Starting The Engine; Driving The Telehandler; Driving On Level Terrain; Driving On Slopes - Skyjack SJ643 TH Operating Manual

Section 5 – Operation

5.1 Starting the Engine

WARNING
Entering and exiting the telehandler must only be
done using the three points of contact method.
1. Enter cab and close door (if equipped).
2. Sit in the driver's seat and fasten seat belt.
WARNING
The seat belt must be worn at all times.
3. Ensure parking brake is on and gear selector in
neutral position.
4. To start the engine, turn the ignition switch to on
position. Turn the key to start position.

5.2 Driving the Telehandler

5.2-1 Driving on Level Terrain

WARNING
Be aware of blind spots when operating the
▪
telehandler.
Ensure that there are no personnel or
▪
obstructions in the path of travel, including
blind spots.
When traveling at high rate of speed, use front
▪
wheel steering mode.
Slow the telehandler prior to turning.
▪
Always look at the direction of travel.
▪
Travel in reverse only at slow rate of speed.
▪
Drive only as fast as conditions allow.
Keep attachment or load low (18 - 24 in) to
▪
the ground which gives the best visibility and
stability.
The telehandler is equipped with a powershift
transmission or a continuously variable transmission.
The transmissions have forward and reverse gears
and the powershft transmission has speed ranges
available in both directions.
1. Depress service brake pedal then lift and
move transmission control lever to the desired
direction of travel.
2. Release parking brake.
3. Select first gear (If equipped)
216201ADA
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4. Slowly release service brake pedal.
5. Depress accelerator pedal slowly to increase
speed.
6. If equipped with the Powershift transmission:
Twist the transmission hand grip to select higher
gear until the desired speed is reached. Select
appropriate gear for the task being performed.
Select lower gear when transporting load,
traveling through deep mud, rough terrain, or
slopes. Select higher gears only when traveling
long distances on smooth terrain without a load.
7. Always bring the telehandler to a complete stop
before changing the direction of travel.

5.2-2 Driving on Slopes

WARNING
Driving on slopes or inclines can be dangerous
and may result in forklift tip-over or loss of load.
Avoid excessively steep slopes or unstable
▪
surfaces. Do not drive across excessively
steep slopes under any circumstances.
Avoid turning on slopes, if at all possible.
▪
1. Keep load low and proceed with caution.
2. Reduce travel speed and downshift to a lower
gear (if available) before reaching a slope.
3. Ascend and descend slopes with the "heavy
end" of the telehandler pointing up the slope.
Without Load: When the telehandler has no
▪
load, the rear is considered the "heavy end."
Travel with the attachment pointed downhill.
With Load: When the telehandler is carrying a
▪
load, the front is considered the "heavy end."
Travel with the attachment pointed uphill.
Figure 22 Driving on a Slope
4. When driving across a slope, keep frame level.
Starting the Engine
SJ643 TH & SJ843 TH