Kubota KX033-4 Operator's Manual page 11

2. OPERATING THE EXCAVATOR
Operator safety is a priority. Safe operation, 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 loads carried too high etc. 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.
C Starting
1. Mount and dismount the machine safely. Always face
the machine. Always use handrails and available
steps and keep yourself well balanced. Do not grab or
hold any of the control levers and switches. Do not
jump on or off the machine, whether stationary or in
motion.
2. Start and control the excavator only from the
operator's seat. The driver should not lean out of his
seat when the engine is running.
3. Before starting the engine, make sure that the lock
levers are in the "LOCKED" position and all control
levers and pedals are in their neutral positions and the
seat belt is fastened correctly.
Before starting the engine, make sure that the control
levers, travel lever, pedals and other control elements
are not stuck and can be moved smoothly.
If stuck, for example, a lever may fail to return, possibly
putting you in danger.
If anything wrong is found, immediately pinpoint the
cause and correct it.
4. Before operating the excavator, make sure that the
dozer blade is in front of you. If the levers are activated
with the dozer blade at the rear, the tracks will move in
the opposite direction of the drive levers.
C Working
1. Do not operate or idle engine in a non-ventilated area.
Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless, and
deadly. If you experience the initial symptoms of low to
moderate co poisoning, which include the following,
stop operation, seek medical attention and contact
your local dealer. These symptoms are: headache,
fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or dizziness.
2. Keep all safety equipment and covers in place.
Replace damaged or missing safety devices.
3. When operating, keep hands and body inside of the
ROPS / OPG (Top Guard Level I) protective envelope.
Do not touch or depress the control levers or the
pedals from outside the cab while the engine is
running.
4. Take precautions against tipping over. Stay away from
steep slopes and embankments. Do not swing the
bucket downhill. Lower the dozer blade when digging.
Keep the bucket as low as possible while driving uphill.
Turn slowly on slopes (at reduced speed). Do not
place the excavator near the edges of trenches and
banks, as the earth can give way due to the weight of
the excavator.
Never cross an incline horizontally or at an angle,
which can cause the machine to rollover. Approach
inclines vertically to avoid loss of control.
Avoid performing any work with the machine when it is
on an incline, which could cause it to become
unbalanced and rollover. Always take care when
moving the machine on an incline.
5. Watch where you are going at all times.
Watch for and avoid obstacles. Remain alert for trees,
wires and other obstructions.
6. Do not change direction on steep slopes, or the
excavator could tip over.
Before changing direction, beware of people in the
work area.
7. When the working light and CAB light alone do not
provide sufficient
stationary artificial lighting and observe safety rules for
night work.
SAFE OPERATION
visibility, prepare additional
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