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II. Machine Modifications
Modifications must not be made to the machine that:
– Interfere with operator visibility;
– Interfere with ingress or egress from the machine;
– Exceed the rated payload or gross combination
weight of the machine resulting in overloading the
braking and/or steering system or the roll-over pro-
tective structure (ROPS) capacity rating (shown on
a plate affixed to the ROPS); or
– Place objects in the cab that intrude into the oper-
ator’s space or that are not firmly fixed into place.
– Are not authorized by Caterpillar.
III. Operator-related Equipment Options
Each job presents unique conditions that must be
taken into account. Consider direct dangers to the
operator as well as all possible sources of distraction
that could reduce operator efficiency and increase the
chances of costly and dangerous mistakes. Climate-
controlled, sound-suppressed cabs, and special exterior
lighting are options available from Caterpillar that can
address requirements of special working environments.
“Flexible” machines include hydraulic excavators
(track-type, wheel-type, and compact), skid-steer load-
ers, backhoe loaders and integrated tool-carriers can
utilize interchangeable “Work Tools” to accomplish spe-
cific tasks. Work Tools or any tool used in hazardous
applications like demolition, quarry, logging, stump
grinding, scrap handling, milling, and scaling, can create
a need for special operator guarding. When flying debris
from impact, cutting, shearing or sweeping attachments is
present, additional protective devices such as a front screen,
Falling Object Guarding System (FOGS, includes top
& front guarding), thick polycarbonate windshields or
a combination of these is recommended by Caterpillar.
The failure to provide proper operator/machine guarding
in some of these applications can lead to machine dam-
age, personal injury or death. Contact your Cat dealer for
operator guarding options on your machine.
IV. Machine Protection
Check the job for unusually demanding conditions
that could cause premature failure or excessive wear
of machine components. Additional protective devices
such as heavy-duty radiator guards, crankcase guards,
engine enclosures, track roller guards and/or brake
shields may be needed. Also, consider the use of anti-
vandalism devices, such as cap locks and instrument
panel guards. The failure to provide proper guarding in
some of these applications may lead to machine damage,
personal injury or death. Contact your Cat dealer for
machine-protection and vandalism-prevention options
for your machine.
V. Fire Prevention
Remember that most fluids on your machine are flammable!
To minimize the risk of fire, Caterpillar recommends
following these basic steps:
– Always perform the Walk-Around Inspection
described in Part I. It can identify many of the fire
hazards described below.
– Remove trash (leaves, twigs, papers, etc.) that may
accumulate in the engine compartment or around
other hot parts on the product.
– Do not operate a machine if leakage of flamma-
ble fluids is noticed. Repair leaks before resum-
ing machine operation. Most fluids used in Cat
machines should be considered flammable.
– Keep access doors to major machine compartments
in working order to permit the use of fire fighting
equipment, should a fire occur.
– Avoid attaching electrical wiring to hoses and tubes
that contain flammable or combustible fluids. Hydrau-
lic hoses can move during machine operation and
abrade wires and other hoses if improperly secured.
– Replace any rubbing, damaged, frayed, kinked or
leaking hydraulic hoses or fittings. Use genuine Cat
parts or their equivalent, including both pressure and
temperature limit capabilities.
– Follow safe fueling practices as described in Cat
Operation and Maintenance Manuals, AEM Safety
Manuals, and local regulations. Never store flam-
mable fluids in the machine operator’s compart-
ment, nor smoke while fueling the machine.
– As an additional safety measure, keep a fire extin-
guisher on the machine in a location as specified in
the Operation and Maintenance Manual.
– Consider installation of an after-market fire-sup-
pression system (FSS) on the equipment if the appli-
cation and working conditions warrant it.