SAFETY

Operation and Maintenance

Manual Excerpt

2010 Caterpillar
All Rights Reserved

SEBU6933-04
November 1999

Operation and
Maintenance
Manual
M312 and M315 Excavators
6TL1-Up (Machine)
7ML1-Up (Machine)

i01097883

Important Safety Information

Most accidents that involve product operation, maintenance and repair are caused by failure to
observe basic safety rules or precautions. An accident can often be avoided by recognizing potentially
hazardous situations before an accident occurs. A person must be alert to potential hazards. This
person should also have the necessary training, skills and tools to perform these functions properly.
Improper operation, lubrication, maintenance or repair of this product can be dangerous and
could result in injury or death.
Do not operate or perform any lubrication, maintenance or repair on this product, until you have
read and understood the operation, lubrication, maintenance and repair information.
Safety precautions and warnings are provided in this manual and on the product. If these hazard
warnings are not heeded, bodily injury or death could occur to you or to other persons.
The hazards are identified by the Safety Alert Symbol and followed by a Signal Word such as
DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. The Safety Alert WARNING label is shown below.

The meaning of this safety alert symbol is as follows:

Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety is Involved.
The message that appears under the warning explains the hazard and can be either written or
pictorially presented.
Operations that may cause product damage are identified by NOTICE labels on the product and in
this publication.
Caterpillar cannot anticipate every possible circumstance that might involve a potential hazard. The
warnings in this publication and on the product are, therefore, not all inclusive. If a tool, procedure,
work method or operating technique that is not specifically recommended by Caterpillar is used,
you must satisfy yourself that it is safe for you and for others. You should also ensure that the
product will not be damaged or be made unsafe by the operation, lubrication, maintenance or
repair procedures that you choose.
The information, specifications, and illustrations in this publication are on the basis of information that
was available at the time that the publication was written. The specifications, torques, pressures,
measurements, adjustments, illustrations, and other items can change at any time. These changes can
affect the service that is given to the product. Obtain the complete and most current information before
you start any job. Caterpillar dealers have the most current information available. For a list of the most
current publication form numbers available, see the Service Manual Contents Microfiche, REG1139F.

When replacement parts are required for this

product Caterpillar recommends using Caterpillar replacement parts or parts with equivalent
specifications including, but not limited to, physical dimensions, type, strength and material.
Failure to heed this warning can lead to premature failures, product damage, personal injury or
death.

6
Safety Section
Safety Signs and Labels

Do Not Operate

Safety Section
i01049309

Safety Signs and Labels

SMCS Code: 7000; 7405
There are several specific safety signs on this
machine. The exact location of the hazards and
the description of the hazards are reviewed in this
section. Please become familiarized with all safety
signs.
Make sure that all of the safety signs are legible.
Clean the safety signs or replace the safety signs if
you cannot read the words. Replace the illustrations
if the illustrations are not visible. When you clean
the safety signs, use a cloth, water and soap. Do
not use solvent, gasoline, or other harsh chemicals
to clean the safety signs. Solvents, gasoline, or
harsh chemicals could loosen the adhesive that
secures the safety sign. Loose adhesive will allow
the safety sign to fall.

Illustration 2

g00330103

This warning label is located on either side of the

sun visor.

Replace any safety sign that is damaged, or

missing. If a safety sign is attached to a part that is
replaced, install a safety sign on the replacement
part. Any Caterpillar dealer can provide new safety
signs.

g00103591

Do not operate or work on this machine unless

you have read and understand the instructions
and warnings in the Operation and Maintenance
Manuals. Failure to follow the instructions or heed
the warnings could result in injury or death. Contact any Caterpillar dealer for replacement manuals. Proper care is your responsibility.

7
Safety Section
Safety Signs and Labels

Certification of the Falling Object

Protective Structure

Illustration 3

g00330163

This warning is located on the overhead guard (if

equipped).

Improper Connections for Jump

Start Cables

Illustration 4

g00103595

This warning is located on the battery box.

g00104283
g00103593

Read Operation and Maintenance Manual, Starting

with Jump Start Cables before attempting to jump
start your machine.
Structural damage, an overturn, modification, alteration, or improper repair can impair this structures protection capability thereby voiding this
certification. Do not weld on or drill holes in the
structure. Consult a Caterpillar dealer to determine this structures limitations without voiding
its certification.

