OPERATION
OPERATION
8.3 Driving the Tractor and Blade
Start off driving at a slow speed and gradually increase your speed while maintaining complete control of the tractor and blade. Moving slowly at first will also prevent the tractor from rearing up and loss of steering control. The tractor should never be operated at speeds that cannot be safely handled or which will prevent the operator from stopping quickly during an emergency. If the power steering or engine ceases operating, stop the tractor immediately as the tractor will be difficult to control.
Perform turns with the tractor and blade at slow speeds to determine how the tractor with an attached implement handles a turn. Determine the safe speed to maintain proper control of the tractor when making turns. When turning with an implement, the overall working length of the unit is increased. Allow additional clearance for the blade when turning.
To avoid overturns, drive the tractor with care and at safe speeds, especially when operating over rough ground, crossing ditches or slopes, and turning corners. Tractor wheel tread spacing should be increased when working on inclines or rough ground to reduce the possibility of tipping.
Use extreme caution when operating on steep slopes. Keep the tractor in a low gear when going downhill. DO NOT coast or
9. OPERATING THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT
THE OPERATOR MUST COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND HOW TO OPERATE THE TRACTOR AND IMPLEMENT AND ALL CONTROLS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE. The operator must read and understand the Safety and Operation Sections of the implement and tractor operator’s manuals. These manuals must be read and explained to any operator who cannot read. Never allow someone to operate the implement and tractor without complete operating instructions.
Before starting any operation, the operator must become familiar with the area to be worked in and any obstacles and hazards contained within to ensure safety to the operator, bystanders, and equipment. Special attention should be paid to foreign debris, rough terrain, steep slopes, and passersby and animals in the area.
160 Series 08/10 | Operation Section |
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