The purpose of the retarder is slowing the machine without the need of continuous service brake application. This reduces brake wear and overheating.
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| Illustration 1 | g00610041 |
The retarder control is located to the right side of the steering column. The retarder control has four positions:-
DISENGAGED - Move the retarder control forward to position (1) in order to disengage the retarder.
MINIMUM - Pull the retarder control to position (2) in order to obtain minimum retarder engagement.
MEDIUM - Pull the retarder control to position (3) in order to obtain medium retarder engagement.
MAXIMUM - Pull the retarder control to position (4) in order to obtain maximum retarder engagement.
The retarder operates in any gear. The most effective gear depends on the grade. The most effective gear also depends on the load on the machine. Keep engine speed at 2000±100 rpm.
Check the transmission oil temperature while the retarder is engaged. When you drive the machine down a grade and the retarder is applied, overheating of the transmission oil can result when the machine is in high gear range. If the threat of overheating transmission oil is present, select a lower gear in order to prevent overheating of the transmission oil.
Do not change the gear while the retarder is engaged. If the transmission speed is within 50 rpm of making an upshift, a Warning Category 2 from the Caterpillar Monitoring System will be given.
Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Caterpillar Monitoring System" .
The retarder disengages during an upshift. The retarder engages again when the upshift is complete. The retarder is less effective when a higher gear is engaged. Prevent the upshift by using the service brakes to slow the machine.
If these varying conditions occur, apply more retardation or select a lower gear when you drive the machine down a grade.
Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Retarder".