MODULE-DISPLAY 2860416 - Caterpillar

Always be aware of the position and extension of the lifting device. The stability of the machine is affected by various conditions.Machines that are operating safely in various applications depend on these criteria: the machine model, configuration, machine maintenance, operating speed of the machine, conditions of the terrain, fluid levels and position and extension of the lifting device. The most important criteria are the skill and judgment of the operator.A trained operator that follows the instructions in the Operation and Maintenance Manual has the greatest impact on stability. Operator training provides a person with the following abilities: observation of working and environmental conditions, feel for the machine, identification of potential hazards and operating the machine safely by making appropriate decisions.When you work on side hills and when you work on slopes, consider the following important points:Speed of travel - At higher speeds, forces of inertia tend to make the machine less stable.Roughness of terrain or surface - The machine may be less stable with uneven terrain. Direction of travel - Avoid operating the machine across the slope. When possible, operate the machine up the slopes and operate the machine down the slopes. Place the heaviest end of the machine uphill when you are working on an incline.Mounted equipment - Balance of the machine may be impeded by the following components: equipment that is mounted on the machine, position and extension of the lifting device, machine configuration, weights and counterweights.Nature of surface - Ground that has been newly filled with earth may collapse from the weight of the machine.Surface material - Rocks and moisture of the surface material may drastically affect the machine traction and stability. Rocky surfaces may promote side slipping of the machine.Slippage due to excessive loads - Slippage may cause downhill tracks to dig into the ground, which will increase the angle of the machine.Width of tracks - Narrower tracks further increase the digging into the ground which causes the machine to be less stable.Height of the working load of the machine - When the working loads are in higher positions, the stability of the machine is reduced.Operated equipment - Be aware of performance features of the equipment in operation and the effects on machine stability.Operating techniques - Keep all attachments or pulled loads low to the ground for optimum stability.Machine systems have limitations on slopes - Slopes can affect the proper function and operation of the various machine systems. These machine systems are needed for machine control.Note: Safe operation on steep slopes may require special machine maintenance. Excellent skill of the operator and proper equipment for specific applications are also required. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual sections for the proper fluid level requirements and intended machine use.