PISTON 1052660 - Caterpillar

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 tire inflation pressures. The most important criteria are the skill and judgment of the operator.A well 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, 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's traction and machine's stability. Rocky surfaces may promote side slipping of the machine.Slippage due to excessive loads - This may cause downhill tracks or downhill tires to dig into the ground, which will increase the angle of the machine.Width of tracks or tires - Narrower tracks or narrower tires further increase the digging into the ground which causes the machine to be less stable. Implements attached to the drawbar - This may decrease the weight on the uphill tracks. This may also decrease the weight on the uphill tires. The decreased weight will cause 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: Operators with lots of experience and proper equipment for specific applications are also required. Safe operation on steep slopes may also require special machine maintenance. Refer to Lubricant Viscosities and Refill Capacities in this manual for the proper fluid level requirements and intended machine use. Fluids must be at the correct levels to ensure that systems will operate properly on a slope.