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Panther T14R - Operation and maintenance manual
SAFETY
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GENERAL SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
Read and understand all of the safety precautions and
warnings in this manual before performing operation
or maintenance. The following list contains the general
safety precautions that must be followed to provide
personal safety. Special safety precautions are
included in the procedures when they apply.
This manual is indispensable for the proper use of the
vehicle, and should be kept with the vehicle at all
times.
If the vehicle is equipped with a special device, read
and understand all of the safety precautions and warn-
ings in the manual of the equipment manufacturer
before performing operation or maintenance.
The following guidelines may help minimize hazards
associated with the use of tracked vehicles. Not all sit-
uations may apply since vehicle operation and config-
uration as well as topography vary considerably.
Operation
Visually inspect vehicle and check function of all
lighting equipment before operation.
Operator, and passenger if applicable, must be
completely within cab while vehicle is operating.
The vehicle is designed for one person per seat
inside the cab. No other passenger should be car-
ried by the vehicle.
Driver should have sufficient rest periods to remain
alert and focused while operating.
Sound volume of the radio should be kept low to
ensure operator hears audible signals or other
noises to stay aware of the work environment.
Do not operate vehicle when bystanders are in the
vicinity.
Never operate the vehicle except from operator's
seat.
Never bypass safety features. Never fasten the
seat belt directly on the seat to avoid wearing it.
Driver or passenger must not jump out of the vehi-
cle unless it has performed a complete stop and
brake is applied.
Maintain good visibility at all times. Keep windows
and mirrors clean, ensure windshield washer fluid
is available.
WARNING
Failure to observe the warnings and follow
instructions on the vehicle may result in serious
injury including death to the operator and/or
bystanders.
Operate at moderate speed. Avoid harsh and abu-
sive operation.
Always back-up the vehicle at walking speed to
compensate for reduced visibility.
Do not operate vehicle and equipment beyond its
rated capacity.
Avoid sharp turns whenever possible.
Never leave engine running while vehicle is unat-
tended. Shut off engine and remove key when
leaving vehicle.
The vehicle is heavy. Do not operate on frozen
bodies of water.
Bush or snow-covered terrain could conceal dan-
gerous obstacles. Proceed slowly and with caution.
Unless vehicle can safely descend as well as
ascend a slope, or an alternate descent path is
known, do not attempt a climb.
Small obstacles on steep slopes should always be
considered a hazard.
Swinging the vehicle upper frame
The upper section of the vehicle will extend beyond
the track width when swinging. Always check that
the surrounding area is clear before swinging the
upper section of the vehicle.
Check the inverted configuration icon and LED
before setting the vehicle in motion. The transmis-
sion lever and steering wheel operation could be
inverted.
Check the alignment indicator icon before setting
the vehicle in motion. It indicates that the upper
structure of the vehicle is aligned, or not aligned,
with the tracks.
Always raise the armrest when entering or leaving
the cab, to disable the joystick and prevent
unwanted manoeuvres. It is NOT possible to drive
the vehicle when the armrest is raised.
Turn off the joystick switch to prevent unwanted
manoeuvres. It is NOT possible to rotate the vehi-
cle and move the dump body when the switch is
off.
If installed, use the cameras and the monitor to
improve precision and safety.
Before turning off the engine, it is recommended
(not mandatory) to align the vehicle in the normal
configuration if it is possible/safe. It permits to use
the step when leaving the cab and start the vehicle
in the normal configuration for the next driver.
Dump body operation
Always dump the load of the dump body on a flat,
level and stable ground.