303.5E2, 304E2, 305.5E2 and 305E2 Mini Hydraulic Excavators Shipping the Machine Caterpillar

Investigate the travel route for overpass clearances. Make sure that there will be adequate clearance for the machine.

Before you load the machine and before you unload the machine remove ice, snow, or other slippery material from the loading dock and from the surface of the trailer. Removal of ice, snow, or other slippery material will help prevent the slipping of the machine as you load the machine. Removing ice, snow, or other slippery material will help prevent the machine from moving in transit.

Do not use a fork lift to lift the machine. Using a fork lift to move your machine can result in property damage.

Choose the flattest ground when you load the machine or when you unload the machine.

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Illustration 1	g00040011

1. Before you load the machine and before you unload the machine, chock the trailer wheels or chock the rail car wheels.

2. When you use loading ramps, make sure that the loading ramps have adequate length, adequate width, and adequate strength. In addition, make sure that the surfaces of the loading ramps are clean. This will help prevent the machine from sliding in all types of weather conditions. This will allow the machine to move on the ramps smoothly.

3. Maintain the slope of the loading ramps within 15 degrees of the ground.

4. Minimize any step between the base of the loading ramps and the ground.

5. Clean the tracks on the machine in order to prevent any slippage.

Loading The Machine

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Illustration 2	g00822718

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NOTICE
Set the travel speed control switch to LOW before loading the machine. Never operate this switch when loading the machine on a trailer.

1. Position the machine so that the machine can drive straight up the loading ramps. Position the machine so that the front linkage and the blade will be the first machine components to travel up the loading ramps. Make sure that the blade is raised up.

2. Extend the front linkage forward over the trailer bed in order to help maintain balance.

3. Use caution when you travel over the areas around the loading ramp joints. Maintain the balance point of the machine.

4. After you load the machine onto the trailer be sure that the machine is properly positioned on the trailer bed.

5. Slowly, swing the upper structure for 180° and carefully move the machine toward the front of the trailer or the rail car.

6. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Lifting and Tying Down the Machine" for information on tying down the machine.

Unloading The Machine

1. Position the machine so that the machine can drive straight down the loading ramps. Position the machine so that the front linkage will be the first machine component to travel down the loading ramps. Position the machine so that the blade will be the last machine component to travel down the loading ramps. Make sure that the blade is raised up.

2. Extend the front linkage forward over the ramps. While you travel down the loading ramps, adjust the front linkage in order to allow the work tool to remain close to the ground. This will prevent the machine from tipping forward.

3. Use caution when you travel over the areas around the loading ramp joints in order to maintain the balance point of the machine.