During Operation - Gehl RT175 Operator's Manual

• Never use ether starting aids. Engine pre-heating
is used for cold weather starting. Engine pre-
heating can cause ether or other starting fluid to
detonate, causing injury or damage.
• Walk around the machine and inspect it before
using it. Look for damage, loose or missing parts,
leaks, etc. Repair as required before using the
machine.
• Warn all nearby personnel before starting the
machine.
• Contact the proper local authorities for utility line
locations BEFORE starting to dig. In North
America, contact the North American One-Call
Referral System at 8-1-1 in the U.S., or 1-888-
258-0808 in the U.S. and Canada.
• Below-ground hazards also include water mains,
tunnels and buried foundations. Know what is
underneath the work site before starting to dig.
• Before working near power lines (either above-
ground or buried cable-type), always contact the
power utility and establish a safety plan with
them.
• If temperatures are changing, be cautious of dark
and wet patches when working or traveling over
frozen ground.
• Stay away from ditches, overhangs and other
weak support surfaces. Be sure the surrounding
ground has adequate strength to support the
weight of the machine and the load.
• The operator's area, steps and hand holds must
be kept free of oil, dirt, ice and unsecured
objects.
• If a lighting system is installed, check its opera-
tion before working in darkness.
• Always keep windows, lights and mirrors clean.
Poor visibility can cause accidents.
• Use warning tag/control lockout procedures dur-
ing service. Alert others that service or mainte-
nance is being performed by tagging the
operator's controls — and other machine areas if
required — with a warning notice.
Printed in U.S.A.
• NEVER start the engine if there is any indication
that maintenance or service work is in progress,
or if a warning tag is attached to the controls.
• Replace damaged safety decals and a lost or dam-
aged operator's manual. Always store this opera-
tor's manual in the storage compartment
provided for it inside the cab.
• Work crew members should observe and monitor
terrain and soil conditions at the work site, along
with traffic, weather-related hazards and any
above- or below-ground obstacles and hazards.
• Read the operator's manual provided with each
attachment before using it.
• Adjust the seat to allow full actuation of the
throttle pedal. Never adjust the seat during
machine operation.
• Before working on or with the machine, remove
jewelry, tie back long hair, and do not wear
loose-fitting garments, such as, scarves, ties,
unzipped jackets, etc., which could become
caught in the moving parts of the machine and
cause injury.

During Operation

• ALWAYS fasten the seat belt securely and prop-
erly. Never operate the machine without the seat
belt fastened around the operator.
• Only start the engine and only operate the con-
trols while seated in the operator's seat.
• Check indicators and displays for normal condi-
tions after starting the engine. Check the opera-
tion of the controls. Listen for unusual sounds
and remain alert for other potentially hazardous
conditions.
• Always look to the rear, over both shoulders,
before backing up.
• Control the machine cautiously and gradually
until fully familiar with all the controls and han-
dling.
17
Safety
918468/EP0313