T415 Operation & Service Manual
18
Safety
Machines that are operating safely in various applications
depend on these criteria: the machine model, configuration,
machine maintenance, operating speed of the machine,
conditions of the terrain, fluid levels, and tire inflation
pressures. The most important criteria are the skill and
judgment of the operation.
A well trained operator that follows the instructions in the
Operation and Maintenance Manual has the greatest impact
on stability. Operator training provides a person with the
following abilities: observation of working and environmental
conditions, feel for the machine, identification
of potential hazards, and operating the machine safely by
making appropriate decisions.
When you work on side hills and when you work on slopes,
consider the following important points:
• Speed of travel – At higher speeds, forces of inertia
tend to make the machine less stable.
• Roughness of terrain or surface – The machine may
be less stable with uneven terrain.
• Direction of travel – Avoid operation the machine
across the slope. When possible, operate the
machine up the slopes and operate the machine
down the slopes.
• Place the heaviest end of the machine uphill when you
are working on an incline.
• Mounted equipment – Balance of the machine
may be impeded by the following components:
equipment that is mounted on the machine, machine
configuration, weights, and counterweights.
• Nature of surface – Ground that has been newly
filled with earth may collapse from the weight of the
machine.
• Surface material – Rocks and moisture of the surface
material may drastically affect the machine’s traction
and machine’s stability. Rocky surfaces may promote
side slipping of the machine.
• Slippage due to excessive loads – This may cause
downhill tracks or downhill tires to dig into the ground,
which will increase the angle of the machine.
• Width of tracks or tires – Narrower tracks or narrower
tires further increase the digging into the ground
which causes the machine to be less stable.
• Implements attached to the machine hitch or drawbar
– This may decrease the weight on the uphill tracks.
This may also decrease the weight on the uphill tires.
The decreased weight will cause the machine to be
less stable.
• Height of the working load of the machine – When
the working loads are in higher positions, the stability
of the machine is reduced.
• Operated equipment – Be aware of performance
features of the equipment in operation and the effects
on machine stability.
• Operating techniques – Keep all attachments or
pulled loads low to the ground for optimum stability.
• Machine systems have limitations on slopes – Slopes
can affect the proper function and operation of the
various machine systems. These machine systems
are needed for machine control on slopes.
Note: Safe operation on steep slopes may require special
machine maintenance. Excellent skill of the operator and
proper equipment for specific applications are also required.
Consult the Operation and Maintenance Manual sections for
the proper fluid level requirements and intended machine use.
Work Tool options - Attachments
Only use work tools that are approved by Rayco for use on
Rayco machines. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance
Manual, Rayco options”.
If you are in doubt about the compatibility of a particular work
tool with your machine, consult your Rayco dealer.
Make sure that all necessary guarding is in place on the host
machine and on the work tool.
If equipped, keep all windows and doors closed on the
machine.
Always wear protective glasses. Always wear the protective
equipment that is recommended in the work tool’s operation
manual. Wear any other protective equipment that is required
for the operating environment.
To prevent personnel from being struck by flying objects,
ensure that all personnel are out of the work area.
While you are performing any maintenance, any testing, or any
adjustments to the machine, stay clear of the following areas:
cutting edges, pinching surfaces, and crushing surfaces.
Equipment Lowering with Engine
Stopped
Before lowering any equipment with the engine stopped,
clear the area around the equipment of all personnel. The
procedure to use will vary with the type of equipment to be
lowered. Keep in mind this system use a high pressure fluid
to raise or lower equipment. The procedure will cause high
pressure hydraulic oil to be released in order to lower the
equipment. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
and follow the established procedure in the Operation and
Maintenance Manual.
100’
58’
30°