3-27
OPERATION
CAUTIONS
Observe the following cautions when
operating the machine:
HANDLING RUBBER CRAWLERS
•Donotturntheundercarriagewiththefront
of the machine body lifted using the hoe
attachment (the upperstructure is not
turned). Doing so will twist the crawlers
with the load concentrated on a single
point on the crawler belt, causing rapid
damage to the crawlers.
•Avoidchangingcourseabruptlyorspin-
turning on concrete surfaces whenever
possible. Doing so may wear or damage
the rubber crawlers.
•Avoiddropsthatmayexposetherubber
crawlers to strong shocks.
•Salt,potassiumchloride,ammonium
sulfate, potassium sulfate, and triple
superphosphate of lime can damage the
crawler belts. If any of these substances
gets on the crawler belts, wash if off
thoroughly with water.
•Donotletthesidesoftherubbercrawlers
rub against concrete or walls.
•Donotdamagetherubbercrawlersby
hitting the bucket against them.
•Beespeciallycarefulonsnowyorfrozen
surfaces in winter, as the crawler belts tend
to slip in such conditions.
•Userubbercrawlerbeltsattemperatures
between –25°C to +55°C (–14°F to 131°F).
•When
storingtherubbercrawlersforlong
periods of time (three months or more), do
so indoors in a place not exposed to direct
sunlight or rain.
•Rubber
crawlerbeltsarenotasstableas
steel crawler belts since the entire lugs are
made of rubber. Be very careful when
slewing and swinging sideways.
PREVENTING THE RUBBER CRAWLERS
FROM COMING OFF
Observe the following cautions to prevent
the crawler from coming off.
•Alwayskeepthecrawlersattheproper
tension.
•Whentravelingoveralargestepsuchasa
cobblestone or rock (20 cm (8 in.) or
deeper), climb up the step at the right
angle and do not change courses on top of
the step.