 |
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. The towing distance should not exceed 10 km (6.2 miles). The towing speed should not exceed 10 km/h (6.2 mph). Haul the machine if long distance moving is required.
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 the tow bar should be at least 150 percent of the gross weight of the towing machine. This pertains to a disabled machine that is stuck in the mud or on a grade.
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. Place 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 or the cable starts to unravel. Stop pulling whenever the towing machine moves without moving the towed machine.
Note: Before you tow the machine, check with local officials about the allowed towing devices.
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 rolling away out of control.
All situation requirements cannot be listed. Minimal towing machine capacity is required on smooth, level surfaces. Maximum towing machine capacity is required on inclines or on surfaces that are in poor condition.
Shields must be provided on both machines. This will protect the operator if the tow line breaks or the tow bar breaks.
Towing with a Running Engine
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.
The engine must be running and the hydraulic system must be intact for the steering to work and for the brake release to work. The drive shafts must be disconnected and the connectorsat the power train pump must be disconnected. The operator must depress the accelerator pedal in order to release the brakes. The operator can now control the machine.
Towing with a Stopped Engine
If the engine is dead or there is no operator to control a machine with a running engine, secure the steering frame lock in the locked position and release the brakes manually. Disconnect the drive shafts.
Reference: For information about releasing the parking brake manually, refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Parking Brake Manual Release".
Note: In order to move a disabled machine downhill, the towing connection must be rigid.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the equipment that is necessary for towing a disabled machine.