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TrackDrive (TD) Series
Operating & Safety Instructions
When climbing steps, a further judgement will be needed as to whether the weight of the machine, or
the traction required to climb or descend would cause damage. Many domestic installations feature
soft edge strips or boards to provide the front edge of the step. These edging strips are unlikely to
tolerate the action of climbing and might detach causing degradation of the steps themselves. More
importantly, the edge reliability is critical to the tractive effort and if less than adequate might cause the
machine to 'slew' sideways on a step rather than climb. The risks to the operator are obvious, whether
in the platform or driving from the side. A stair built from flagstones or loose blocks is not likely to
support the weight or accept the track movement over it. Loose ramps or ply sheets to spread the
track forces can be used, but again must be securely anchored to prevent the tracks from 'gripping' the
surface and shooting the boards out from under the machine.
Driving across a slope is not recommended, but if this is unavoidable then the outriggers legs can be
used, if space permits. Deploying the downhill legs gives the operator a further protection against
toppling, but with the additional risk of damage to the machine. Better safe than sorry.
4.1.5
VARIABLE WIDTH TRACK OPTION
On machines fitted with variable width tracks, (i.e. the 'Light weight' version of the Track Drive
machines) it is recommended that whenever the machine is driven across a slope, or for added safety
when climbing or descending, the tracks should be extended to their maximum width. To achieve this,
the two position, four port valve can be moved to the cross position, (i.e. lever horizontal). When the
drive function is next used, the tracks will automatically extend to their maximum width and stay in this
position. If the drive controls are operated gently, exerting pressure in the drive circuit, but not sufficient
flow being supplied to start the machine moving, the tracks will change their width with the machine
virtually stationary. If the machine is on a particularly rough floor, it might be advantageous to move
the machine forward and backwards to allow the tracks to change width whilst moving the machine. If
the machine is already on a slope, selecting width change will cause the tracks to move briskly the next
time the drive function is operated. This is because the width change cylinders will see the high
pressure and all the flow available will 'default' to the width change circuit. To change back to
minimum travelling width, the two position, four-port valve is moved back to the in-line position (i.e.,
upright) and the drive function used again. When minimum width is achieved, the tracks will again stay
at this width. The Operator should make any adjacent personnel aware of the machine operation,
particularly in respect of the extending tracks, and ensure that no one is close enough to the machine
when the tracks are moving in or out. If a track 'digs in' whilst changing width the machine can slew
slightly along its length and could cause injury.
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*Always follow manufacturer instructions*
The single greatest factor affecting the ability of the Track
Drive 120T to attack any slope, incline or stair is traction.
If there is inadequate adhesion between the tracks and the
surface to which the machine is presented it will not climb.
*AAA Rent-All 225-291-1356*
English/USA – 01/10
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