Overview
ISO 6750-1:2019 - "Earth-moving machinery - Operator's manual - Part 1: Contents and format" defines the required contents and recommended structure for operator's manuals for earth-moving machinery (as defined in ISO 6165). The standard helps manufacturers and technical authors prepare clear, usable operator's manuals that communicate safe operation, basic maintenance, and machine identification. It does not cover manuals intended for service technicians.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 6750-1 sets out the essential sections and presentation guidance for operator documentation. Major topics include:
- Identification and scope: identification of the operator’s manual and the specific machines covered.
- Table of contents and introduction: expected organization and introductory material.
- Safety information: residual risks, safety alert symbol, signal words, safety messages and machine safety labels (references to ISO 9244, ISO 3864, ISO 7010).
- Operation: controls and displays, operating instructions and use of graphical symbols (see ISO 6405 series).
- Troubleshooting: guidance for common operator-level faults.
- Maintenance and adjustments: operator-level maintenance, precautions before work, periodic maintenance.
- Spare parts, preservation and storage: spare parts lists, long-term storage and preservation guidance (cross-reference to ISO 6749).
- End-of-service-life information and machine technical specifications.
- Annexes: Annex A (basic information items to include), Annex B (presentation and hardcopy format recommendations), Annex C (recommendations for electronic media and digital delivery of manuals).
The standard also includes normative references for translation services (ISO 17100), risk assessment (ISO 12100), and operator training (ISO 7130).
Practical applications and intended users
ISO 6750-1 is used to:
- Guide manufacturers in drafting compliant, consistent operator manuals for bulldozers, excavators, loaders and other earth-moving equipment.
- Inform technical writers and documentation teams on structure, safety messaging and symbol usage for operator-level documents.
- Help safety managers, dealers and trainers ensure operator documentation meets international expectations for clarity and risk communication.
- Support digital delivery strategies for manuals through Annex C recommendations on electronic media.
Note: Service technician manuals are outside this standard’s scope.
Related standards
Relevant cross-references include:
Using ISO 6750-1 helps ensure operator manuals are consistent, safety-focused and suitable for both printed and electronic delivery - improving usability and regulatory alignment for earth-moving machinery.