Kubota SIDEKICK RTV-XG850 Operator's Manual page 11

more horsepower,
Transmission (CVT) and a centrifugal clutch. As a
result, the drive engages quickly and the unit may
move or "jump" upon start up. Use caution when
starting out.
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. Do not allow children to
ride in the passenger's seat. 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. Operating on slopes
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution.
• Travel straight up or down hill.
• Reduce load when operating on hilly or over rough
terrain.
• Keep front wheels straight at crest of hill or going
over bumps.
• Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Be especially cautious when changing
direction on slopes.
• If vehicle stops or loses power going up a hill, lock
parking brake to hold vehicle on slope. Maintain
direction of travel and release brake slowly. Back
straight downhill while maintaining control. Do not
turn vehicle sideways. Vehicle is more stable in a
straight forward or rearward position.
• When riding on soft terrain, turn front wheels
slightly uphill to keep vehicle on a straight line
across the hill.
• If the vehicle begins to tip, turn front wheels
downhill to gain control before proceeding.
1. To avoid upsets, always back up steep slopes.
If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel
RTV-XG850
a Continuously Variable
SAFE OPERATION
uneasy on it, do not operate on it. Stay off
slopes too steep for safe operation.
2. Driving forward out of a ditch, mired condition or
up a steep slope increases the risk of a vehicle
to be upset backward. Always back out of these
situations. Extra caution is required with 4-
wheel drive mode because the increased
traction can give the operator false confidence
in the vehicle's ability to climb slopes.
3. Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed,
direction or apply brake and make sudden
motions of the steering wheel.
4. Special attention should be made to the weight
and location of implements and loads as such
will affect the stability of the vehicle.
5. Operation in inclement conditions
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial
light.
• Operate vehicle in an open, unobstructed area.
• Use helmet and/or protective gear as appropriate or
required for the operating conditions.
• Reduce speed according to trail, terrain and
visibility conditions.
• Never drive exceeding the limit of visibility. Slow
down near crest of hill until getting a clear view of
the other side.
• Stay alert for holes, rocks and other hidden hazards
in the terrain.
• Never cross any body of water where depth may be
unknown to the operator (Deep water is considered
anything in excess the bottom edge of the axle
cap). Choose a course within the waterway where
both banks have a gradual incline. Cross at a point
known to be safe.
6. Driving the vehicle at high speeds
• Check the front wheel engagement. The braking
characteristics are different between 2 and 4 wheel
drive. Be aware of the difference and use carefully.
• Always slow the vehicle down before turning.
Turning at high speed may tip the vehicle over.
• Turn the headlights on. Dim them when meeting
another vehicle.
• Drive at speeds that allow you to maintain control at
all times.
• Do not apply the differential lock while traveling at
high speeds. Locking the differential affects vehicle
control and may cause loss of control.
• Avoid sudden motions of the steering wheel as they
can lead to a dangerous loss of stability. The risk is
especially great when the vehicle is traveling at
high speeds.
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