SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Electrical And Utilities

82. Watch for overhead and underground high voltage electrical lines. Do not touch wires with any part of the backhoe.

83. Check your work and verify location of all above ground hazards including electrical lines, fence posts, obstacles, etc. Avoid contact.

84. Check your work and verify location of all below ground hazards including water, gas, sewage, and electrical lines and pipes. Avoid contact.

Hydraulic

85. Escaping hydraulic fluid under pressure can have sufficient force to penetrate skin, causing serious injury. Before disconnecting lines, be sure to relieve all pressure. Before applying pressure to system, be sure all connections are tight and that lines, tubes, and hoses are not damaged. Fluid escaping from a very small hole can be almost invisible. Use a piece of cardboard or wood, rather than hands, to search for suspected leaks. If injured by escaping fluid, see a doctor at once. Serious infection or reaction can develop if proper medical treatment is not administered immediately.

86. Do not adjust backhoe relief valve setting. They are factory set for best backhoe performance and safety. They should be adjusted only by a qualified service person. Incorrect valve setting could result in equipment damage and/or serious injury.

87. After connecting equipment, hoses or doing any hydraulic maintenance, purge any air in the system by operating all hydraulic controls several times

Slopes

88. Set brakes and block wheels when operating on hills and banks to avoid dangerous runaway.

89. Reduce speed when driving over rough terrain, on a slope, or turning, to avoid overturning the vehicle or loss of steering because of weight transfer.

90. Avoid using dipper assembly at full reach when on a slope to prevent upsets.

91. Always dig downhill from unit when on a slope.

92. Avoid swinging bucket downhill when on a slope to prevent upsets.

93. Always swing bucket uphill to dump when on a slope.

94. Do not park vehicle on a steep incline.

95. Use care when operating on steep grades to maintain proper stability.

Transportation

96. Lower backhoe to ground when dismounting backhoe from tractor. This will increase the stability of the parked unit.

97. Always use accessory lights and devices when transporting on a road or highway to warn operators of other vehicles and to prevent accidents. Check your local government regulations.

98. Be sure SMV emblem is visible to the rear.

99. Never transport unit with covers or shields removed.

100. Always engage the boom and swing transport locking pins before transporting backhoe. Failure to do so could cause an unstable traveling condition.

101. Allow for height of backhoe when transporting unit so as not to catch unit on low overhangs or wires.

102. Do not drive close to ditches, excavations, etc., cave in could result. Drive slowly over rough terrain.

103. Do not operate the backhoe unless it is rigidly attached to the tractor

Adjustments And Inspection

104. Always wear safety goggles or glasses when working on equipment.

105. Observe proper maintenance schedules and repairs to keep unit in safe working order.

106. Always engage transport locking pins before servicing backhoe.

107. Never work under raised stabilizers or a raised backhoe.

108. Never work on equipment while it is running or while the system is under pressure, or the cylinders are under load.

109. Do not smoke when refueling the vehicle. Allow room in the gas tank for expansion. Wipe up any spilled fuel. Secure cap tightly when done.