Snorkel TB50 - Manual (Page 60)

Chapter 8 – Operation
56 TB42/TB50 – 0074923
Drive the aerial platform only on slopes, or loading
ramps that are within the 25 percent grade capability of
the aerial platform.
Calculate the percent grade:
before attempting to climb an unknown grade
if it is believed that there is a malfunction to deter-
mine if the slope is within the actual grade capability
of the aerial platform.
Calculating Percent Grade
The percent grade equals the height (rise) of the slope di-
vided by the length (run) times 100. Refer to Figure 8.6.
Length
Height
Length
Height
% of Grade = x 100
Figure 8.6 – Percent Grade Formula


Percent vs. Degree of Slope
Gradeability is most often referenced as a percentage.
That value is based on a slope angle of 45° represent-
ing 100% 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
relationship between percent slope and the degree of
the slope angle as shown in Figure 8.5.
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.
Danger
The aerial platform can tip over if it becomes un-
stable. Death or serious injury will result from a
tip-over accident. Do not drive on slopes that ex-
ceed the grade capability of the machine, or where
conditions of the slope could cause driving to be
hazardous.
Place the drive speed in the low position before attempt-
ing to drive the machine on a slope.
Percent of
Grade
Angle of Slope
in Degrees
45°
40°
30°
35°
25°
20°
15°
10°
5°
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
0
Figure 8.5 – Slope Percent/Degree Conversion