Safety
50940411/G0219 22 Printed in U.S.A.
• Operator visibility is limited in certain areas;
ROPS/FOPS posts, attachments, the lift arm,
items in the cab, etc., can obstruct the operator's
view and could mask hazards or people in the
area around the machine. It is very important the
operator is aware of these masked visibility areas
before operating the machine, especially on busy
work sites.
To reduce the hazards posed by masked visibility
areas:
– Use caution when raising or lowering attach-
ments; masked visibility areas can change
dramatically when attachments and/or the lift
arm is moved.
– Look around the machine before operating.
Objects near the machine and close to the
ground can be difficult to see from the cab.
– Always look in the direction of travel, includ-
ing reverse. A back-up alarm is not a substi-
tute for looking behind you when operating
the machine in reverse.
– Keep bystanders out of and away from the
work area.
– Keep the lift arm low while traveling.
• Control the machine cautiously and gradually
until fully familiar with all the controls and han-
dling.
• New operators must learn to operate the machine
in an open area away from bystanders. Practice
with the controls until the machine can be oper-
ated safely and efficiently.
• Do not overload the machine. See “Payloads/
Capacities” on page 38 for the load limits.
• Do not raise or drop a loaded bucket or attach-
ment suddenly. Abrupt movements under load
can cause serious instability.
• Do not use the machine to lift or transport people.
• Never leave the operator's seat without lowering
the lift arm / attachment flat on the ground or
engaging the lift arm support device(s), and then
stopping the engine and removing the ignition
key.
• Stop the engine and place the controls in the
lock-out position before mounting attachments.
Check that attachments are securely fastened to
the lift arm before working.
• Be aware that attachments affect the handling
and balance of the machine. Adjust the operation
of the machine as necessary when using attach-
ments.
• Before coupling or uncoupling the hydraulic
lines for the attachment, stop the engine and
release the pressure in the hydraulic system by
moving the control joystick in all directions a
couple of times.
• Make sure the bucket is lowered to the ground
before activating the lift arm float. Never activate
the float function with the bucket or attachment
raised, because this will cause the lift arm and
bucket or attachment to drop suddenly.
• Be aware of overhead obstacles. Any object near
the lift arm could represent a potential hazard, or
cause the operator to react suddenly and cause an
accident. Use a spotter or signal person when
working near bridges, phone lines, work-site
scaffolds, or other obstructions.
• Use extra care on loose ground. Working heavy
loads over loose, soft ground or uneven terrain
can cause dangerous side-load conditions and
possible tip-over and injury. Traveling with a
suspended load or an unbalanced load can also be
hazardous.
• Stay away from the edges of loading docks,
ramps, ditches, excavations, retaining walls and
trenches.
• Do not place limbs near moving parts. Severing
of body parts can result.
• Never carry riders. Do not allow others to ride on
the machine or attachments, because they could
fall or cause an accident.
• Always keep hands and feet inside the operator’s
compartment while operating the machine.
• Wear safety goggles, ear and head protection,
and any other protective clothing or equipment as
needed while operating the machine.