When possible, run the engine when you tow the machine. When you run the engine you provide the following benefits: lubrication, steering control and power assist to the brakes.
Shields must be provided on both machines. This will protect the operator if either the tow line or the bar breaks.
Do not allow an operator to be on the machine that is being towed unless the operator can control the steering and/or the braking.
Before towing, make sure that the tow line or the bar is in good condition. Make sure that the tow line or the bar has enough strength for the towing procedure that is involved. The strength of the towing line or of the bar should be at least 150 percent of the gross weight of the towing machine. This is true for a disabled machine that is stuck in the mud and for towing on a grade.
Do not use a chain for pulling a disabled machine. A chain link can break. This may cause possible personal injury. Use a wire cable with ends that have loops or rings. Put 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. Also, stop the procedure if the cable starts to unravel. Stop pulling whenever the towing machine moves without moving the towed machine.
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 bar. This could cause the tow line or the 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. 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.
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When you tow the machine from the rear of the machine, tow the machine from the drawbar. If you must tow the machine from the front of the machine, make sure that you evenly balance the load. The load should be evenly balanced between the slots in the bracket for the tension cylinder on both sides of the machine.
This machine is equipped with internal wet disc brakes. The brakes are applied hydraulically. The brakes are applied with a limited supply of high pressure oil. Whenever the engine is stopped, the brake system uses the high pressure oil that is stored in the brake accumulator. While the engine is off, a fully charged accumulator will store enough oil for a minimum of six full applications of the brakes.
In order to tow the machine with a stopped engine, remove the axle shafts from the final drive. For removal of the axle shafts, see the Service Manual or consult any Caterpillar dealer.
Whenever the axle shafts are removed, the service brakes are disengaged. In these situations, use a rigid tow bar between the machines. Make sure that the towing machine meets the following criteria for the grade and for the distance before you tow a disabled machine: sufficient braking capability, sufficient weight for control and sufficient power for control.
When any towed machine is loaded, the machine must be equipped with a brake system that is operable from the operator's compartment.
If there are no evident problems with the final drive, you can tow the machine for a short distance without removing the axle shafts. For more information, consult any Caterpillar dealer.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the equipment that is necessary for towing a disabled machine.
Towing a Machine That is Stuck
Be careful when you tow a machine that becomes stuck. Machines may become stuck because of very muddy conditions. Some sandy materials flow readily onto the belts of a moving or stopped machine.
Follow the following guidelines when you tow machines that are stuck.
- First, remove material from the area around the machine. Also, remove the material from the area around the undercarriages. Then, attempt to drive the machine forward.
- If that machine is still stuck, remove additional material. Then, pull the machine rearward.
Note: When you remove a machine that is stuck, observe the amount of material that re-enters the undercarriage. As required, remove material from the undercarriage in order to prevent plugging.
When you tow a machine that is stuck, tow the machine from the drawbar and pull in the rearward direction. The slots in the brackets for the tension cylinder should not be used in order to pull a machine that is stuck.