8
Safety Section
Safety Signs and Labels

Reversed Control Functions

Illustration 5

Automatic Engine Control (AEC)

g00103597

This warning is located in the cab.

Illustration 6

g00103802

This warning label is positioned in the cab.

g00103797

g00100749

FUNCTIONS OF STEERING AND TRANSMISSION

DIRECTION CONTROLS ARE REVERSED WHEN
BOOM IS OVER REAR AXLE.

Automatic Engine Speed Control (AEC) will increase engine speed automatically when you
operate the control lever(s) and/or travel pedals
with AEC switch ON.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY CONTROL MACHINE

CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

When loading and unloading machine from truck

or working in close quarters always turn off AEC
switch to prevent any possibility of sudden movement of machine, which could result in serious injury or death.

9
Safety Section
General Hazard Information

Air Inlet Heater (S/N: 5HK; 9RM)

Illustration 7

g00304965

This warning label is located on the engine.

Air Inlet Heater (S/N: 7BJ)

Illustration 8

g00518748

This warning label is located on the engine.

g00100745

Do not spray ether into the engine air intake.

g00100745

Do not spray ether into the engine air intake.

i00994424

General Hazard Information

SMCS Code: 7000

Illustration 9

g00102311

10
Safety Section
General Hazard Information

Attach a Do Not Operate warning tag or a similar

warning tag to the start switch or to the controls
before you service the machine or before you
repair the machine. These warning tags (Special
Instruction, SEHS7332) are available from your
Caterpillar dealer.
Know the width of your implement in order to
maintain proper clearance when you operate the
machine near fences or near boundary obstacles.
Wear a hard hat, protective glasses, and other
protective equipment, as required.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can snag
on controls or on other parts of the machine.
Make sure that all protective guards and all covers
are secured in place on the machine.

The left console is raised so that the hydraulic

system is disengaged.

The engine is stopped.

The engine start switch is turned to the OFF
position and the engine start switch key is
removed.

The battery disconnect switch is in the OFF

position and the disconnect switch key is
removed.

Pressure Air
Pressure air can cause personal injury. When
pressure air is used for cleaning, wear a protective
face shield, protective clothing, and protective
shoes.

Keep the machine free from foreign material.

Remove debris, oil, tools, and other items from the
deck, from walkways, and from steps.

The maximum air pressure for cleaning purposes

must be below 205 kPa (30 psi).

Secure all loose items such as lunch boxes, tools,

and other items that are not a part of the machine.

Fluid Penetration

Know the appropriate work site hand signals and

the personnel that are authorized to give the hand
signals. Accept hand signals from one person only.

Pressure can be maintained in the hydraulic circuit

long after the engine has been stopped. The
pressure can cause hydraulic fluid or items such
as pipe plugs to escape rapidly if the pressure is
not relieved correctly.

Do not smoke when you service an air conditioner.

Also, do not smoke if refrigerant gas may be
present. Inhaling the fumes that are released from a
flame that contacts air conditioner refrigerant can
cause bodily harm or death. Inhaling gas from air
conditioner refrigerant through a lighted cigarette
can cause bodily harm or death.

Do not remove any hydraulic components or parts

until pressure has been relieved or personal injury
may occur. Do not disassemble any hydraulic
components or parts until pressure has been
relieved or personal injury may occur.

Never put maintenance fluids into glass containers.

Drain all liquids into a suitable container.

Perform the following procedures in order to relieve

pressure:
1. Lower the bucket or equipment to the ground.

Obey all local regulations for the disposal of liquids.

2. Stop the engine.
Use all cleaning solutions with care. Report all
necessary repairs.
Do not allow unauthorized personnel on the
machine.
Unless you are instructed otherwise, perform the
maintenance under the following conditions:

3. With the operator in the seat, move the left

console to the RAISED position.
4. Actuate an implement control lever about ten
times in order to dissipate the pressure in the
hydraulic circuit.
5. Raise the left console.

The machine is parked on level ground.

