Operator's Manual | Second Edition • Ninth Printing |
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Driving Up/Down Slopes
Drive/Brake Control Theory
Brakes release progressively as the drive control handle is moved out of neutral in either direction. Brakes apply progressively as the drive control handle is moved toward the neutral position. If the machine is on a slope, the progressive release/ application of the brakes combined with torque from the drive motors allows you to control the speed of the machine. For this reason, in some circumstances it is more effective to drive down a sloped surface by moving the drive control handle in the uphill direction. This is called “plug braking.” Apply these principles for driving on a slope by following the instructions below.
Driving up a slope
Be sure the platform is fully lowered and the platform is between the drive wheels. Be sure the wheels are aligned up and down the slope.
1Press down the foot switch.
2Move the drive control handle firmly.
When stopped on a slope, the machine may initially move slightly downhill when the drive control handle is moved to drive up the slope. Be sure the area behind the machine is clear.
Driving down a slope
Be sure the platform is fully lowered and the platform is between the drive wheels. Be sure the wheels are aligned up and down the slope.
1Position the steer wheels on the downhill side of slope.
2Press down the foot switch.
3On steeper slopes, it may be more effective to move the drive control handle in the uphill direction (plug braking) in order to drive downhill. For this reason, no matter what slope you are on, always begin the process of driving downhill by slowly moving the drive control handle in the uphill direction. Use small movements of the drive control handle to control the machine speed.
If the machine moves uphill instead of downhill, the slope is too small to use plug braking. Move the drive control handle back to the neutral position to apply the brakes and proceed as follows:
4Slowly move the drive control handle downhill. Use small movements of the drive control handle to control the machine speed.
To stop the machine completely, return the drive control handle to the center (neutral position). The machine can also be stopped by removing your foot from the foot switch or pushing in the red Emergency Stop button.
If machine speed exceeds 3 mph / 4.8 km/h (walking pace), immediately stop the machine.
24 | Genie | Part No.43654 |