Operating Instructions; Preparing For Operation; Safety Is Thinking Ahead; Walk-Around Inspection - Komatsu 730E Operation & Maintenance Manual

OM3043 06/06

Operating Instructions

PREPARING FOR OPERATION

The safest trucks are those which have been prop-
erly prepared for operation. At the beginning of each
shift, a careful inspection of the truck must be com-
pleted by the operator before starting the engine.

SAFETY IS THINKING AHEAD

Prevention is the best way to avoid an accident. Pre-
vent potential accidents by knowing the employer's
safety requirements and all necessary job site regu-
lations. In addition, know the proper use and care of
all the safety equipment on the truck. Operators or
technicians must be qualified to operate or maintain
a Komatsu truck.
Safe practices start before the operator gets to the
truck! Refer to Section 20, General Safety, for safety
guidelines.

WALK-AROUND INSPECTION

At the beginning of each shift, perform a careful walk-
around inspection of the truck before engine start-up.
A walk-around inspection is a ground level check of
the truck and its components to ensure the truck is
safe to operate.
Start at the left front corner of the truck (see illustra-
tion, next page.) Move in a counterclockwise direc-
tion, around the truck, and back to the starting point.
Inspection of the truck before every shift can help
avoid many potential problems. Downtime and loss of
production can be reduced by scheduled maintenance.
Local work practices may prevent an operator from
performing all tasks suggested here. To the extent
permitted, the operator must follow this or a similar
routine.
1. Start at the left front of the truck. During the
walk-around inspection, visually inspect all
lights and safety equipment for external dam-
age. Ensure all light housing lenses are clean
and unbroken.
Empty the dust pans on the left side air clean-
ers. Ensure the battery box covers are in place
and securely fastened.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2. Move behind the front left tire. Check the hub
and brake assemblies for leaks, and any abnor-
mal wear or signs of damage.
Check the oil level in the front wheel hub sight
gauge. Refill, if necessary.
3. With the engine stopped, check the engine oil
level. If necessary, use the service light to illu-
minate the area. Ensure the light is turned off
when the inspection of this area is complete.
4. Inspect the fan and air conditioner belts for cor-
rect tension and tracking. Also, check for belt
wear or damage.
Verify the fan guard bolts are installed and
properly tightened.
5. Ensure the anchor end of the steering cylinder
pin is properly greased and tightened.
6. Move outboard of the front wheel and inspect
the attaching lugs/wedges to ensure they are
properly tightened. Replace any parts that are
missing.
Inspect the tires for damage. Check for proper
inflation.
7. Move behind the rear of the front wheel. Ensure
the suspension protective boot is in good condi-
tion. Verify all suspension attaching hardware
bolts are completely tightened. Inspect the
mounting key area for evidence of wear. Verify
the suspension extension (exposed piston rod)
is correct. Check for leaks.
Check for leaks around the hub and brakes.
Also, check for any unusual wear conditions or
damage.
Ensure the rod end of the steering cylinder is
properly greased. Verify all mounting hardware
is properly tightened. Check for any hydraulic
leaks.
Operation - Section 30
Page 30-1