The implement is lowered to the ground.
The implement control levers are in the HOLD
position.

Always use a board or cardboard when you check

for a leak. Leaking fluid that is under pressure can
penetrate body tissue. Fluid penetration can cause
serious injury and possible death. A pin hole leak
can cause severe injury. If fluid is injected into your
skin, you must get treatment immediately. Seek
treatment from a doctor that is familiar with this type
of injury.

11
Safety Section
Crushing Prevention and Cutting Prevention

Containing Fluid Spillage

All fluids must be contained during the following
procedures: inspections, maintenance, testing,
adjusting, and repair. Allow all fluids to drain into a
suitable container.
Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, Tools and
Shop Products Guide for the suitable tools and the
suitable supplies.
Dispose of used fluids according to local
regulations.

Asbestos Information
Caterpillar equipment and replacement parts that
are shipped from Caterpillar are asbestos free.
Caterpillar recommends the use of only genuine
Caterpillar replacement parts. Use the following
guidelines when you handle any replacement parts
that contain asbestos or when you handle asbestos
debris.
Use caution. Avoid inhaling dust that might be
generated when you handle components that
contain asbestos fibers. Inhaling this dust can
be hazardous to your health. The components
that may contain asbestos fibers are brake pads,
brake bands, lining material, clutch plates, and
some gaskets. The asbestos that is used in these
components is usually bound in a resin or sealed
in some way. The normal handling is not hazardous
unless airborne dust that contains asbestos is
generated.
If dust which may contain asbestos is present, there
are several guidelines that should be followed.
Never use compressed air for cleaning. Avoid the
brushing or the grinding of materials that contain
asbestos. Use a wet method to clean up asbestos
debris. A vacuum that is equipped with a high
efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) can also be
used.
Use exhaust ventilation on permanent machining
jobs.
Wear an approved respirator if there is no other way
to control the dust.
Comply with applicable rules and regulations for
the work place. In the USA, use Occupational
Safety and Health Administration requirements.
These OSHA requirements can be found in 29 CFR
1910.1001.
Obey environmental regulations for disposal of
asbestos.

Stay away from areas that might have asbestos

particles in the air.
i00081003

Crushing Prevention and

Cutting Prevention
SMCS Code: 7000
Support the equipment and the implements properly
when you perform work beneath the equipment and
the implements. Do not depend on the hydraulic
cylinders to hold up the equipment and implements.
An implement can fall if a control lever is moved or
if a hydraulic line breaks.
Unless you are instructed otherwise, never attempt
adjustments while the machine is moving or while
the engine is running.
Whenever there are implement linkages, the
clearance in the linkage area will change with
movement of the implement.
Stay clear of all rotating parts and moving parts.
Keep objects away from moving fan blades. The
fan blades will throw objects and the fan blades
can cut objects.
Do not use a wire rope cable that is kinked or
frayed. Wear gloves when you handle wire rope
cable.
When you strike a retainer pin, the retainer pin might
fly out. The loose retainer pin can injure personnel.
Make sure that the area is clear of people when you
strike a retainer pin. To avoid injury to your eyes,
wear protective glasses when you strike a retainer
pin.
Chips or other debris may fly off objects when
you strike the objects. Before you strike objects,
make sure that nearby persons will not be injured
by flying debris.
Do not attempt to lift the machine with the lift eyes
on the cab. Do not attempt to lift the machine with
the counterweight. See Operation and Maintenance
Manual, Transportation Informationfor the lifting
procedures. Also, you may consult your Caterpillar
dealer.

Falling Objects Guard

This is an attached guard that is located above the
operator compartment.

12
Safety Section
Burn Prevention

To avoid the possible weakening of the Falling

Objects Guard, consult your Caterpillar dealer
before you alter the structure. The protection that
is offered by the Falling Objects Guard will be
impaired if the Falling Objects Guard has structural
damage. Damage to the structure can be caused
by an overturn or by falling objects.
i00060369

Burn Prevention
SMCS Code: 7000

Batteries
Batteries give off flammable fumes which can
explode.
Do not smoke while you are observing the battery
electrolyte levels.
Electrolyte is an acid. Electrolyte can cause
personal injury. Do not allow electrolyte to contact
the skin or the eyes.
Always wear protective glasses when you work on
batteries.

