SAFETY
Safety - 13
General Safety Procedures
for Ventrac Tractors, Attachments, & Accessories
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 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 surface and loose ground will reduce the degree of safety. Do not drive where
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 machine with attachment lowered or close to the ground to improve stability.
• While operating on slopes, drive in an up and down direction when possible. If turning is necessary
while driving across slopes, reduce speed and turn slowly in the downhill direction.
• Assure a suf
fi
cient supply of fuel for continuous operation. A minimum of one-half tank of fuel is recommended.
Roadway Safety
• Operate with safety lights when operating on or near roadways.
• Obey all state and local laws concerning operation on roadways.
• Slow down and be careful of traf
fi
c when operating near or crossing roadways. Stop before crossing
roads or sidewalks. Use care when approaching areas or objects that may obscure vision.
• If there is doubt of safety conditions, discontinue machine operation until a time when
operation can be performed safely.
• When operating near or on roadways, have a Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem clearly
displayed.
Truck Or Trailer Transport
• Use care when loading or unloading machine into a truck or trailer.
• The parking brake is not suf
fi
cient to lock the machine during transport. Always secure the power unit
and/or attachment to the transporting vehicle.
• Shut off fuel supply to power unit during transport on truck or trailer.
• If equipped, turn the battery disconnect switch to the Off position to shut off electrical power.
