Komatsu 730E, Shop Manual

A3-20

General Safety & Operation

A03048

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARING FOR OPERATION

The safest trucks are those which have been prop-
erly prepared for operation. At the beginning of each
shift, a careful inspection of the truck must be com-
pleted by the operator before starting the engine.

SAFETY IS THINKING AHEAD

Prevention is the best way to avoid an accident. Pre-
vent potential accidents by knowing the employer's
safety requirements and all necessary job site regu-
lations. In addition, know the proper use and care of
all the safety equipment on the truck. Operators or
technicians must be qualified to operate or maintain
a Komatsu truck.

Safe practices start before the operator gets to the
truck! Refer to Section 20, General Safety, for safety
guidelines.

WALK AROUND INSPECTION

At the beginning of each shift, perform a careful walk
around inspection of the truck before engine start-up.
A walk-around inspection is a ground level check of
the truck and its components to ensure the truck is
safe to operate.

Start at the left front corner of the truck (see illustra-
tion, next page.) Move in a counterclockwise direc-
tion, around the truck, and back to the starting point.

Inspection of the truck before every shift can help
avoid many potential problems. Downtime and loss of
production can be reduced by scheduled maintenance. 

Local work practices may prevent an operator from
performing all tasks suggested here. To the extent
permitted, the operator must follow this or a similar
routine.

1. Start at the left front of the truck. During the

walk-around inspection, visually inspect all
lights and safety equipment for external dam-
age. Ensure all light housing lenses are clean
and unbroken.

2. Empty the dust pans on the left side air clean-

ers. Ensure the battery box covers are in place
and securely fastened.

Inspect the battery box cover for damage. Verify
it is securely attached.

High voltage may be present on this truck! DO
NOT open any electrical cabinet doors on this
truck while the engine is running. Never climb on
any power cables or use power cables for
handholds or footholds unless the engine has
been shut down and the system has been verified
to be de-energized by a qualified electrician. 

3. Move behind the front left tire. Check the hub

and brake assemblies for leaks, and any abnor-
mal wear or signs of damage.
Check the oil level in the front wheel hub sight
gauge. Refill, if necessary.

4. With the engine (5, Figure 3-1) stopped, check

the engine oil level. If necessary, use the ser-
vice light to illuminate the area. Ensure the light
is turned off when the inspection of this area is
complete.

5. Inspect the fan and air conditioner belts for cor-

rect tension and tracking. Also, check for belt
wear or damage.

Verify the fan guard bolts are installed and prop-
erly tightened.

6. Ensure the anchor end of the steering cylinder

pin is properly greased and tightened.

7. Move outboard of the front wheel and inspect

the attaching lugs/wedges to ensure they are
properly tightened. Replace any parts that are
missing.

Inspect the tires for damage. Check for proper
inflation.