Coolant
i01102917

When the engine is at operating temperature, the

engine coolant is hot and the engine coolant is
under pressure. The radiator and all lines to the
heaters or to the engine contain hot coolant or
steam. Any contact with hot coolant or with steam
can cause severe burns.
Only check the coolant level after the engine has
been stopped. Make sure that the radiator cap is
cool before you remove the radiator cap with your
bare hand. Remove the radiator cap slowly in order
to relieve pressure.
Cooling system conditioner contains alkali. Alkali
can cause personal injury. Do not allow alkali to
contact the skin, the eyes, or the mouth.
Allow cooling system components to cool before
you drain the cooling system.

Oils
Hot oil and hot components can cause personal
injury. Do not allow hot oil or hot components to
contact the skin.
When the hydraulic system is at operating
temperature, the hydraulic oil is hot and the
hydraulic oil is under pressure.
Remove the filler plug on the hydraulic tank only
after the engine has been stopped. Make sure that
the filler plug on the hydraulic tank is cool before
you remove the filler plug on the hydraulic tank
with your bare hand. Remove the filler plug on the
hydraulic tank slowly in order to relieve pressure.
Relieve all pressure in the air system, in the oil
system, in the fuel system, or in the cooling system
before you disconnect any lines, fittings, or related
items.

Fire Prevention and Explosion

Prevention
SMCS Code: 7000
All fuels, most lubricants, and some coolant mixtures
are flammable.
Fuel that is leaking, fuel that is spilled onto hot
surfaces, and fuel that is spilled onto electrical
components can cause a fire.
Do not smoke while you refuel or while you are in a
refueling area.
Do not smoke in battery charging areas or in areas
that are used to store flammable material.
Batteries can be installed in separate compartments.
When you use jump start cables, always connect
the positive + cable to the positive + terminal of
the battery that is connected to the starter solenoid.
Connect the negative cable from the external
source to the negative terminal of the starter.
Note: If the starter is not equipped with a negative
terminal, connect the cable to the engine block.
See the Operation Section of this manual for specific
starting instructions.
Clean all electrical connections and tighten all
electrical connections. Check the electrical wires
daily for loose wires or for frayed wires. Tighten all
loose wires before you operate the machine. Repair
all frayed wires before you operate the machine.
Store all fuels and lubricants in properly marked
containers and away from all unauthorized persons.
Store all oily rags or other flammable material in a
protective container.

13
Safety Section
Fire Extinguisher Location

Do not weld pipes that contain flammable fluids or

tubes that contain flammable fluids. Do not flame
cut pipes that contain flammable fluids or tubes that
contain flammable fluids. Clean the pipes or tubes
thoroughly with nonflammable solvent before you
weld the pipes or tubes or you flame cut the pipes
or tubes.

End fittings that are damaged or leaking

Remove all flammable materials (fuel, oil, debris,

etc) before the flammable materials accumulate on
the machine.

Flexible part of the hoses that are kinked

Do not expose the machine to flames or to brush

that is burning.

End fittings that are displaced

Shields protect hot exhaust components from oil

spray or fuel spray. Make sure that the shields are
installed correctly in case a line, a tube, or a seal
fails.

Ether
Do not spray ether into an engine when you use
thermal starting aid to start the engine.

Outer coverings that are chafed or cut

Wire shields that are exposed
Outer coverings that are ballooning

Outer covers that have embedded armoring

Make sure that all clamps, guards, and heat shields

are installed correctly. During machine operation,
this will help prevent vibration, the rubbing against
other parts, and excessive heat.
i00768564

Fire Extinguisher Location

SMCS Code: 7000; 7419

Ether is poisonous and flammable. Inhaling ether

vapors can cause personal injury. Do not allow
ether to contact your skin repeatedly. Use ether only
in well ventilated areas. Do not smoke while you
replace ether cylinders. Use ether carefully to avoid
fires. Do not store ether cylinders in living areas or
in the operators compartment.
Do not store ether cylinders in direct sunlight or at
temperatures above 49 C (120 F). Discard ether
cylinders in an approved place. Do not puncture
ether cylinders. Do not burn ether cylinders. Keep
ether cylinders out of the reach of unauthorized
personnel.
Illustration 10

