Use and Care Manual

4
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
SAFETY FRAME OPS
1. Your vehicle is equipped with an occupant protection
structure (OPS) which must be maintained in a fully
functional condition. Use care when driving through
doorways or spaces with a low overhead.
a. Never modify the OPS in any way.
b. Never attempt to straighten or reweld any part of
the main frame or retaining brackets that have been
damaged. Doing so may weaken the structure and
endanger your safety.
c. Never secure any parts other than manufacturer approved
accessories on the main frame or attach the safety frame
with anything other than the special fasteners specified.
d. Never attach ropes, chains, or cables to the OPS for
pulling purposes.
Cargo Box Loading/Operation
1. Do not exceed vehicle’s Total Load Capacity rating of 1000
lbs (453.5 kg). This includes operator, passenger, accessories,
and cargo.
2. Do not exceed 500 lbs (226.7 kg) load in cargo box.
3. Spread load evenly and secure to prevent movement.
4. Do not load above height of cargo box front panel. Load could
shift forward and injure driver or passenger.
5. Avoid loads which exceed the physical dimensions of
cargo box.
6. Go slow. Heavy loads will affect steering, braking, stability,
and overall handling of the vehicle. Limit loads to those that
can be safely controlled.
7. Avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns which could cause load
to shift.
Cargo Box Lift
1. Stop vehicle on level ground, move the shift lever into the
“PARK” position before raising cargo box.
2. On manual lift units, unload cargo box before raising
cargo box.
3. Do not operate vehicle with cargo box in raised position.
4. Do not operate vehicle with cargo box latch unlatched.
Always re-latch upon manually lowering cargo box.
WHEN USING OPTIONAL ELECTRIC LIFT:
a. Stay in driver’s seat.
b. Keep body parts away from cargo box and keep all
bystanders away.
c. Do not allow rear wheels to hang over the edge of a drop-
off when raising cargo box. The load in the cargo box may
shift causing the vehicle to tip over backwards.
e. Although the OPS, when used with a properly secured
seat belt, provides a crush-protective environment
in the event of a tip-over or rollover, never take
unnecessary risks.
CHILDREN
1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
vehicle. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw them. Avoid run
over accidents.
a. Keep children out of the immediate area of the vehicle
and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
b. Be alert and turn the vehicle off if a child enters the area.
c. Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
d. Never carry small children, they may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere with safe vehicle operation.
e. Use extreme care while approaching blind corners,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
block your vision of a child who may run into the path of
the vehicle.
f. Remove key when vehicle is unattended to prevent
unauthorized operation.
2. Never allow children under 16 years old to operate this
vehicle. Children 16 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this
manual, should be trained and supervised by a parent and
have obtained a state-issued motor vehicle driver’s license.
3. Do not let children ride in the cargo box, in the driver’s or
passenger’s lap or anywhere other than the passenger seat.
Never give small children a ride; not even in the passenger
seat. They may fall off.
SERVICE
Safe Handling of Fuel:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
care in handling fuel. Fuel is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when
fuel is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved fuel container.
b. Never carry or fill containers inside the vehicle’s bed or on
a truck or trailer. Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
c. When practical, remove gas-powered vehicle from the
truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel on a trailer with a portable container,
rather than from a fuel dispenser nozzle.