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Intended for off-road agricultural use. Do not tow on public roads, bridges or steep grades--undercarriage has no brakes and tow tractor may not have adequate braking for control under these situations. Loss of control may result in personal injury or death. |
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Tow only with farm tractor. Highway vehicles may not have adequate weight and brakes for control. Loss of control may result in personal injury or death. |
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General Towing Information
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Read this manual and the warranty statement before attempting to tow the Versatile Flotation System trailer. The Versatile Flotation System trailer is designed and warranted specifically for agricultural use only. Trailer damage caused by abusive towing is not covered under the warranty. |
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The maximum towing speed of the Versatile Flotation System is 32 km/h (20 mph) - DO NOT EXCEED. Damage to the trailer can occur if the maximum speed is exceeded. |
When possible, do not travel over hard objects that protrude above the ground surface. Damage to the undercarriage or damage to the load may result. If the object cannot be avoided, reduce the speed of the machine.
When possible, avoid crossing ditches. If you must cross a ditch, cross the ditch at an angle. Avoid turns when crossing ditches in order to minimize the possibility of belt untracking.
Tow Preparation
Note: This trailer is not equipped with brakes. Make sure that the tow vehicle has sufficient braking capability before you tow the trailer.
Inspect the chain that is for the drawbar for defects. Also, check the connection points that are for the chain at the machine. Inspect the chain for the following defects: excessive wear, corrosion, cracked links, bent links, bent links, dented links, deformed links and links that are degraded. Also, inspect the trailer for the following defects: loose nuts, loose bolts and loose fasteners. Make sure that the hitch pin is properly sized for all loads.
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| Illustration 1 | g00748337 |
Front Hitch | |
The clevis for the front hitch is adjustable to five different positions (height). Choose a position that better matches the height requirements of the drawbar for the machine. If the clevis is readjusted, tighten bolts (A) to a torque of 900 ± 100 N·m (665 ± 74 lb ft).
Before you tow the trailer, make sure that the machine is rated for towing the gross weight of a fully loaded trailer.
Make sure that all reflectors are in place. If you have installed any lights or any signals, make sure that the lights and signals operate properly.
Do not attempt to raise the hitch or lower the hitch manually. The weight of the hitch is too heavy. Use the jack to lift the hitch. The jack is provided on the hitch and frame version.
When you connect the trailer, keep your hands and your fingers clear of the hitch. Keep feet clear of the hitch in case the hitch slips from the jack.
Connect the hitch on the trailer to the machine's drawbar.
Make sure that the hitch meets all of the following criteria:
- The hitch is fully engaged.
- The hitch is closed.
- The hitch is locked.
Attach all safety chains. If you have installed electrical components on the trailer, make sure that the electrical components operate properly.
Make sure that the coupling and attached structures on the machine do not interfere with the trailer.
Make sure that there is enough slack in the length of the chain. The slack should prevent strain on the chain when you maneuver the trailer. However, the chain should not drag on the ground. Chains that drag on the ground may become worn and weak.
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| Illustration 2 | g00748366 |
Transport Position | |
Fully retract jack (1). Move jack (1) to the transport position. Keep hands and fingers clear of pinch points. Secure jack (1) for transportation.
Remove any chocks from the front or rear of the belts. Make sure that the trailer is not obstructed. Also, make sure that all tie-downs are free from the undercarriage.
Fully secure all loose items before you tow the trailer.
Do not ride on the hitch or on the trailer. Do not allow personnel to ride on the hitch or the trailer.
Before you move the trailer, clear all personnel from the trailer and from the area. Remove all obstacles from the area around the trailer.
Do not allow personnel to stand or walk between the trailer and the machine.
Towing
Only use the trailer in off-highway applications. If you use the trailer in slick conditions, make sure that you have the proper operating instructions. Also make sure that you have the skill for operating the machine in adverse conditions.
Reference: See the "Operator's Manual" for your machine.
Tow the trailer at speeds under 32 km/h (20 mph). Only Agricultural Tractors should be used to tow the trailer.
When you tow the trailer avoid the following conditions whenever it is possible: unstable terrain, potholes and rocks.
Maneuver the trailer carefully. Operate the trailer away from structures in order to avoid binding and crimping the hitch.
Parking The Trailer
Reverse the procedure in "Tow Preparation".
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Do not uncouple the Versatile Flotation System trailer from the tow tractor until the trailer is securely blocked or chocked. Failure to do so could result in injury. |
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When possible, park the trailer on a firm, level area. If you must park on a grade, park the trailer across the grade. Do not park the trailer on grades which are greater than 15 degrees (27%).
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| Illustration 3 | g00299863 |
Install blocks or chocks at the front and at the rear of the belt. Disconnect the chains.
On the hitch and frame versions, lower the jack. Make sure that the jack is locked in the down position.
Do not attempt to manually raise the hitch or manually lower the hitch. The weight of the hitch is too heavy. Use the jack to lift the hitch. The jack is provided on the hitch and frame version.
Keep hands and fingers clear of the hitch. Keep feet clear of the hitch in case the hitch slips from the jack.
Move the machine away from the trailer. Clearly mark the trailer with any of the following items, as required: flares and barriers.