Safety
Safety
9
GE, GX Series
Backhoe
wires. Have an underground utility locating/marking service
survey the area before digging.
•
Keep boom and bucket away from overhead and
underground power lines and utilities. High-voltage power
lines can cause electrocution without direct contact.
•
Be sure machine is properly mounted, adjusted and in good
operating condition.
•
Follow the
Pre-operation Checklist
before starting work
Pre-operation Checklist on page 29)
.
•
If the backhoe is powered by the tractor / skid steer
hydraulic system, oil pressure and flow must be properly
matched. If a PTO drive is used, be sure speed is correct
and PTO shaft is properly shielded.
•
Never operate controls from the ground. Operate only from
the operator's seat to prevent unexpected boom movement
that can lead to crushing between frame members. Ensure
all control levers are in neutral or off position before
starting.
•
Keep all bystanders in the designated safe zone during
operation. Never carry, lift or move people on boom or
bucket.
•
Do not allow riders on this machine at any time. There is no
safe place for any riders.
•
Have an assistant on site to help you stay aware of
situations that may be dangerous. Have the assistant stay
in the designated safe zone, wearing bright, reflective
clothing.
•
Inspect and secure all guards before starting.
•
Before exiting the equipment, always lower the bucket to
the ground and engage the parking brake.
•
Operate the equipment at a speed that allows you maintain
control at all times. Drive slowly over rough terrain and
avoid obstacles.
•
Use extreme caution on inclines and edges where the
ground could give way.
•
Do not try to turn on a steep slope as this could result in a
roll-over.
•
Face the equipment when getting on and off. Maintain
3-point contact with steps and handrails.
•
Never operate this machine under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. Consult your doctor about using this machine
while taking prescription medications.
•
Do not dig under machine or stabilizers. A cave-in could
result causing the machine to fall into the excavation.
•
Do not exceed machine lift capacity. Overloading can cause
structural damage and lead to unsafe operating conditions.
•
Position backhoe so that loads extend directly behind
machine when lifting or placing heavy objects.
•
Do not walk or work under a raised machine or attachment
unless it is securely blocked or held in position. Do not
depend on the tractor hydraulic system to hold the load.
•
Keep stabilizers and front bucket on the ground to stabilize
the machine. Tractor wheels must be resting on the ground
during operation. Working with the wheels raised off the
ground could result in serious injury or death and may
cause damage to the machine.
•
Be careful operating the 3-point hitch or skid steer bucket/
loader controls if the backhoe is attached that way. It could
cause damage to the tractor subframe or skid steer tieback.
•
Train all new personnel and review instructions frequently
with existing workers. Be certain only a properly trained and
physically able person uses the machinery. A person who
has not read and understood all instructions is not qualified
to use the machine. An untrained operator can cause
possible serious injury or death.
•
If this machine is used by any other person, loaned or
rented, it is the owner's responsibility to make certain that
prior to using, every operator:
- has read and understands the instructions in the
operator's manual
- is instructed in safe and proper use of the equipment
- knows how to place the machine in a Safe Condition
(see next page)
