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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. Follow the recommendations below, to properly perform the towing procedure. |
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The machine is equipped with a spring applied, oil pressure released parking brake. The parking brake is located within the driveline. If the engine cannot be run, the oil pump will be inoperable and this will prevent the release of the parking brake with the parking and secondary brake control that is located in the cab.
Note: If accumulator pressure is available, the parking brake may be disengaged three times with the parking and secondary brake control. The parking brake can only be disengaged with accumulator pressure if the electrical system is in working order.
The parking brake can be released manually in the event of insufficient oil pressure in the system. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Parking Brake Manual Release" for additional information.
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. Always haul the machine if long distance moving is required.
Shields must be provided on both machines. This will protect the operator if the tow line 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 braking.
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 towing procedure that is 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 requirement is for a disabled machine that is stuck in the mud and for towing on a grade.
Only attach the tow line to the towing eyes on the frame, if equipped.
Do not use a chain for pulling a disabled machine. A chain link can break. This may cause personal injury. Use a wire 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 the wire cable starts to break. Do not keep pulling on the towed machine if the wheels on the machine that is doing the pulling start to spin.
Note: Whenever you move a disabled machine downhill, you will need a larger machine to provide sufficient control and braking. Also, a solid tow bar will be required. additional machines that are connected to the rear of the disabled machine may also be required.
Keep the tow line angle to a minimum. Do not exceed a 30 degree angle from the straight ahead position.
Quick machine movement could overload the tow line or the tow bar. This 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.
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 of the disabled machine. This will prevent the machine from moving out of control downhill.
All situation requirements cannot be listed. Minimal towing machine capacity is required on smooth, level surfaces. On inclines, or surfaces that are in poor condition, a larger machine is required for maximum towing.
When any towed machine is loaded, the towed machine must be equipped with a brake system that is operable from the cab.
Note: If the transmission fails, the main drive shaft needs to be removed.
Note: If the transfer gear case fails, the front drive shaft and the center drive shaft need to be removed.
Note: If a final drive fails or if a differential fails, the shaft for these components may need to be removed.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the equipment that is necessary for towing a disabled machine.
Towing with an Inoperable Engine
- Block the wheels.
- Release the parking brake. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Parking Brake Manual Release" for additional information.
- Hook up the towing machine.
- Remove the wheel blocks. If the engine is inoperable, the transmission lubricating pump will also be inoperable. Therefore, the machine can only be towed at low speed 2 km/h (1.2 mph) for short distances.
- In order to activate the secondary steering, depress the top of switch (1). The engine start switch must be in the ON position in order to activate the secondary steering. Depress switch (1) and steer the machine. Do not depress the switch (1) for more than 15 seconds. To steer the machine, only use the secondary steering for 15 seconds at a time.
Reference: Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Secondary Steering" for additional information.
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| Illustration 1 | g00630362 |
The switch (1) for the secondary steering is located on the left side of the steering control. | |
- Steer the machine to a safe location. Carefully obey all the instructions that are outlined in this topic.
Towing with an Operable Engine
If the engine can be run during towing and there is no fault with the steering system, an operator can steer the disabled machine.
An operator can use the service brakes to slow down the machine during towing, if there are no faults in the braking system. The parking brake does not require manual disengagement in this event. The parking brake will engage when the engine and the electrical system are shut down regardless of the position of the parking and secondary brake control.
Failure of the following components will require the machine to be towed.
- A final drive
- A differential
- The transmission
Reference: Refer to Service Manual, RENR1511, "Disassembly and Assembly" for D400E Series II information concerning axle shaft removal or consult your Caterpillar dealer.