OPERATING PROCEDURE (CONT’D)

Operating On Slopes (Cont’d)

Figure OI-131

When operating on a slope, level the work area before beginning [Figure OI-131]

If this is not possible, the following procedures should be used:

Do not work on slopes which are over 15 degrees.

Use a slow work cycle.

Avoid working with the tracks across the slope. This will reduce stability and increase the tendency for the machine to slide. Position the excavator with the blade downhill and lowered.

Avoid swinging or extending the bucket more than necessary in a down hill direction. When you must swing the bucket downhill, keep the arm low and skid the bucket downhill.

When working with the bucket on the uphill side, keep the bucket as close to the ground as possible. Dump the spoil far enough away from the trench or hole to prevent the possibility of a cave in.

To brake the machine when going down a slope, move the steering levers (Item 1) [Figure OI-132] to the NEUTRAL position. This will engage the hydrostatic braking.

When the engine stops on a slope, move the steering levers to the neutral position. Lower the boom/bucket to the ground.

NOTE: If the engine stops, the boom/bucket (attachments) can be lowered to the ground using hydraulic pressure which is stored in the accumulator.

The console must be in the locked down position, and the key switch in the ON position.

Use the control lever to lower the boom.

Start the engine and resume operation.

OPERATING PROCEDURE (CONT’D)

Operating In Water

Mud and water should be removed from the machine before parking. In freezing temperatures, park the machine on boards or concrete to prevent the track or undercarriage from freezing to the ground and preventing machine movement.

Maximum Water Level

Do not operate or immerse the excavator in water higher than the bottom of the swing bearing [Figure OI-133]

Grease the excavator when it has been operated or immersed in water for a period of time. Greasing forces the water out of the lubrication areas.

Water must be removed from the cylinder rods. If water freezes to the cylinder rod, the cylinder seals can be damaged when the rod is retracted.

OPERATING PROCEDURE (CONT’D)

Avoiding Track Damage

Mud and water should be removed from the machine before parking. In freezing temperatures, park the machine on boards or concrete to prevent the track or undercarriage from freezing to the ground and preventing machine movement.

Some cause of track damage:

Figure OI-134

Incorrect track tension: When the rubber track is detracting, the idler or sprocket rides on the projections of the embedded metal [Figure OI-134] causing the embedded metal to be exposed to corrosion. (See TRACK TENSION on Page OI-30.)

If rubber track is clogged with stones or foreign objects, these can get wedged between the sprocket / rollers and cause detracting and track stress.

When moisture invades through cuts on the track, the embedded steel cords will corrode. The deterioration of the design strength may lead to the breaking of the steel cords.

Figure OI-135

Cuts

When rubber tracks drive over projections or sharp objects in the field, the concentrated forces applied cause cuts on the lug side rubber surface [Figure OI135]. In case of making turns on projections, the lug side rubber surface will have an even higher chance to be cut. If the cuts run through the embedded steel cords, it might result in the steel cords' breakage due to their corrosion.

Avoid quick turns on bumpy and rocky fields.

Driving over sharp objects should be avoided. If this is impossible, do not make turns while driving over sharp objects.

Figure OI-136

When rubber tracks drive over sharp projections, intensive stress is applied to the lug side rubber surface, especially at the edges of embedded metals, causing cracks and cuts in the area around the embedded metals [Figure OI-136]

Avoid extensive stress applied to the lug root where metals are embedded. Operators should try to avoid driving over stumps and ridges.