Operating On Slopes; Uphill Operation; Downhill Operation - Bell B35E 6X6 ADT Operator's Manual

Operating on Slopes

An ADT can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Many of these applications present hazards related to
machine stability when operated in soft and/or slippery
conditions and/or on slopes. For this reason a risk
assessment must be performed on the use of the
machine per application. The risk assessment must be
done in accordance with the local governing and/or ISO
legislation. Whilst precautions have been taken to
optimize the performance and stability of the vehicle, the
risk assessment must identify and prioritise all
additional actions to be taken to treat, tolerate or transfer
the risks. When operating on slopes, the operator must
pay special attention to sliding and/or rolling hazards.
These hazards are dependent on site and operating
conditions. When operator is unsure of potential
hazards, a risk assessment must be done. The
differential locks should be engaged when operating at a
downhill or operating in ice or slippery conditions. This
will ensure maximum vehicle traction is achieved Full
use of the retarder shall be made before applying service
brakes.

Uphill Operation

If the machine is operating in full automatic mode,
transmission will select the correct gear for travel-
ling uphill.
1. When operating on slippery roads the inter-axle
differential lock must be applied to allow for
even traction on all the driving wheels.
2. The engine speed must be kept constant at all
times when driving uphill.
NOTE
Shift cycling or "gear hunting" on certain up-
hill applications can be eliminated by driv-
ing in manual gearshift mode or using gear
hold switch.
" Gear Hunting"
NOTE
See "Gear Hold" Switch for more
information on this function.
Under certain conditions, the transmission may
start shift cycling or " gear hunting" i.e. The
transmission changes up and down between two
gears at short intervals. This is because the power
is insufficient for operating in the higher gear but is
sufficient for up shifting from the lower gear.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
When the range hold switch is ON the transmission
will hold the gear that it is in at the time of the switch
being activated. Normal down shifting will occur, but
the transmission will not up shift to a higher gear
until the switch is switched OFF or an over speed
condition occurs.
It is important to lock transmission in correct gear to
prevent shift cycling. Lock in lower gear; Eg. If
cycling between 2nd and 3rd, lock in 2nd gear.
When level ground is reached the machine must be
operated normally.

Downhill Operation

DO NOT OVER SPEED THE MACHINE!
Under NO circumstances must engine revolutions
exceed 2 800 rpm. as serious damage can result.
• When driving downhill the exhaust brake and re-
tarder must be utilised to assist the service
brakes and to reduce brake pad wear.
• If necessary, slow down before the downhill slope
begins so that the transmission automatically se-
lects a low gear.
• During icy or other slippery conditions, utilise the
inter-differential lock to improve traction and brak-
ing effect.
• Full use of the retarder must be made before ap-
plying service brakes.
If the operator just down shifts or just uses the service
brakes while going downhill, he may lose full control
of the machine.
• To help in keeping full control on down hills, use a
combination of down shifting, braking and the
retarder.
• Downshifting to a lower gear increases engine
braking and helps the operator maintain full
control.
• The transmission has a feature which prevents
automatic up shifting above the lower gear se-
lected. However during downhill operation, if en-
gine governed speed is exceeded in the lower
gear, the transmission may up shift to the next
OPERATION