Lines, Tubes and Hoses

Do not bend high pressure lines. Do not strike
high pressure lines. Do not install bent lines, bent
tubes, or bent hoses. Do not install damaged lines,
damaged tubes, or damaged hoses.
Repair loose lines, loose tubes, and loose hoses.
Repair damaged lines, damaged tubes, and
damaged hoses. Leaks can cause fires. See your
Caterpillar dealer for repair or for replacement parts.
Check lines, tubes and hoses carefully. Do not use
your bare hand to check for leaks. Use a board or
cardboard to check for leaks. See Operation and
Maintenance Manual, General Hazard Information
for more details. Tighten all connections to the
recommended torque.
Replace the parts if any of the following conditions
are present:

g00104719

Typical example

Make sure that a fire extinguisher is available. Be

familiar with the operation of the fire extinguisher.
Inspect the fire extinguisher and service the fire
extinguisher regularly. Obey the recommendations
on the instruction plate. The fire extinguisher may be
mounted in the cab, next to the travel speed pedals.
i00773927

Tire Explosion Prevention

SMCS Code: 4200; 7000
Explosions of air inflated tires have resulted from
heat-induced gas combustion inside the tires.
Explosions can be caused by heat that is generated
by welding, by heating rim components, by external
fire, or by excessive use of brakes.

14
Safety Section
Electrical Storm Injury Prevention

A tire explosion is much more violent than a

blowout. The explosion can propel the tire, the rim
components, and the axle components as far as
500 m (1500 ft) or more from the machine. Both the
force of the explosion and the flying debris can
cause property damage, personal injury, or death.

i00771707

Mounting and Dismounting

SMCS Code: 7000

Illustration 12
Illustration 11

g00037860

g00337832

(A) At least 15 m (50 ft)

(B) At least 500 m (1500 ft)

Do not approach a warm tire. Maintain a minimum

distance, as shown. Stay outside the shaded area
in Illustration 11.
When you inflate a tire, stand behind the tread and
use a self-attaching chuck.
Servicing tires and rims can be dangerous. Only
trained personnel that use proper tools and proper
procedures should perform this maintenance. If
correct procedures are not used for servicing tires
and rims, the assemblies could burst with explosive
force. This explosive force can cause serious
personal injury or death. Carefully obey the specific
instructions from your tire dealer.
i00061083

Electrical Storm Injury

Prevention

Mount the machine and dismount the machine

only at locations that have steps and/or handholds.
Before you mount the machine, clean the steps and
the handholds. Inspect the stairs and handholds.
Make any necessary repairs.
Face the machine whenever you mount the machine
and whenever you dismount the machine.
Maintain a three-point contact with the steps and
with the handholds.
Note: Three-point contact can be two feet and one
hand. Three-point contact can also be one foot and
two hands.
Never mount a moving machine. Never dismount a
moving machine. Never jump off the machine.
Do not carry tools or supplies when you try to
mount the machine or when you try to dismount the
machine. Use a hand line to pull equipment onto
the platform.

SMCS Code: 7000

Do not use any controls as handholds when you

enter the operator compartment or when you exit
the operator compartment.

When lightning is striking in the near vicinity of the

machine, the operator should never attempt the
following procedures:

Alternate Exit

Mounting the machine

Dismounting the machine
If you are in the operators station during an
electrical storm, stay in the operators station. If
you are on the ground during an electrical storm,
stay away from the vicinity of the machine during
an electrical storm.

Machines that are equipped with cabs have

alternate exits. For additional information, see
Operation and Maintenance Manual, Exit
(Alternate).

15
Safety Section
Before Starting Engine

i00771840

i00058292

Before Starting Engine

Before Operating Machine

SMCS Code: 1000; 7000

SMCS Code: 7000

Start the engine only from the operator compartment.

Never short across the starter terminals or across
the batteries. Shorting could damage the electrical
system by bypassing the engine neutral start
system.

Clear all personnel from the machine and from the

area.

