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Driv I ng lull through site with and without load

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When driving heavy machinery, whether loaded or unloaded, safety should always be the priority. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

  • Speed: Always travel at a low speed [1], especially when operating on ramps or uneven ground [1]. Using the low speed setting helps maintain control [1].
  • Ground Conditions: Ensure the ground is level and hard [2]. Remove any slippery materials like mud, dirt, water, snow, ice, grease, or oil to prevent skidding [2].
  • Ramps/Platforms: When using ramps, platforms, or embankments, make sure they have sufficient width, length, slope, rigidity, and strength to support the machine [3]. The angle of the ramp to the ground should be 15 degrees or less [4].
  • Balance: Be aware that the machine's center of gravity can change abruptly, especially when going over the top of a ramp. Travel slowly to maintain balance [5].
  • Auto Acceleration: Turn off the auto acceleration switch to prevent sudden changes in engine speed [5].
  • Turning: Avoid turning on ramps to prevent tipping. If a turn is necessary, return to level ground first [3].
  • Attachments: Do not use attachments for loading or unloading the machine [1].
  • Communication: When loading and unloading, it can be helpful to have a signal person to guide you [2].
  • Securing: After loading, lock any safety devices such as guards and doors [6].
  • Pre-checks: Investigate the travel route for overpass clearances [7]. Obey all laws that govern the characteristics of a load (height, weight, width, and length) [7].

Remember that operating a machine with a load will change its center of gravity and handling characteristics. Always adjust your driving accordingly and prioritize safety.

7 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Kobelco SK135SR-7, SK140SRLC-7, SK140SRL-7 Operation Manual (Excavators)

Page 333

Open source document

Source excerpt

<!-- image --> ## 5.2 LOADING/UNLOADING THE MACHINE <!-- image --> <!-- image --> Loading/unloading the machine - · Load/unload the machine on a level and hard ground. - · Use ramps, platforms, and embankment with sufficient width, length, slope, rigidity, and strength. - · Remove mud and dirt of the undercarriage to prevent the machine from skidding on the ramp. In addition, remove any deposit on the ramp including water, snow, ice, grease, and oil. - · When loading or unloading the machine, set engine speed to LOW and travel speed select switch to LOW (1st) speed. - · Do not use the attachment for loading and unloading the machine to avoid danger. - · Use only the travel levers when the machine is on ramps. - · When going over the ramp top to/from a trailer, the machine may lose balance due to an abrupt change in the center of gravity. Be sure to travel slowly. - · Be sure to turn the auto acceleration switch to the "OFF" position. When the machine is operated with the auto acceleration turned to the "ON" position, the engine speed may change abruptly. - · Do not make a turn on the ramp to avoid tipping. Make a turn after returning to the ground or the trailer bed. - · When the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer, set the LOW (1st)/ HIGH (2nd) travel speed select switch to LOW. - Since the LOW (1st)/HIGH (2nd) automatic travel speed select switching system automatically changes the traveling speed, it may adversely affect machine control when the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer. This abrupt change of machine control may cause severe accidents. - · Perform loading and unloading the machine according to the guidance of a signal person. 5

[2] Kobelco SK330-10, SK250LC-10 Operation Manual

Page 287

Open source document

Source excerpt

[ ## 5.2 LOADING/UNLOADING THE MACHINE <!-- image --> <!-- image --> Loading/unloading the machine - · Load/unload the machine on a level and hard ground. - · Use ramps, platforms, and embankment with sufficient width, length, slope, rigidity, and strength. - · Remove mud and dirt of the undercarriage to prevent the machine from skidding on the ramp. In addition, remove any deposit on the ramp including water, snow, ice, grease, and oil. - · When loading or unloading the machine, set engine speed to LOW and travel speed select switch to LOW (1st) speed. - · Do not use the attachment for loading and unloading the machine to avoid danger. - · Use only the travel levers when the machine is on ramps. - · When going over the ramp top to/from a trailer, the machine may lose balance due to an abrupt change in the center of gravity. Be sure to travel slowly. - · Be sure to turn the auto acceleration switch to the "OFF" position. When the machine is operated with the auto acceleration turned to the "ON" position, the engine speed may change abruptly. - · Do not make a turn on the ramp to avoid tipping. Make a turn after returning to the ground or the trailer bed. - · When the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer, set the LOW (1st)/ HIGH (2nd) travel speed select switch to LOW. - Since the LOW (1st)/HIGH (2nd) automatic travel speed select switching system automatically changes the traveling speed, it may adversely affect machine control when the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer. This abrupt change of machine control may cause severe accidents. 5

[3] Kobelco SK330-10, SK250LC-10 Operation Manual

Page 289

Open source document

Source excerpt

- 10. Lock the lock devices such as guards and doors. ## WHENUSING PLATFORM OR EMBANKMENT - 1. Make the embankment wide enough to the machine width. The angle (A) of the platform or embankment to the ground should be 15 degrees or less. - 2. Check that the embankment is sufficiently sturdy to hold the machine weight. - 3. The surface of the platform or embankment must be level to that of the trailer bed. - 4. Park the trailer properly at the required position. <!-- image --> ## LOADING A MACHINE WITHOUTATTACHMENT/EQUIPMENT <!-- image --> ## DO NOT SWING Do not swing the machine during loading and unloading the machine. It may cause the machine to tip/roll over to the counterweight side. - · When loading a machine without an attachment/ equipment, adjust the travel direction so the counterweight comes to the top of the slope. <!-- image --> [ 5

