USE OF THE MACHINE AND RELATED CONTROLS
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3.3.18.3 USE OF THE RUBBER TRACKS
UNAUTHORIZED USES
Keep to the following instructions.
q Avoid performing rotations or other operations on broken rocks, very hard rocks, steel bars, scraps, or near the
edges of steel plates, since this may damage the rubber tracks.
q In places like river beds, where there is a great quantity of large and small stones, these may get stuck in the
tracks, and damage them or cause them to come off. Carrying out levelling operations if the tracks slip reduces
their duration.
q Do not dirty the rubber tracks with oil, fuel or chemical solvents. If one of these substances gets on the tracks,
clean them immediately. Furthermore, do not travel on road surfaces that are dirty with oil.
q When the machine is going to remain unused for a long period (3 months or more), keep it indoors, away from
direct sunlight and protected from rain.
q Do not use the machine in areas where the temperature is particularly high, for example in the presence of
burning wood, hot steel plates or on roads that have just been asphalted.
q Do not use the machine lifting one track only by means of the work equipment. This damages the rubber tracks
and may also cause them to come off.
3.3.18.4 HOW TO PRESERVE THE RUBBER TRACKS OVER TIME
To avoid damaging the rubber tracks, keep to the following instructions during work.
q Avoid carrying out counter-rotations on concrete surfaces.
q Avoid sudden changes of direction that may damage the rubber tracks and wear them out.
q Avoid steering when moving on surfaces with considerable differences in height. When moving on obstacles or
surfaces with considerable differences in height, position the machine perpendicular to the obstacle to prevent
the tracks from coming off.
q If the machine has been raised using the bucket, lower it slowly.
q Avoid using the machine to handle materials that once crushed produce oil (like soy, maize or other vegetable
parts from which oil is derived); otherwise, wash the machine soon after use.
q Avoid any contact with materials that may affect the adhesion of the steel core, like salt, ammonium sulphate,
potassium chloride, potassium sulphate or calcium superphosphate, or wash the machine after use.
q Since salt affects the adhesion of the steel core, avoid using the machine in coastal areas.
q When handling materials like salt, sugar, flour or soy seeds, the presence of deep cuts in the rubber tracks may
cause the infiltration of these products in the tracks or the dispersion of rubber pieces in the products. Always
repair the tracks before use.
q Do not rub the tracks against concrete walls or blocks.
q Rubber tracks slip very easily on snow or icy surfaces. Take care not to slip while travelling or working on slopes.
q The characteristics of the rubber tracks change when they are used in extremely cold areas, in particular their
duration is reduced.
q In consideration of the properties of rubber, it is advisable to use the rubber tracks at temperatures included
between –25° C and +55° C (between -13°F and +131°F).
q When performing operations with the bucket, take care not to damage the rubber tracks with the bucket itself.
To prevent the rubber tracks from coming off, pay the utmost attention to the following. Even when the track
tension is correct, carry out every operation with the maximum care.
