SK3000 Operator’s Manual Drive - 55
Operate
Slope Guidelines
Operating safely on a slope depends upon many factors including:
• distribution of machine weight, including front loading and absence of load
• height of load
• even or rough ground conditions
• potential for ground giving way causing unplanned tilt forward, reverse or sideways
• nearness of ditches, ruts, stumps or other obstructions and sudden changes in slope
• speed
• turning
• braking performance
• operator skill
These varying factors make it impractical to specify a maximum safe operating angle in this manual. It is
therefore important for the operator to be aware of these conditions and adjust operation accordingly.
Maximum engine angle and braking performance are two absolute limits which must never be exceeded.
These maximums are stated below since they are design limits. These design limits usually exceed the
operating limits and must never be used alone to establish safe operating angle for variable conditions.
Maximum engine lubrication angle: 20°
Maximum service brake retarding force: equal to traction of both tracks
Maximum parking brake holding force: equal to traction of both tracks
Tipover. Crushing can cause death or serious injury. Follow
procedure in operator’s manual. Drive cautiously.
To help avoid injury:
• Operate at slow speed when on rough terrain.
• Avoid driving across slopes.
• Never jerk control levers. Use a steady, even motion.
• Always operate with heavy end uphill.
• Always drive with attachment low to the ground.
• See page 78 for operating capacity.