Posted by Northern Calif Dave on Monday, January 17, 2005 at 6:29PM :
In Reply to: Why? posted by MoparNorm on Monday, January 17, 2005 at 6:08PM :
Actually Norm, as I am sure you know, all heavy construction equipment (skidders, crawlers, ect) do have these incline indicators to keep the operator knowledgeable about maximum angle he can operate on without endangering himself, the equipment, and the other people working with him, particularly when operating in the woods. Actually, its the law for heavy equipment.
After 30 years of driving my 48 B-1, I do have a pretty good idea of what she is capable of, however as a new crop of family operators is about to begin driving her, I don't mind the extra safety equipment, that was not standard manufacturers equipment, like a fire extinguisher, and angle indicator to keep me and each one of them safe. Truth be told, many old power wagons that I have seen, used a piece of string hanging from the windshield regulator for just that purpose. Its not to make the dash look cool, its just to help increase the chances that the dash stays upright.
They do also make audible alarms as well. I agree with you that there is no better way of proceeding than knowing your equipment intimately well, but to do that you have to start learning it at some time.