OM3017.1 Operation - Section 3 Operating Instructions Page 3-9 TOWING Prior to towing a truck, many factors must be carefully considered. Serious personal injury and/or significant property damage may result if important safety practices, procedures and preparation for moving heavy equipment are not observed. Do not tow the truck any faster than 5 MPH (8 kph). A disabled machine may be towed after the following MINIMUM precautions have been taken. 1. Shut down engine. 2. If truck is equipped, install hydraulic connections for steering and dumping between towing and towed vehicles. Check towed vehicle for braking system. 3.
Inspect tow bar for adequacy (approximately 1.5 times the gross vehicle weight of truck being towed). 4. Determine that towing vehicle has adequate capacity to both move and stop the towed truck under all conditions. 5. Protect both operators in the event of tow bar failure. 6. Block disabled truck to prevent movement while attaching tow bar. 7. Release disabled truck brakes and remove blocking. 8. Sudden movement may cause tow bar failure. Smooth and gradual truck movement is preferred. 9. Minimize tow angle at all times - NEVER EXCEED 30 o . The towed truck must be steered in the direction of the tow bar.
SAFE PARKING PROCEDURES The operator must continue the use of safety precautions when preparing for parking and engine shutdown. In the event that the equipment is being worked in consecutive shifts, any questionable truck performance the operator may have noticed must be checked by maintenance personnel before the truck is released to another operator. 1. The truck should be parked on level ground, if at all possible. If parking must be done on a grade, the truck should be positioned at right angles to the grade. 2. The parking brake must be applied and/or chocks placed fore/aft of wheels so that the truck cannot roll. Each truck should be parked at a reasonable distance from another. 3.
Haul roads are not safe parking areas. In an emergency, pick the safest spot most visible to other machines in the area. If the truck becomes disabled where traffic is heavy, mark the truck with warning flags in daylight or flares at night.