Pipeline jobsites are sometimes located in mountains, or areas with steep slopes. Safe operation of a pipelayer depends not only on safety aspects designed into the equipment by the manufacturer, but also on many other variables that must be known and controlled by the contractors and machine operators. Pipelines International asks Caterpillar how safe operating practices minimise risks and maximise productivity when operating on slopes.

Many factors impact machine stability on slopes; boom length, load carried and load overhang have a direct influence on stability. Dynamic load swing and ground conditions also affect stability, while operator experience and training on a specific machine are critical to safe slope operation.

Factors impacting pipelayer stability on slopes

Caterpillar has conducted static and dynamic testing of current and predecessor pipelayer models in regards to lift capacity and performance in slope applications.

http://pipelinesinternational.com/news/pipelayer_safety_tips_for_operating_pipelayers_safely_in_slope_applications/055365/