How to Operate a Dozer in the Mountains
- 1). Measure the grade of the slope before beginning any project on steep or sloped terrain. Bulldozers are not made to be operated on any slope greater than 45 degrees. For utmost safety, slopes of 20 to 25 degrees are best.
- 2). Read the operator's manual thoroughly if you are unfamiliar with the machine. Particularly read sections pertaining to operation on steep slopes. Every machine has different controls and it pays to be aware of them before you get into a situation where you need to locate a particular brake or decelerator pedal quickly.
- 3). Buckle the safety belt and harness and tighten according to the instructions in the operator's manual.
- 4). Operate the bulldozer up and down rather than across sloped terrain. This applies for even mild rises. It is more efficient for fuel consumption, and safer.
- 5). Walk the terrain you are going to grade before driving the dozer out onto the slope. Check for loose rocks, unstable soil (indicated by erosion), and other possible traction concerns.
- 6). Abandon the machine immediately if slippage causes the dozer to slide into a steeply graded area of the slope. Attempting to drive the dozer out of such a spot can result in serious harm to you and the machine.
