TM 5-3805-293-10
0005
SLOPE OPERATION
0005
Safe operation depends on a number of factors including machine maintenance, operating speed, terrain condi-
tions, fluid levels, tire inflation pressures, and most importantlyoperator skill and judgment. When working on hills
or slopes, consider the following points:
Speed of travel At higher speeds, forces of inertia tend to make machine less stable.
Roughness of terrain or surface The machine may be less stable on uneven terrain.
Direction of travel Avoid operating machine across the slope. When possible, operate the machine up
and down rather than across slopes. Place heaviest end of machine uphill when you are working on an
incline.
Mounted equipment Balance of machine may be impeded by the following components: equipment that
is mounted on machine, machine configuration, weights, and counterweights.
Nature of surface Ground that has been newly filled with earth may collapse from weight of machine.
Surface material Rocks and moisture of surface material may drastically affect machine's traction and
stability. Rocky surfaces may promote side slipping of machine.
Slippage due to excessive loads This may cause downhill tracks or downhill tires to dig into the ground,
which will increase angle of machine.
Width of tires Narrower tires further increase digging into ground which causes machine to be less
stable.
Implements attached to drawbar This may decrease weight on uphill tires. The decreased weight will
cause machine to be less stable.
Height of working load of machine When working loads are in higher positions, stability of machine is
reduced.
Operating equipment Be aware of performance features of equipment in operation and effects on
machine stability.
Operating techniques Keep all attachments or pulled loads low to 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.
END OF TASK
0005-32
