drag1line
Well-Known Member
Over the years I have seen many tracked excavator operators digging or clearing with the travel reduction gear boxes under the operator's cabin.
This is not the recommended position for these boxes due to the machine being more stable if the weight of these large gearboxes is behind the operator. The travel pedal control is also reversed. Yes, it is easier to push the pedals forward to go back.
That IS NOT the safety issue of an unusual accident that is not normally considered but waiting to happen.
If or when a branch, pipe, tree limb, tree, whatever were to fall into the front window of the cab,, it will push the travel levers, that most machines have, backwards. If the gearboxes are behind the operator, the machine will automatically back away from the debris in the operator's lap.
BUT, if the gear boxes are under the operator and the levers are shoved backwards, the machine will now go INTO the debris laying in the operator's lap and drive it into the cab and the operator's body.
Just food for thought.
Be Careful
This is not the recommended position for these boxes due to the machine being more stable if the weight of these large gearboxes is behind the operator. The travel pedal control is also reversed. Yes, it is easier to push the pedals forward to go back.
That IS NOT the safety issue of an unusual accident that is not normally considered but waiting to happen.
If or when a branch, pipe, tree limb, tree, whatever were to fall into the front window of the cab,, it will push the travel levers, that most machines have, backwards. If the gearboxes are behind the operator, the machine will automatically back away from the debris in the operator's lap.
BUT, if the gear boxes are under the operator and the levers are shoved backwards, the machine will now go INTO the debris laying in the operator's lap and drive it into the cab and the operator's body.
Just food for thought.
Be Careful
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