Field scenario: The slope looks manageable from the truck, but halfway up there are wet spots, rocks, stumps, and a ditch at the bottom.
Why this matters
Slope incidents happen when the machine enters terrain before the operator has an abort/recovery plan.
Pass standard
No machine enters a slope until the cut path, abort path, and recovery plan make sense.
- Assess angle, soil condition, wet areas, ledges, stumps, rocks, ravines, recovery anchor points, and what happens if the machine slides.
- Define no-go zones before starting. If recovery would be dangerous or impossible, do not enter without a new plan.
- Work controlled passes. Avoid aggressive turns, side-hill surprises, and last-second maneuvers.
- Know where you will abort and how you will recover the machine before you need to.
Operator checkpoints
Angle assessedWet/no-go areas markedAbort path knownRecovery plan knownControlled pass direction chosen
Common mistakes
- Ignoring wet seams or ledges.
- Not identifying no-go zones.
- Planning recovery only after the machine is stuck.
Document in Jobber
- Slope/no-go photos.
- Recovery/abort notes.
- Reason for changing equipment or work method.
Field standard: The slope decides the pace. The operator does not bully the terrain.