Kubota RTV520 Operator's Manual page 10

SAFE OPERATION
OPERATING THE VEHICLE
Operator safety is a
specifically with respect to overturning hazards,
entails understanding the equipment and environmental
conditions at the time of use.
Some prohibited uses which can affect overturning
hazards include traveling and turning with implements
and/or loads carried too high. This manual sets forth
some of the obvious risks, but the list is not, and cannot
be, exhaustive. It is the operator's responsibility to be
alert for any equipment or environmental condition that
could compromise safe operation.
1. Starting to operate the vehicle
• Always sit in the operator's seat when starting
engine or operating levers or controls.
• Before starting the engine, make sure that the
range gear shift is in "NEUTRAL" position, that the
parking brake is engaged.
• Do not start engine by shorting across starter
terminals or bypassing the safety start switch. The
vehicle may start in gear and move if normal
starting circuitry is bypassed.
• Be sure that the operator (and passenger) are
properly positioned and seat belts are appropriately
fastened.
• Do not operate or idle engine in a non-ventilated
area. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless,
and deadly.
2. Operating the vehicle
• Do not wear headphones while operating.
• Pull only from the trailer hitch (if equipped). Never
hitch to axle housing or any other point except
trailer hitch; such arrangements will increase the
risk of serious personal injury or death due to a
vehicle upset.
(1) Trailer hitch (if equipped)
• Keep all shields and guards in place. Replace any
shields or guards that are missing or damaged.
6
priority. Safe operation,
• Avoid sudden starts. To avoid rollovers, slow down
when turning, on uneven ground, and before
stopping.
• The vehicle cannot turn with the differential locked
and attempting to do so could be dangerous.
• Do not operate near ditches, holes, embankments,
or other ground surface features which may
collapse under the vehicle's weight. The risk of
vehicle upset is even higher when the ground is
loose or wet.
• Watch where you are going at all times. Watch for
and avoid obstacles. Be alert at row ends, near
trees, and other obstructions.
• When working in groups, always let the others
know what you are going to do before you do it.
• Never try to get on or off a moving vehicle.
• Do not stand between vehicle and trailer unless
parking brake is applied.
3. Safety for children
Tragedy can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children generally are attracted to
vehicles and the work they do.
• Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
• Keep children out of the work area and under the
watchful eye of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and shut your vehicle down if children enter
the work area.
• Never carry children in the cargo bed. There is no
safe place for them to ride. No person under the
age of 5 may ride as a passenger in this vehicle.
A passenger under 5 years of age requires special
restraints which are not available with this vehicle.
• Never allow children to operate the vehicle even
under adult supervision.
• Never allow children to play on the vehicle or on the
implement.
• Use extra caution when backing up. Look behind
and down to make sure area is clear before
moving.
4. Avoiding crystalline silica (quartz)
dust
To avoid serious injury or death from silica dust:
• Avoid exposure to dust containing crystalline silica
particles.
This dust can cause serious injury to the lungs
(silicosis).
Because crystalline silica is a basic component of
sand and granite, many activities at construction
sites produce dust containing crystalline silica.
Trenching, sawing and boring of material containing
crystalline silica can produce dust containing
crystalline silica.
RTV520