Slope Safety
•
Operate the machine up and down slopes with
the heavy end of the machine uphill.
Weight
distribution changes with attachments. An empty
load-bearing attachment makes the rear of the
machine the heavy end, and a full load-bearing
attachment makes the front of the machine the
heavy end. Most other attachments make 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.
•
Evaluate the area to ensure that the ground is
stable enough to support the machine.
•
Use caution when operating the machine near the
following:
– Drop-offs
– Ditches
– Embankments
– Bodies of water
The machine could suddenly roll over if a track
or tire 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.
Forks Safety
•
Always lower the attachment and shut off the
machine each time you leave the operating
position.
•
Clean any dirt or debris that may hinder connecting
the attachment to the machine. Ensure that the
attachment-locking pins are fully seated in the
holes of the attachment-mount plate. Refer to the
Operator’s Manual
for the machine for detailed
information on safely connecting an attachment to
your machine.
•
When lifting the attachment keep it level and
prevent the load from spilling backward.
•
Inspect the forks for damage after each use.
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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