 |
|
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 or larger than the towed machine. Connect a machine on each end of 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. |
| |
| Illustration 1 | g06008742 |
|
Rear tow point | |
| |
| Illustration 2 | g06008744 |
|
Front tow point | |
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. The shielding will protect the operator if 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 bar is in good condition. Make sure that 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 strength is true for a disabled machine that is stuck in the mud and for towing on a grade.
Quick machine movement could overload the tow bar. This quick movement could cause 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.
Sufficient control and sufficient braking must be provided when you are moving a disabled machine downhill. A larger towing machine may be required to provide sufficient control and sufficient braking. Sufficient control and sufficient braking 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 Cat dealer for towing a disabled machine.
When the engine is stopped, extra steps may be required before the machine is towed. To avoid damaging the power train, the steering system, and the brakes, which may be inoperable, more steps may be required.
- Block the tracks.
Show/hide table
Illustration 3 g03429731 - Locate the two multi-function valves that are on the hydraulic propel pump. The hydraulic propel pump is at the rear of the engine.
Show/hide table
Illustration 4 g03429733 - Hold valve (3). Turn by-pass actuator nut (2) counterclockwise three complete turns. DO NOT turn nut (1). If nut (2) is turned more than 3 1/2 turns, external leakage will occur.
- Attach the tow bar to the machine at the tow points.
- Attach the tow bar to the vehicle that is used to tow the disabled machine.
- Manually release the parking brake.
Show/hide table
NOTICE 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".
- Tow the disabled vehicle at a slow rate of speed to the desired location.
- Once the machine is at the desired location, securely block the machine. Blocking the machine will prevent movement of the machine.
- Turn the bypass valves clockwise until the valves are tight.
- Engage the parking brake.
- Detach the tow bar.
