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Improper hookup and towing is dangerous and could result in injury or death to yourself or others. The towing connection must be rigid, or towing must be done by two machines of the same size as the towed machine. If two machines are used, connect a machine on each end of the towed machine. If only one machine is used for towing, that machine must be larger than the towed machine. Be sure that all necessary repairs and adjustments have been made before a machine that has been towed to a service area is put back into operation. |
These towing instructions are for moving a disabled machine for a short distance at low speed. Move the machine at a speed of
Shielding must be provided on both machines. This will protect the operator if the tow line or the tow bar breaks.
Do not allow an operator to be on the machine that is being towed unless the operator can control the steering and/or the braking.
Before towing, make sure that the tow line or the tow bar is in good condition. Make sure that the tow line or the tow bar has enough strength for the towing procedure that is involved. The strength of the towing line or of the tow bar should be at least 150 percent of the gross weight of the towing machine. This is true for a disabled machine that is stuck in the mud and for towing on a grade.
Keep the tow line angle to a minimum. Do not exceed a 30 degree angle from the straight ahead position.
Quick machine movement could overload the tow line or the tow bar. This could cause the tow line or the tow bar to break. Gradual, steady machine movement will be more effective.
Normally, the towing machine should be as large as the disabled machine. Make sure that the towing machine has enough brake capacity, enough weight, and enough power. The towing machine must be able to control both machines for the grade that is involved and for the distance that is involved.
You must provide sufficient control and sufficient braking when you are moving a disabled machine downhill. This may require a larger towing machine or additional machines that are connected to the rear. This will prevent the machine from rolling away out of control.
All situation requirements cannot be listed. Minimal towing machine capacity is required on smooth, level surfaces. On inclines in poor condition or on surfaces in poor condition, maximum towing machine capacity is required.
Attach the towing device and the machine before you release the brakes.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for towing a disabled machine.
If the engine is running, the machine can be towed for a short distance under certain conditions. The power train and the steering system must be operable.
The operator must steer the machine that is towed in the direction of the tow line.
Ensure that all instructions in this section are followed carefully. Ensure that all instructions in this section are followed exactly.
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Shutting off the engine will result in the loss of machine steering. |
When the engine is stopped, additional steps may be required before the machine is towed. In order to avoid damaging the power train, the steering system, and the brakes, additional steps may be required.
Manual Release of the Parking Brake
Perform the following steps in order to release the parking brake before towing the machine.
- Block the tires securely at all locations (1).
- Open engine hood (2).
- To prevent damage to the propel system, use two wrenches to relieve the spring force on the high pressure relief valves.
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Illustration 2 g00974559 - Hold hex nut (3) and (5) in order to prevent turning. Loosen hex nuts (4) and (6) one and one half turns.
Note: Do not turn hex nuts (4) and (6) more than one and one half turns. Damage to the seals may cause leakage from the valves.
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Illustration 3 g00974574 - Attach the tow line to towing eye (7) that is closest to the towing machine.
- Attach the tow line to the vehicle or the vehicles that will tow the disabled machine.
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Illustration 4 g00974591 - Loosen the set screw that is located near the base of the knob.
- Turn valve (8) clockwise in order to close the valve.
- Move knob (9) in and out until firm resistance is felt. This will release the parking brakes.
- Slowly tow the disabled machine.
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| Illustration 1 | g01052435 |
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Be sure all necessary repairs and adjustments have been made before a machine that has been towed to a service area is put back into operation. |