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4.Safety
•
Never jump off the machine. Never get on or off a moving machine. Always
leave the machine while facing the machine using the steps and hand-holds.
See chapter "Operation".
Provision for Stability / Avoiding Rollover Accidents
•
Machine stability is affected by: the weight and center of gravity of the load
being carried, height of the load, machine speed, turn angle, width of the
machine across the tires, abrupt control movements and driving over uneven
and/or soft terrain. DISREGARDING ANY OF THESE FACTORS CAN
CAUSE THE MACHINE TO TIP, THROWING THE OPERATOR OUT OF THE
SEAT OR MACHINE, RESULTING IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. Do not
exceed the machine's rated operating capacity, especially when turning,
because this reduces the load that will cause the machine to tip over. Carry the
load low, and operate at speeds appropriate for the conditions.
•
Operate the controls smoothly to prevent jerking or bouncing. Operate on
level, stable surfaces. Load, unload and turn on solid, level ground.
•
Drive up and down inclines, not across them. Drive slowly on inclines. Keep
the heavy end of the machine pointed uphill.
•
Evenly distribute the load on the attachment. Secure unstable loads so they do
not shift or fall.
•
Do not make sharp turns on inclines. Avoid steep inclines.
•
Use care on loose ground. Loose, soft ground or uneven, broken terrain can
cause dangerous side-load conditions and possible tip over and injury.
•
If you must drive across railroad tracks, ditches, curbs or similar surfaces,
cross straight up and down the slopes and drive slowly.
•
Stay away from steep edges on loading docks, ramps, ditches, retaining walls
and trenches.
•
Avoid sharp turns and high speeds while carrying loads. The stability of the
machine is greatly reduced during sharp turns. Additionally, the load may shift
to the side during turns, greatly increasing the possibility of a rollover.
•
When unloading trucks or lifting loads off elevated surfaces, approach the load
straight ahead and back straight away with the load. Slowly lower the load to
the lowest possible transport position before turning.
•
To avoid tipping, keep loads as low as possible during transport and while turn-
ing. Keep the bottom of the bucket or load no higher than wheel axle height
during transport and turning.
•
Do not turn the machine when lifting loads. As loads are lifted, a drastic shift in
stability can occur, which can greatly increase the possibility of a tip-over or
rollover.
•
Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure.
•
If the machine becomes unstable and starts to tip, keep the seat belt fastened,
hold on firmly and brace yourself. Lean away from the point of impact and stay
with the machine. If tipping occurs, DO NOT jump from the machine. The
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