
•
Do not operate the machine near drop-offs,
embankments, or bodies of water. The machine
could suddenly roll over if a wheel or track goes
over the edge or the edge caves in. Maintain
a safe distance between the machine and any
hazard.
•
Do not remove or add attachments on a slope.
•
Do not park the machine on a hillside or slope.
Trencher Safety
•
Keep your hands, feet, and any other part of your
body or clothing away from moving teeth, auger,
or other parts.
•
Look behind and down before backing up to
ensure that the path is clear.
•
Stop the digging chain when you are not digging.
•
Always lower the attachment and shut off the
machine each time you leave the operating
position.
•
Clean soil from the trencher before transporting it.
Maintenance and Storage
Safety
•
Check fasteners at frequent intervals for proper
tightness to ensure that the equipment is in safe
operating condition.
•
Refer to the
Operator’s Manual
for important
details if you store the attachment for an extended
period of time
•
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels,
as necessary.
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