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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. |
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This machine is equipped with spring applied brakes. These brakes are released with hydraulic pressure. If the engine is inoperable or if the power train is inoperable, raise the guard over the brake retract switch. Move the toggle switch to the ON position. This will operate the brake retraction motor.
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.
Shields must be provided on both machines. This will protect the operator if either the tow line or the 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 bar is in good condition. Make sure that the tow line or the bar has enough strength for the towing procedure that is involved. The strength of the towing line or of the 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.
For towing, only attach the tow line to the tow eyes on the frame, if equipped.
Do not use a chain for pulling a disabled machine. A chain link can break. This may cause possible personal injury. Use a wire rope cable with ends that have loops or rings. Put an observer in a safe position in order 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 30° angle from the straight ahead position.
Quick machine movement could overload the tow line or the bar. This could cause the tow line or the 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 or on surfaces in poor condition, maximum towing machine capacity is required.
When any towed machine is loaded, the machine must be equipped with a brake system that is operable from the operator's compartment.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for additional details about towing a disabled machine.
Note: The engine must be operable or an auxiliary power pack must be available in order to provide steering capability.