What is the recommended practice when traveling on slopes with loaders or bulldozers?

• A. Travel straight up or down, keep the load low, and go slowly
• B. Travel cross-slope to save time
• C. Travel with the load high to see far ahead
• D. Shut down the engine on the slope and push

Answer: (A)

On slopes, staying stable is the main goal. Keeping the machine’s center of gravity low and aligned with the slope makes tipping far less likely. Traveling straight up or down the slope helps maintain that alignment and minimizes the sideways tipping forces gravity can exert. Keeping the load low lowers the center of gravity, boosts traction, and makes the machine easier to control. Moving slowly gives you time to react to changes in surface conditions and terrain, reducing the chance of a sudden loss of control.

Crossing a slope shifts weight to one side and increases the risk of rollover, especially with a heavy load up high. Having the engine off and pushing on a slope removes steering and braking control and is dangerous, as you can’t manage the machine’s movement or respond quickly to a slide or tip.