Chapter 8 – Operation
38 SL30SL – 8210037
Place the drive speed in the low position before attempt-
ing to drive the machine on a slope.
Drive the aerial platform only on slopes, or loading ramps
that are within the 35 percent grade capability of the
aerial platform.
Calculate the percent grade:
y before attempting to climb an unknown grade
y if it is believed that there is a malfunction to determine
if the slope is within the actual grade capability of the
aerial platform.
Calculating Percent Grade
The percent grade equals the height (rise) of the slope di-
vided by the length (run) times 100. Refer to Figure 8.6.
Len
gth
Height
Length
Height
% of Grade
=
x
100
Figure 8.6 – Percent Grade Formula
The grade can be measured with an inclinometer or by
using a tape measure, a level, and a straight 2 x 4. If
using an inclinometer, refer to the conversion diagram
if necessary.
To measure the grade without an inclinometer, use the
following procedure.
1. With the 2 x 4 laying parallel with the slope, lay the
level lengthwise on the 2 x 4.
2. Holding the downhill end, raise the 2 x 4 until the
level indicates that the board is level (refer to Figure
8.7).
Figure 8.7 – Percent Grade Calculation
3. Use the tape measure to measure the distance
(height) from the end of the 2 x 4 to the ground.
Record the height distance.
4. Measure the length of the 2 x 4 and record this mea-
surement.
5. Use the formula in Figure 8.6 to calculate the percent
of the grade.
Machine Gradeability
The gradeability specication for the aerial platform is
listed below.
Gradeability – theoretical.........................................38%
Theoretically, when all contributing factors are optimal,
the machine can be driven on a slope of 38%. A slope
with a percent grade of 38% is a slope with an angle of
20.8 degrees.
Gradeability – actual................................................35%
An actual gradeability of 35%, indicates that in most nor-
mal working conditions the machine can be driven on a
slope with an angle of 19.3 degrees.
Fold Down Guardrails
The platform guardrails may be folded down to pass the
machine under low height obstructions.
A ½″ wrench and socket will be needed to remove the
hardware from the guardrail.
Danger
The potential for an accident increases when the fold
down rails are lowered. Death or serious injury can
result in such accidents. Do not elevate the platform
with the fold down rails lowered. Use extreme care
when moving the aerial platform while the fold down
rails are lowered.
Use the following procedure to fold down the guard-
rails:
1. From the lower controls, fully lower the platform and
turn the machine off.
2. Enter the platform and close the gate.
3. Remove the upper control panel from the side guard-
rail and place it on the oor of the platform.
Caution
The rails are free to move downward after removing
the hardware. Improper lifting can cause personal
injury. Be prepared to hold the weight of the rails
before beginning to lower them onto the platform.
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