5Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
2.  Use care when loading or unloading machines onto trailers 
and trucks.
3.  If ramps are used, they must be full width, stable, have an 
adequate capacity rating and be secured to the trailer or 
truck. Ramp angle should not exceed 15 degrees and trailer 
or truck should be parked on level terrain.
4.  Machines must be secured onto trailers and trucks with 
straps, chains, cables, ropes, or other means deemed 
adequate for that purpose.  The front and rear of the 
machines must be secured to the trailer or truck in both the 
lateral and vertical directions.
Operator Protective System (OPS)
1.  This machine is equipped with an Operator Protective 
System (OPS), which includes:
a.  A Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) of the fixed 
or folding configuration.
b.  Seat belt assembly with retractable function.
2.  ROPS are structures designed to provide a crush-resistant 
space for the operator when properly seat-belted within 
the designated seating area of the machine in the event of 
a machine tip-over or roll-over. Folding ROPS shall be used 
in their fully upright and locked configurations except in 
those circumstances whereby they need to be momentarily 
folded-down to avoid contact with items such as tree 
limbs, clothes lines, guy wires, utility poles, buildings, etc. 
At other times and conditions, ROPS shall be in their fully 
upright and locked configurations.
DANGER: Damaged ROPS must be replaced 
prior to operator use! 
 
3.  Seat belts shall be used and shall be properly fastened 
about the operator’s waist at all times, except when the 
ROPS are:
a.  Not properly installed and/or not properly secured 
onto the machine.
b.  Damaged in such manner that their structural 
integrity has been compromised.
c.  Not in their fully upright and locked position.
4.  Seat belts are attached to the movable portion of the seat 
when suspension seats are utilized, and therefore the seat-
mounting base must be secured to its pivot means and the 
pivot means latched to the frame of the machine. Seat belts 
are attached to the seat or the frame of the machine when 
non-suspension (standard) seats are provided, however, if 
a suspension kit is added to a seat, the seat belt must be 
attached to the movable portion of the seat or suspension 
mechanism, the seat-mounting base must be secured to its 
pivot means, and the pivot means be latched to the frame 
of the machine.
DANGER: If ROPS are folded down or missing, 
seat belts shall not be fastened. Worn or damaged 
seat belt assemblies must be replaced prior to 
operator use.
5.  A brush guard or canopy may deflect tree limbs, clothes 
lines, and other obstacles that otherwise could come in 
contact with the ROPS. Contact of ROPS and/or canopies 
by items such as tree limbs, clothes lines, guy wires, and 
buildings, could create hazardous conditions whereby 
the machine could experience a tip-over or roll-over. A 
canopy may provide protection for the operator from some 
environmental exposure (sunlight, rain, etc.).
6.  The ROPS and seat belt are integral parts of this machine 
and should not be tampered with, modified in any manner, 
or removed.
7.  Inspect the ROPS and seat belt assemblies on a regular 
basis for damage and improper operation. Replace all 
components that are damaged or are not functioning 
properly with authorized replacement parts.
8.  The ROPS extends above and behind the operator position, 
and therefore the operator must be aware of potential contact 
of the ROPS with items such as trees, buildings, doorways, 
clothes lines, utility wires, etc., that could cause the machine to 
tip-over or rollover. Use caution in (or avoid) areas where the 
ROPS could come in contact with any structures, trees, etc.
9.  Inspect the ROPS and seat belt assemblies on a regular 
basis for damage and improper operation. Replace all 
components that are damaged or are not functioning 
properly with authorized replacement parts.
10.  Failure to use the seat belt properly could result in serious 
injury or death if an accidental overturn occurs. In order 
for the ROPS to be effective, the seat belt must be securely 
fastened around the operator at all times when the 
operator is on the machine. Contact with the ROPS during 
an overturn could cause serious injury or death.
11.   The ROPS will not prevent machine from tip-overs or roll-overs.
12.  Do not assume ROPS will protect you in a tip-over or roll-
over. Injuries may still occur.
Hydraulic Devices and Systems
Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may have sufficient 
force to penetrate skin and cause serious injury. If foreign fluid is 
injected into the skin or eyes, see immediate medical attention or 
gangrene and permanent damage may result.
WARNING: Keep body and hands away from 
pinholes or nozzles that could inject hydraulic fluid 
under high pressure. Use paper or cardboard, not 
your hands, to search for leaks! Wear gloves and 
safety glasses.
Safely relieve all pressure in the system before performing any 
work on the system, and make sure that:
•  The ignition switch is OFF
•  The key is removed
•  The engine spark plug wire(s) removed
•  All connections to the negative terminal of the battery are 
removed
•  The park brake is set
•  All by-pass valves, if so equipped, are open
•  Hydraulic controls are actuated to release pressure on 
pumps, cylinders, etc. If “float” positions are available, they 
should be used.
After the above operations are completed, it should be safe to 
begin disconnecting the lines or components. It is still a good 
idea to cover the connection with a cloth shield and then gently 
loosen connections.
WARNING: Make sure all hydraulic fluid 
connections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and 
lines are in good condition before applying pressure 
to the system.