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Incorrect installation of the wheel chocks may not limit machine movement resulting in serious injury or death. The machine must be parked on a suitable level surface with the park brake engaged. Use wheel chocks in pairs. The Caterpillar offered wheel chocks, if equipped, are for use on level grade only. If machine is to be chocked on a grade other than level, a field assessment is required to evaluate variables that can affect chock performance. It is the decision of each individual user to determine the best chock and chocking method for their particular application. Work site techniques need to be developed and tested to determine the acceptability of using the wheel chocks in those applications. Alternatively the machine front wheels can be turned into a suitable berm or placed in a parking ditch. |
Limiting Factors for Wheel Chocks
Many factors must be considered with the use of wheel chocks. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Tire pressure
- Tire size
- Tire type and design
- Gross machine weight
- Grade
- Condition of operating surface
- Load capacity of ground surface under the machine
- Condition of the wheel chocks
- Ability to position the wheel chocks correctly
- Environmental conditions
Improper use of wheel chocks may result in failure.
The following are general guidelines for the use of wheel chocks:
- Select the wheel chocks according to the machine type and size.
- Always use wheel chocks in pairs.
- Always use wheel chocks on firm surfaces.
- Use wheel chocks only after the parking brake is applied and tested.
- Always chock the wheels in the direction of the grade.
- Chock both sides of one wheel if the direction of the grade is undetermined.
- Position the wheel chocks at the center of the tire tread.
- Position the wheel chocks firmly against the tire.
- Position the wheel chocks square against the tire.
- Do not drive over the wheel chocks.
- Always test the wheel chocks in order to ensure that the site-specific conditions and machine requirements are met.
Various combinations of conditions exist. All conditions must be considered in order to select the most appropriate application for each wheel chock. Thorough testing must be completed at each customer site in order to ensure that the selected wheel chocks will meet all requirements.
Installation of Wheel Chocks (If Equipped) on a Level Surface
Note: Only select wheel chocks that are designed for use with this machine. When using wheel chocks that are not original equipment for this machine, follow the instructions for safe use from the manufacturer of the wheel chocks.
- Park the machine on a dry, level, solid surface that is free of any debris.
- Inspect the ground conditions around both front wheels in order to ensure that the wheel chock will work in the required position. Consider the limitations, guidelines, and conditions in order to select the best placement of the wheel chocks. If the ground conditions are not suitable, the machine will need to be repositioned elsewhere.
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Illustration 1 g06113167 The wheel chocks are located on the left side of the machine. - Inspect wheel chocks for signs of damage such as distortion, chips, and cracks. Replace any damaged wheel chocks.
- Remove locking pins from the storage bracket.
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Illustration 2 g01955424 Typical example - Remove each wheel chock from the storage bracket and install each wheel chock on the tire, as shown in illustration 2. Place one wheel chock on the front of the tire and install one wheel chock on the back of the tire. Position each wheel chock firmly against the tire and position each wheel chock square against the tire. Position the wheel chocks at the center of the tire tread.
Note: Before handling a wheel chock, review the posted weight of the wheel chock. Use proper lift and carry techniques when each wheel chock is handled. Consider using two persons to lift and maneuver each wheel chock.
- Ensure that the parking brakes are engaged.
- Inspect each wheel chock in order to ensure that the tires are not pressing against the wheel chock. If a tire is pressing against a wheel chock, the machine must be moved slightly in order to allow removal.
- Remove each wheel chock and inspect each wheel chock for damage. Discard wheel chocks if distortion, cracks, or chips can be seen. Discard wheel chocks if the machine has rolled onto a wheel chock.
- Place each wheel chock onto the storage bracket and install the locking pins.