[4] Kobelco SK500XSLC-10, SK520XDLC-10 Operation Manual

Page 292

Open source document

Source excerpt

<!-- image --> ## 5.2 LOADING/UNLOADING THE MACHINE <!-- image --> <!-- image --> Loading/unloading the machine - · Load/unload the machine on a level and hard ground. - · Use ramps, platforms, and embankment with sufficient width, length, slope, rigidity, and strength. - · Remove mud and dirt of the undercarriage to prevent the machine from skidding on the ramp. In addition, remove any deposit on the ramp including water, snow, ice, grease, and oil. - · When loading or unloading the machine, set engine speed to LOW and travel speed select switch to LOW (1st) speed. - · Do not use the attachment for loading and unloading the machine to avoid danger. - · Use only the travel levers when the machine is on ramps. - · When going over the ramp top to/from a trailer, the machine may lose balance due to an abrupt change in the center of gravity. Be sure to travel slowly. - · Be sure to turn the auto acceleration switch to the "OFF" position. When the machine is operated with the auto acceleration turned to the "ON" position, the engine speed may change abruptly. - · Do not make a turn on the ramp to avoid tipping. Make a turn after returning to the ground or the trailer bed. - · When the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer, set the LOW (1st)/ HIGH (2nd) travel speed select switch to LOW. - Since the LOW (1st)/HIGH (2nd) automatic travel speed select switching system automatically changes the traveling speed, it may adversely affect machine control when the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer. This abrupt change of machine control may cause severe accidents.

[5] Kobelco SK200-10, SK210LC-10 Operation Manual

Page 320

Open source document

Source excerpt

<!-- image --> ## 5.2 LOADING/UNLOADING THE MACHINE <!-- image --> <!-- image --> Loading/unloading the machine - · Load/unload the machine on a level and hard ground. - · Use ramps, platforms, and embankment with sufficient width, length, slope, rigidity, and strength. - · Remove mud and dirt of the undercarriage to prevent the machine from skidding on the ramp. In addition, remove any deposit on the ramp including water, snow, ice, grease, and oil. - · When loading or unloading the machine, set engine speed to LOW and travel speed select switch to LOW (1st) speed. - · Do not use the attachment for loading and unloading the machine to avoid danger. - · Use only the travel levers when the machine is on ramps. - · When going over the ramp top to/from a trailer, the machine may lose balance due to an abrupt change in the center of gravity. Be sure to travel slowly. - · Be sure to turn the auto acceleration switch to the "OFF" position. When the machine is operated with the auto acceleration turned to the "ON" position, the engine speed may change abruptly. - · Do not make a turn on the ramp to avoid tipping. Make a turn after returning to the ground or the trailer bed. - · When the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer, set the LOW (1st)/ HIGH (2nd) travel speed select switch to LOW. - Since the LOW (1st)/HIGH (2nd) automatic travel speed select switching system automatically changes the traveling speed, it may adversely affect machine control when the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer. This abrupt change of machine control may cause severe accidents.

[6] Kobelco SK500XSLC-10, SK520XDLC-10 Operation Manual

Page 294

Open source document

Source excerpt

[ - 10. Lock the lock devices such as guards and doors. ## WHENUSING PLATFORM OR EMBANKMENT - 1. Make the embankment wide enough to the machine width. The angle (A) of the platform or embankment to the ground should be 15 degrees or less. - 2. Check that the embankment is sufficiently sturdy to hold the machine weight. - 3. The surface of the platform or embankment must be level to that of the trailer bed. - 4. Park the trailer properly at the required position. <!-- image --> ## LOADING A MACHINE WITHOUTATTACHMENT/EQUIPMENT <!-- image --> ## DO NOT SWING Do not swing the machine during loading and unloading the machine. It may cause the machine to tip/roll over to the counterweight side. - · When loading a machine without an attachment/ equipment, adjust the travel direction so the counterweight comes to the top of the slope. <!-- image --> <!-- image -->

[7] CAT 330 GC Excavator Operation and Maintenance Manual

Page 228

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Transportation Information i08163556 ## Shipping the Machine SMCS Code: 7000; 7500 <!-- image --> Automatic Engine Speed Control (AEC) will increase engine speed automatically when you operate the control levers and/or travel pedals with AEC switch on. When loading and unloading the machine from the truck or working in close quarters always turn AEC switch off to prevent any possibility of sudden movement of machine, which could result in serious injury or death. Set the travel speed control switch to LOW before loading the machine. Never operate this switch when loading the machine on a trailer. Investigate the travel route for overpass clearances. Make sure that there will be adequate clearance for the machine. Remove ice, snow, or other slippery material from the loading dock and from the truck bed before you load the machine onto the transport machine. Removing ice, snow, or other slippery material will help to prevent the machine from slipping in transit. Note: Obey all laws that govern the characteristics of a load (height, weight, width, and length). Observe all regulations that govern wide loads. Certain regions may require the removal of door hooks and cab bumpers, if equipped. Consult all local and regional regulations Choose the flattest ground when you load the machine or when you unload the machine. - 1. Before you load the machine, chock the trailer wheels or the rail car wheels. - 2. When you use loading ramps, make sure that the loading ramps have adequate length, adequate width, adequate strength, and an adequate slope. - 3. Maintain the slope of the loading ramps within 15 degrees of the ground. - 4. Position the machine so that the machine can drive straight up the loading ramps. The final drives should be toward the rear of the machine. Do not operate the control levers while the machine is on the loading ramps. - 5. When you drive over the loading ramp joint areas, maintain the balance point of the machine. - 6. Lower the work too

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