Snorkel AB85RJ CE - Manual (Page 54)

Chapter 8 – Operation
50 AB80J/AB85J – 0420453EE
At any given moment when driving the machine on a
slope, at least one, if not all, of the factors contributing
to achieving theoretical gradeabilty will not be at optimal
performance. For example, tire contact may not be the
same at each drive wheel or the slope conditions may not
be optimal, which would then allow for loss of traction.
The value for actual gradeability will always be lower
than the theoretical gradeability value. The perception
then is that the machine can not climb a slope as steep
as it should.
Percent vs. Degree of Slope
Gradeability is most often referenced as a percentage.
That value is based on a slope angle of 45° representing
00% grade.
Angle indicators, or inclinometers, often measure the
angle of the slope in degrees not the percent slope.
Because of that, it may be useful to understand the re-
lationship between percent slope and the degree of the
slope angle as shown in Figure 8.6.
Driving on a Slope
The machine should only be driven on a slope or load-
ing ramp in the stowed position with the platform on the
downhill side.
A Danger
The aerial platform can tip over if it becomes unstable.
Death or serious injury can result from a tip-over ac-
cident. Do not drive on slopes that exceed 30 percent
grade, or where conditions of the slope could cause
driving to be hazardous.
Place the drive range switch in the low position before
attempting to drive the machine on a slope.
Drive the aerial platform only on slopes, or loading ramps
that are within the 30 percent grade capability of the
aerial platform.
Figure 8.6 – Slope Percent/Degree Conversion
Percent of
Grade
Angle of Slope
in Degrees
45°
40°
30°
35°
25°
20°
5°
0°
5°
5%
0%
5%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
85%
90%
95%
00%
0