SAFETY
Safety - 9
General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Power Units, Attachments, & Accessories
• Keep people and pets out of the working area.
• Know the work area well before operation. Do not operate where traction or stability is questionable.
• Reduce speed when you are operating over rough ground.
• Equipment can cause serious injury and/or death
when improperly used. Before operating, know and understand the operation and safety of the power unit
and the attachment being used.
• Do not operate the machine if you are not in good physical and mental health, if you will be distracted by
personal devices, or if you are under the influence of any substance which might impair your decisions,
dexterity, or judgment.
• Children are attracted to machine activity. Be aware of children and do not allow them in the work area.
Turn off the machine if a child enters the work area.
Keep Riders Off
•
Only allow the operator on the power unit. Keep riders off.
• Never allow riders on any attachment or accessory.
Operating On Slopes
• Slopes can cause loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Be familiar
with the emergency parking brake, along with the power unit controls and their functions.
• If the power unit is equipped with a fold down roll bar, it must be locked in the upright position when operating
on any slope.
• Use low range (if equipped) when operating on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Do not stop or start suddenly when operating on slopes.
• Never shift between high and low range while on a slope. Always move the power unit to level ground and
engage the parking brake before shifting range or placing the power unit in neutral.
• Variables such as wet surfaces and loose ground will reduce the degree of safety. Do not drive where the
machine could lose traction or tip over.
• Keep alert for hidden hazards in the terrain.
•
Stay away from drop-offs, ditches, and embankments.
• Sharp turns should be avoided when operating on slopes.
• Pulling loads on hills decreases safety. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to determine loads that
can safely be controlled on slopes.
• Transport the machine with the attachment lowered or close to the ground to improve stability.
• While operating on slopes, drive in an up and down direction whenever possible. If turning is necessary
while driving across slopes, reduce your speed and turn slowly in the downhill direction.
•
Ensure a sufficient supply of fuel for continuous operation. A minimum of one-half tank of fuel is recommended.