Inspect the condition of the seat belt and of the

mounting hardware. Replace any parts that are
worn or damaged. Regardless of appearance,
replace the seat belt after three years of use. Do not
use a seat belt extension on a retractable seat belt.
Adjust the seat so that full pedal travel can be
achieved with the operators back against the back
of the seat.

Clear all obstacles from the machines path. Beware

of hazards (wires, ditches, etc).
Be sure that all windows are clean. Secure the
doors and the windows in the open position or in
the shut position.
Adjust the rearview mirrors (if equipped) for the best
visibility close to the machine. Make sure that the
horn, the travel alarm (if equipped), and all other
warning devices are working properly.
Fasten the seat belt securely.

Make sure that the machine is equipped with

a lighting system that is adequate for the job
conditions. Make sure that all machine lights are
working properly.

Warm up the engine and the hydraulic oil before

operating the machine.

Before you start the engine and before you move the
machine, make sure that no one is underneath the
machine, around the machine, or on the machine.
Make sure that the area is free of personnel.

Before moving the machine, check the position of

the undercarriage. The normal travel position is with
the idler wheels to the front under the cab and the
drive sprockets to the rear. When the undercarriage
is in the reversed position, the directional controls
must be operated in opposite directions.

i00994427

Engine Starting

i01100387

Work Tools

SMCS Code: 1000; 7000

SMCS Code: 6100; 6300; 6400; 6500
If a warning tag is attached to the engine start
switch or to the controls, do not start the engine.
Also, do not move any controls.

Only use work tools that are recommended by

Caterpillar for use on Caterpillar machines.

Move all hydraulic controls to the HOLD position

before you start the engine. Raise the left console
in order to disengage the hydraulic controls. For
further details on this procedure, refer to Operation
and Maintenance Manual, Hydraulic Activation
Control.

If you are in doubt about the compatibility of a

particular work tool with your machine, consult your
Caterpillar dealer.

Engage the parking brake.

Keep all windows and doors closed on the host

machine. Always wear protective glasses. Always
wear the protective equipment that is recommended
in the work tools operation manual. Wear any
other protective equipment that is required for the
operating environment.

Diesel engine exhaust contains products of

combustion which can be harmful to your health.
Always run the engine in a well ventilated area. If
you are in an enclosed area, vent the exhaust to
the outside.

Make sure that all necessary guarding is in place

on the host machine and on the work tool.

To prevent personnel from being struck by flying

objects, ensure that all personnel are out of the
work area.

16
Safety Section
Machine Operation

While you are performing any maintenance, any

testing, or any adjustments to the work tool stay
clear of the following areas: cutting edges, pinching
surfaces, and crushing surfaces.
i00072424

Machine Operation
SMCS Code: 7000
Only operate the machine while you are in a seat.
The seat belt must be fastened while you operate
the machine. Only operate the controls while the
engine is running.
Check for proper operation of all controls and of all
protective devices while you operate the machine
slowly in an open area.
When the machine is moving watch the clearance
of the boom. Uneven ground can cause the boom
to move in all directions.
Make sure that no personnel will be endangered
before you move the machine. Do not allow
riders on the machine unless the machine has an
additional seat with a seat belt.
Report any machine damage that was noted during
machine operation. Make any necessary repairs.
Hold attachments approximately 40 cm (15 inches)
above ground level while you drive the machine. Do
not drive the machine close to an overhang, to the
edge of a cliff, or to the edge of an excavation.
If the machine begins to sideslip on a grade,
immediately dump the load and turn the machine
downhill.
Be careful to avoid any ground condition which
could cause the machine to tip. Tipping can occur
when you work on hills, on banks, or on slopes.
Tipping can also occur when you cross ditches,
ridges, or other unexpected obstructions.

