Usage:
TH83 (3RN) TH103 (3PN) Telehandlers
The above machines require liquid ballast to be installed in all four tires to yield the required stability. The installation of ballast and the appropriate safety warnings are covered in the Operation & Maintenance Manual for each engineering model.
The Operation and Maintenance Manuals for the TH83 Telehandlers are SEBU6865-02, December 1996, and SEBU7112, August 1997. These two manuals cover four telehandler models; TH62, TH63, TH82, and TH83. This article is concerned with only the TH83 Telehandler model contained in these two manuals.
The Operation and Maintenance Manuals for the TH103 Telehandlers are SEBU7017, August 1996, and SEBU7111, August 1997. There is no method specified in the Operations & Maintenance Manuals on how to test for the proper level of tire ballast for the TH83 and the TH103 Telehandlers.
The procedure to check the ballast level in the TH83 and the TH103 Telehandlers without weighing the actual ballast is described below. Included with these instructions are the procedures to mix the tire ballast and the procedure to install the tire ballast.
Make checking the tire pressure and ballast a "WHEN REQUIRED" service requirement.
Checking, Mixing, And Installing Tire Ballast
Chart 1. Position and Distance of Stem
Illustration 1.
Correct Valve Position.
Checking The Ballast Level
1. Move the machine to a flat surface.
2. Place the valve stem in the position indicated under "LIQUID" on the chart according to MODEL and TIRE SIZE. See Chart 1 and Illustration 1.
3. Check Distance (A) from the ground to the valve stem as defined on Chart 1 according to Model and Tire Size. See Chart 1 and Illustration 1. Make sure the tire is properly inflated before checking (A).
4. Remove the valve stem cap.
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The liquid ballast in the tires is corrosive. Protect the eyes and face from the spray coming out from the valve stem that occurs during this procedure. Failure to protect the eyes and face could result in personal injury.
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5. Check for fluid by depressing the stem in the valve stem. Fluid or mist should spray from the stem. If only air comes from the stem, then the machine may need additional ballast.
Mixing The Tire Ballast
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Liquid ballast is installed in the tires of certain machines. Failure to use correctly ballasted tires on these machines could result in reduced machine stability which could result in injury or death. Ensure that you are familar with the machine requirement. The weight of the ballast specified must not be exceeded. Machines which require ballast in tires have an instruction located with the load tables on the dashpanel.
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Liquid ballast for tires is a mixture of water and anhydrous calcium chloride (CaCl). The CaCl is an anti freeze additive. If a tire is repaired or replaced then the correct quantity and mix of CaCl and water must be installed before the machine is put back to work. Machine stability will be adversly affected if the correct ballast is not installed.
Check the inflation pressure DAILY. The tires should be cold and at the same temperature in which the machine will operate. Use a Caterpillar 4S-6524 or 1P-0545 Tire Pressure Gauge or an equivalent tool to check the tire pressure.
Position the wheel being checked with the valve at its highest point. Now, check the tire pressure. The liquid ballast is corrosive. The gauge should be rinsed with clean water after use.
The tire ballast mix when shipped from the factory will give anti freeze protection to -29°C (-20°F) unless special requirements are defined. That proportion is listed below.
Installing The Tire Ballast
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The maximum weight of the above machine must not exceed the FOPS/ROPS CERTIFICATION WEIGHT. This weight is stamped on the FOPS/ROPS TAG. This tag is located on the outside rear of the cab above the window.
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1. Mix calcium chloride (CaCl) powder with clean water in the required proportions. ADD THE POWDER TO THE WATER. Use a container with an ON/OFF valve and hose.
2. Raise the machine until the tire is clear of the ground. Support the machine with a suitable stand. Turn the wheel until the valve is in the mist position indicated by Chart 1.
3. If the tire and wheel are newly assembled, then the tire must be partly inflated with air to seat the tire bead onto the rim. Deflate the tire.
4. Replace the valve core with a special liquids filling valve. Connect the hose from the container to the valve. Position the container with the ON/OFF valve above the tire.
5. Open the ON/OFF valve. As the liquid enters the tire, air will be discharged through the vent tube on the filler valve.
6. When fluid comes out of the valve stem, which is still in the Chart 1 listed "MIST" position, close the ON/OFF valve. Remove the hose from the tire filling valve. Replace the tire filling valve with the original core.
7. Inflate the tire to the correct pressure. Remove the supporting stands. Lower the machine to the ground.