Personal injury or death could result when towing a disabled machine incorrectly. Block the machine to prevent movement before releasing the brakes. The machine can roll free if it is not blocked. Follow the recommendations below, to properly perform the towing procedure. |
These towing instructions are for moving a disabled machine for a short distance at low speed. Move the machine at a speed of
Shields must be provided on both machines. Shields will protect the operator if the tow line breaks 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 brakes.
Before you tow the machine, 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 conditions that are involved. The strength of the tow line or of the tow bar should be at least 150 percent of the gross weight of the towing machine. This procedure pertains to a disabled machine that is stuck in the mud and to towing a disabled machine on a grade.
Illustration 1 | g06307212 |
(1) Tow Eyes |
Illustration 2 | g06307265 |
When you tow the machine from the front, attach the tow line to the tow eyes on the frame. To tow the machine from the rear, attach the tow line to the retrieval hitch.
Do not use a chain for pulling a disabled machine. A chain link can break, causing personal injury. Use a wire cable with ends that have loops or rings. Place an observer in a safe position to watch the pulling procedure. The observer can stop the procedure, if necessary. The procedure should be stopped if the cable starts to break. Also, stop the procedure if the cable starts to unravel. Stop pulling whenever the towing machine moves without moving the towed machine.
Keep the tow line angle to a minimum. Do not exceed a 20 degree angle from the straight ahead position.
Quick machine movement could overload the tow line or the tow bar. Overload 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.
Provide sufficient control and sufficient braking when you are moving a disabled machine downhill. This procedure may require a larger towing machine or supporting machines that are connected to the rear of the disabled machine. These precautions will prevent the machine from rolling away out of control.
All situation requirements cannot be listed.
When any towed machine is loaded, the machine must be equipped with a brake system that is operable from the operator compartment.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the equipment that is necessary 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. Tow the machine for a short distance only. Pulling the machine out of mud or pulling the machine to the side of the road is an example.
The operator of the towed machine must steer the machine. Steer the machine in the direction of the tow line.
Comply with all the instructions that are outlined in this topic.
Towing with a Stopped Engine for Distances that are Shorter than
When the disabled engine is stopped, perform the following steps before you tow the machine.
- Engage the parking brake. Chock the front tires and the rear tires.
- Disconnect the steering cylinder and store the steering cylinder to allow the machine to articulate freely.
- Remove the bolts from the cover on the front frame. Remove the cover (3). Remove the bolts (4) that hold the pin retainer. Remove the pin (5) from the rod end (6) of the steering cylinder.
- Slowly, turn the steering wheel clockwise to retract the cylinder rod.
- Tie the cylinder to a location that does not interfere with the articulation of the machine.
Show/hide tableIllustration 3 g06307843 Show/hide tableIllustration 4 g06308137 - In the cab, remove the floor mat and remove the floorplate.
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NOTICE Be sure to reconnect the steering cylinder before you operate the machine.
- Ensure that the hystat pump has cooled down to the touch.
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Illustration 5 g06308321 The hydrostatic pump from the cab
(7) The crossover relief valvesShow/hide tableIllustration 6 g06308532 The crossover relief valve - The two crossover relief valves (7) must be adjusted to tow the machine. Loosen the locking nut (8). Hold a wrench on the nut (9) and turn in the screw (9) all the way.
- Fasten the tow bar to the disabled machine.
- Turn the engine start switch key to the ON position in order for the gauges to be functional.
- Release the parking brake.
- Remove the wheel chocks. Tow the machine slowly. Do not exceed
2 km/h (1.2 mph) . - Monitor the hydraulic oil temperature while you tow the machine. If the hydraulic oil temperature starts to increase, stop towing the machine. Ensure that the screws for the crossover relief valves are turned in all the way.
- After you tow the machine, allow the hystat pump to cool.
- Turn out the screw (9) all the way. Tighten the hex (8) to
22 ± 5 N·m (16 ± 4 lb ft) .
Towing the Machine for Distances that are Greater than
When you tow the machine for distances that are greater than
Tow the machine with the rear wheels off the ground.
Refer to Power Train Disassembly and Assembly, RENR9758.