MANIFOLD-EXHAUST 3974973 - Caterpillar

Retarder Control
Aggressive application of retarder capacity in slippery conditions may cause loss of operator control and/or power train damage. Apply the retarder gradually in slippery conditions. Serious injury or death may occur if the retarder is applied too aggressively in slippery conditions.
Do not use the retarder control as a parking brake.Do not use the retarder control to stop the machine.
The retarder system allows the machine to maintain a constant speed on long downgrades.The retarder will not apply all the normal braking capacity.
Illustration 1 g06097504
Retarder Control (Lever) (1) - Move the retarder lever downward to apply the retarder. Move the lever upward to release the retarder. The position of the lever determines the amount of retarding force. As you move the lever downward, retarding force will increase.Manual Retarding
Travel at a constant machine speed. Do not speed up immediately before you use the retarder. Do not try to do all the retarding at the bottom of a hill. Keep the retarding steady and keep the machine speed under control.Never coast down a grade in neutral. Always keep the transmission in gear. When the machine speed is greater than 5 km/h (3 mph), the Power Train/Chassis ECM will not allow shifting from forward gear into neutral or reverse.
Illustration 2 g06052005
Illustration 3 g06097510
Select the proper gear on transmission control (2) before you start down the grade. The actual gear should also match the selected gear before you start down the grade.Note: Determine the proper gear for the conditions, the load, and the downgrade. If you do not know the proper gear. Use the common practice of selecting the gear that is required to go up the grade when the machine is loaded.
Maintain a constant machine speed.
Aggressive application of retarder capacity in slippery conditions may cause loss of operator control and/or power train damage. Apply the retarder gradually in slippery conditions. Serious injury or death may occur if the retarder is applied too aggressively in slippery conditions.
If the machine builds up excessive speed during retarding, the engine can over-speed. Use the retarder control lever to reduce the machine speed.
Adjust lever (1) to maintain a proper rpm and a constant speed. If skidding is experienced, ease off lever (1).
Avoid repeated engaging and disengaging of lever (1).
If braking is needed, depress the service brake pedal.