Towing - Wacker Neuson RD 12A Operator's Manual

Maintenance RD 12A

5.18 Towing

Improper hookup and towing is hazardous and could result in injury or
death to yourself or others.
The towing connection must be rigid, or towing must be done by two
WARNING
machines of the same size or larger than the towed machine. Connect
a machine on each end of the towed machine.
Be sure that all necessary repairs and adjustments have been made
before a machine that has been towed to a service area, is put back
into operation.
These towing instructions are for moving a disabled machine for a
short distance at a low speed. Move the machine at a speed of 3 km/
h (1.9 mph) or less to a convenient location for repair. These
instructions are only for emergencies. Always haul the machine if
long distance moving is required.
Shielding must be provided on both machines. This will protect the
operator if the tow line or the tow 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 tow bar is in good
condition. Make sure that the tow line or the tow bar has enough
strength for the towing procedure that is involved. The strength of the
towing line or the tow 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.
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 tow bar.
This could cause the tow line or the tow 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 large 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. On inclines in poor
condition or on surfaces in poor condition, maximum towing capacity
is required.
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