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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. |
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These towing instructions are for moving a disabled machine for a short distance at low speed. Move the machine at a speed of 2 km/h (1.2 mph) or less to a convenient location for repair. These instructions are only for emergencies. Always haul the machine if long distance moving is required.
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.
Running Engine
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.
Stopped Engine
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Shutting off the engine will result in the loss of machine steering. |
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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, which may be inoperable, additional steps may be required.
- Block the drum or block the tires securely in order to prevent the movement of the machine. Do not remove the blocking until the tow vehicle has been positioned and the tow lines are in place.
- Manually release the parking brake. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Parking Brake Manual Release" for more information.
- Attach the tow line to the machine at the tow points.
Note: The brakes will engage on machines that are equipped with a manual brake release pump if the propel lever is moved from neutral. The manual brake release pump is standard on the CB-335E and optional on most CB-334E machines.
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| Illustration 1 | g00857144 |
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| Illustration 2 | g00857145 |
- Attach the tow line to the vehicle that is used to tow the disabled machine.
- Remove blocks from the drum or from the tires.
- Tow the disabled vehicle at a slow rate of speed.
- After towing the machine, reverse the procedure.
If you have any questions, contact your Caterpillar dealer.
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Release the parking brake to prevent excessive wear and damage to the braking system when towing. The procedure for manual release of the parking brake is outlined in the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Parking Brake Manual Release". |