Gehl RT175 Operator's Manual page 24

Safety
• New operators must learn to operate the machine
in an open area away from bystanders. Practice
with the controls until the machine can be oper-
ated safely and efficiently.
• Do not overload the machine. See "Payloads/
Capacities" on page 34 for the load limits.
• Do not raise or drop a loaded bucket or attach-
ment suddenly. Abrupt movements under load
can cause serious instability.
• Do not use the machine to lift or transport people.
• Stop the engine and place the controls in the
lock-out position before mounting attachments.
Check that attachments are securely fastened to
the lift arm before working.
• Be aware that attachments affect the handling
and balance of the machine. Adjust the operation
of the machine as necessary when using attach-
ments.
• Before coupling or uncoupling the hydraulic
lines for the attachment, stop the engine and
release the pressure in the hydraulic system by
moving the control joystick in all directions a
couple of times.
• Make sure the bucket is lowered to the ground
before activating the lift arm float. Never activate
the float function with the bucket or attachment
raised, because this will cause the lift arm and
bucket or attachment to drop suddenly.
• Be aware of overhead obstacles. Any object near
the lift arm could represent a potential hazard, or
cause the operator to react suddenly and cause an
accident. Use a spotter or signal person when
working near bridges, phone lines, work-site
scaffolds, or other obstructions.
• Use extra care on loose ground. Working heavy
loads over loose, soft ground or uneven terrain
can cause dangerous side-load conditions and
possible tip-over and injury. Traveling with a sus-
pended load or an unbalanced load can also be
hazardous.
• Stay away from the edges of loading docks,
ramps, ditches, excavations, retaining walls and
trenches.
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• Do not place limbs near moving parts. Severing
of body parts can result.
• Never carry riders. Do not allow others to ride on
the machine or attachments, because they could
fall or cause an accident.
• Always keep hands and feet inside the operator's
compartment while operating the machine.
• Wear safety goggles, ear and head protection, and
any other protective clothing or equipment as
needed while operating the machine.
• Exhaust fumes can kill. Do not operate the
machine in an enclosed area without adequate
ventilation. Internal combustion engines deplete
the oxygen supply within enclosed spaces and
may create a serious hazard.
• Operators should also be aware of any open win-
dows, doors or duct work into which exhaust
gases may be carried, exposing others to danger.
• Never allow anyone under a raised lift arm. Low-
ering the lift arm or a falling load can result in
death or serious personal injury.
• Avoid slowing suddenly while carrying a load.
Sudden slowing can cause the load to fall off the
attachment, or cause the machine to tip over.
• Slow down the work cycle and use slower travel
speeds in congested or populated areas. Use com-
monly understood signals so other members of
the work crew can warn the operator to slow or
halt work in a potentially hazardous situation.
• Use a signal person if you cannot see the entire
work area clearly, in high traffic areas and when-
ever the operator's view is not clear.
• Stay alert for people moving through the work
area. When loading a truck, the operator should
always know where the driver is.
• To cross railroad tracks, ditches, curbs or similar
surfaces, cross perpendicularly and drive slowly.
18 Printed in U.S.A.