Lifting capacity decreases as the load is moved

further from the machine.
Make sure that the towing eyes and the towing
devices are adequate for your needs.
Only connect trailing equipment to a drawbar or to
a hitch.
Never straddle a wire rope cable. Never allow other
personnel to straddle a wire rope cable.
When you maneuver in order to connect the
equipment, make sure that no personnel are
between the machine and trailing equipment. Block
up the hitch of the trailing equipment in order to
align the equipment with the drawbar.
Check the local regulations, state codes, and/or
directives of the job site for a specific minimum
distance from obstacles.
Before you operate the machine check with the
local utilities for the locations of buried pipes and
buried cables.
Know the maximum dimensions of your machine.
Watch the load at all times.
Do not operate the machine without the
counterweight. The machine can tip when the boom
is over the side.
The clamshell, the grapple, or the magnet can
swing in all directions. Move the implement control
levers in a continuous motion. Failure to move the
implement control levers in a continuous motion can
cause the clamshell, the grapple or the magnet to
swing into the cab or into a person in the work area.
This will result in a personal injury.
The boom and the stick linkage can allow the
bucket to contact the undercarriage and/or the cab.
i00697030

When possible, operate the machine up slopes and

down slopes. Avoid operating the machine across
the slope, when possible.

Lifting Objects

Keep the machine under control. Do not overload

the machine beyond capacity.

There may be some local regulations and/or

government regulations that govern the use of
excavators which lift heavy objects. Obey those
regulations.

Avoid changing the direction of travel on a slope.

This could result in tipping or side slipping of the
machine.
Bring the load close to the machine before traveling
distances or swinging the load.

SMCS Code: 6513

If this machine is used to lift objects within an

area that is controlled by the European Directive
89/392/EEC, the machine must be equipped with
a boom lowering control valve and an overload
warning device.

17
Safety Section
Machine Parking

i00994441

Machine Parking

i00994443

Sound Information and

Vibration Information

SMCS Code: 7000

The hydraulic system remains pressurized provided
that the accumulator is charged. This condition
is true even when the engine is not running.
This pressure should decrease in a short time
(approximately one minute). While the hydraulic
system maintains a charge, the hydraulic implement
and machine controls remain functional.
Machine movement that is sudden and unexpected
will occur if any of the controls are moved. This can
cause personal injury or death.
Always raise the left console before you shut off
the engine or immediately after the engine stops
running.
Park the machine on a level surface. If you must
park the machine on a grade, chock the wheels
of the machine.
Apply the service brake in order to stop the
machine.
Engage the parking brake.

SMCS Code: 7000

Sound Level for Enclosed Cab

The dynamic sound level in the operator
compartment on the M312 is 72 decibel reading
average. The sound level in the operator
compartment on the M315 is 75 decibel reading
average. These sound levels are only valid only if
the machine is equipped with a properly installed
closed cab and if the closed cab has been properly
maintained.

Vibration Level
The hands and the arms are exposed to a weighted
root mean square acceleration that is less than
2.5 m/s2 (8.15 ft/s2).
The whole body is exposed to a weighted root
mean square acceleration that is less than 0.5 m/s2
(1.63 ft/s2).

Move the engine speed dial to Low Idle.

Measurements are obtained on a representative

machine. Use the measuring procedure in the
following standards:

Raise the left console in order to disengage the

hydraulic system.

ISO 2631/1

Stop the engine.

ISO 5349

Turn the engine start switch to the OFF position and

remove the engine start switch key.

SAE J1166
i01173788

Turn the battery disconnect switch to the OFF

position. Remove the disconnect switch key if you
do not operate the machine for an extended period
of time. This will prevent drainage of the battery. A
battery short circuit, any current draw from certain
components, and vandalism can cause drainage
of the battery.
i00077442

Boom Lowering with Engine

Stopped
SMCS Code: 7000
For detailed information that pertains to boom
lowering, refer to Operation and Maintenance
Manual, Boom Lowering with Engine Stopped in
the Operation Section.

Cab Internal Clearance

SMCS Code: 7301
This Caterpillar machine is equipped with a factory
installed cab that conforms to industry standards.
The standards specify the clearance that is required
in the cab for the operator. These standards are
SAE J154 and EN474-1.
Any modifications to the inside of the cab should
not project into this defined space. The addition of
a radio, fire extinguisher, and other equipment must
be installed so that the defined space is maintained.
Any item that is brought into the cab should not
project into this defined space. A lunch box or other
loose items must be secured. Objects must not
pose an impact hazard in rough terrain or in the
event of a machine rollover.