TH103 Telehandler Caterpillar

General Operating Guidelines

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Use of non approved work tools on Telehandler machines could result in injury or death. Before installing a work tool on this machine, ensure that it is approved by Caterpillar and that a Caterpillar load chart covering its use is installed in the machine's cab.

Travel with the work tool lowered as far as possible with adequate ground clearance. Travel with the boom fully retracted so that you have good visibility and so that the machine has good stability.

Maintain traction by avoiding excessive downward pressure on the work tool.

When the machine is operating on a slope, position the heaviest end of the machine uphill.

Make sure that the work tool that is being used is appropriate for the work that is being performed. Exceeding the machine limits will reduce the service life of the machine. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Caterpillar Approved Work Tools" for additional information.

Installation and Removal of Work Tool

All work tools that are used on these machines can be installed and removed by using the procedures that are described in the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Quick Coupler (Hydraulic)" topic.

All work tools that require hydraulic power to actuate can be connected to the hydraulic system of the machine by using the procedures that are described in the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Auxiliary Hydraulic Connections" topic.

When you attach work tools that require hydraulic connections, extend the boom by approximately 1 m (3 ft) after installing the work tool onto the quick coupler. This extra space is necessary in order to connect the auxiliary hoses.

180-6137 Adapter Gp for use with Early Caterpillar Approved Work Tools

Illustration 1	g00771845
180-6137 Adapter Gp

The work tools that were available for use with machines that were manufactured from 3PN1-2026 can still be used with machines ; 3PN2027-Up, provided that 180-6137 Adapter Gp is installed on the quick coupler.

Note: If a 180-6137 Adapter Gp is installed on the quick coupler, reduce the load carrying capacity of the machine by 200 kg (440 lb) for all work tools and with the boom in any position.

Installation Procedure and Removal Procedure for the adapter

Install the adapter and remove the adapter by using the procedures that are described in the Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Quick Coupler (Hydraulic)" topic.

Illustration 2	g00770897

Note: Position the adapter (1) in the horizontal position before the adapter is installed onto the quick coupler.

Procedure to Install a Work Tool onto a 180-6137 Adapter Gp

The illustration in the following procedure shows a carriage which is equipped with forks. The procedure is applicable to all work tools with the same types of mounting points.

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Illustration 3	g00771912

1. Pull back the handle for the spring-loaded retainers (2). Rotate and remove pins (3).
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   Illustration 4	g00770898

2. Lower and extend the boom so that adapter (1) can be seen from the cab. Position adapter (1) in line with the carriage.
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   Illustration 5	g00770899

3. Tilt the quick coupler forward until adapter tubes (4) are below the level of hooks (5) on the carriage.

4. Extend the boom slowly until adapter tubes (4) contact the carriage. Raise the boom until the adapter tubes are engaged with hooks (5) on the carriage.

5. Tilt back the quick coupler until the lower part of the carriage is in contact with the adapter (1).
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   Illustration 6	g00770913

6. Install pins (3). Pull back the handle for the spring-loaded retainers (2) and rotate pins (3) fully against the stop. Release spring-loaded retainers (2).

Procedure to Remove a Work Tool from a 180-6137 Adapter Gp

1. Position the boom so that the carriage is just clear of the ground and visible from the cab. Tilt back the quick coupler.
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   Illustration 7	g00770913

2. Pull back spring-loaded retainers (2). Rotate pins (3) to clear spring-loaded retainers (2). Remove pins (3). Release spring-loaded retainers (2).
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   Illustration 8	g00770899

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   Illustration 9	g00770898

3. Lower the boom and tilt the quick coupler forward until the carriage is on the ground. If necessary, block the carriage in order to prevent the carriage from moving when the carriage is disengaged from the adapter. Lower the boom until tubes (4) on adapter (1) are disengaged from hooks (5) on the carriage.

4. Retract the boom until the adapter is clear of the carriage.
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   Illustration 10	g00771912

5. Install pins (3) and secure pins (3) in place with spring-loaded retainers (2).

Carriages and Forks

Illustration 11	g00727432
Typical Carriage and Forks

All Caterpillar approved carriages that are used on the machines that are covered by this manual can be installed directly to the quick coupler. All pallet forks can be installed on all carriages.

All carriages are designed with backrests to support the load. Wide versions should be used for additional support when large loads are handled.

Rotating carriages are powered by the hydraulic system of the machine. The carriages can be angled up to 12 degrees to the left or right in applications when loads are placed on uneven ground or when loads are raised from uneven ground.

Buckets

Illustration 12	g00727434
Typical General Purpose Bucket

General purpose buckets are used for handling materials such as earth, sand, cement and aggregates.

For the best operator visibility, travel with the bucket close to the ground.

Ensure that the bucket that is installed is appropriate for the intended task.

Boom Extension

Illustration 13	g00727439

A boom extension is intended to be used in applications when additional reach or height is required in order to place light loads such as supports for roofs.

Ensure that the correct load chart is referenced and that the capacities are not exceeded.

Use only approved lifting equipment with a current certificate of serviceability when you attach a load to a boom extension. Short slings will prevent excessive load swing.

Note: Changes in Local Regulations prohibit the use of certain boom extensions in Australia and New Zealand. See the list of approved work tools in Operation and Maintenance Manual, March 2009, "Caterpillar Approved Work Tools".

Before you raise the load, position the lifting point on the boom extension directly above the lifting point on the load. Failure to follow this procedure could cause the load to swing when the load is lifted. Personal injury or damage to surrounding structures and materials could result.

Extremely cold temperatures could cause a load to be frozen to the ground. Free the load before attempting to raise the load. Failure to comply could affect the stability of the machine when a lift is attempted.

Use tag lines to assist in the control of loads that require accurate placement.

When a load is lifted and the boom is extended and raised, the boom will deflect under the load. This has the effect of moving the load away from the machine as the load is raised. Make an allowance for this deflection.

Maneuver the load into position by operating the boom functions. Using the quick coupler to position the load is not recommended with the boom extension.

The operator must remain at the controls of the machine when a load is suspended from the boom extension.

Lifting Hook

Illustration 14	g00727441

Before you raise the load, position the lifting point on the lifting hook directly above the lifting point on the load. Failure to follow this procedure could cause the load to swing when the load is lifted. Personal injury or damage to surrounding structures and materials could result.

Note: Changes in Local Regulations prohibit the use of certain lifting groups in Australia and New Zealand. See the list of approved work tools in Operation and Maintenance Manual, February 2009, "Caterpillar Approved Work Tools".

Hopper

Illustration 15	g00727442

Picking up the Hopper

Position the machine square to the hopper. Extend the boom and lower the boom. The forks must enter the pockets of the hopper cleanly. The forks must be fully engaged with the pockets of the hopper.

Illustration 16	g00727643

When the forks are fully engaged a spring-loaded bar will lock each fork in position. Establish that the forks are securely locked in place before you raise the hopper.

Illustration 17	g00727660

Before the hopper is raised ensure that the latch for the trip lever is securely engaged.

Raise the hopper. Tilt the quick coupler slightly backward in order to better secure the hopper. Travel with the boom fully retracted so that you have good visibility and so that the machine has good stability.

Discharging the Hopper

Travel the machine to the work area. Stop the machine and apply the parking brake. Lower the hopper.

Illustration 18	g00727665

Pull down on the release lever.

Illustration 19	g00727676

The hopper will tilt forward and the load will be discharged.

To remove the hopper, lower the hopper to the ground. The spring-loaded bar that secures the forks in place will automatically disengage when the hopper is placed on the ground. Withdraw the forks from the pockets by retracting the boom.