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Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 3 The illustrations, technical information, data and descriptions contained in this publication, were correct at the time of going to print. VFS (Southampton) Ltd reserve the right to make any changes necessary in line with continuous development and improvement.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 5 Introduction ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK This Supplementary Owners Handbook must be referred to in addition to the standard Transit Owner’s Handbook. Read and understand both manuals and familiarise yourself with the vehicle before operating the vehicle on the road.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 6 Introduction SAFETY FIRST The basis for Health and Safety law in the UK is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and its amendments. Guidance to its application to road vehicle use is available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and many other professional bodies is recommended.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 7 Loading WARNING Ensure the load is uniformly distributed across the Dropside bed. All loads must be secured and restrained before operating the vehicle on the public highway. Failure to adequately restrain the payload present a hazard to other road users and is in contravention of the UK construction and use regulations.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 9 Loading Load Retention Load Anchorage Points Ensure that all loads are secured to the appropriate anchorage point before attempting to drive the vehicle. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle without securing the load.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 10 Loading Load Sheeting Sheeting Rope Hooks It is recommended that all 'fluid' loads for example sand, gravel, soil, wood chippings etc. are sheeted to prevent hazard to other road users. Front View...
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 11 Load Bed Access WARNING Potential Risk of Fall Ensure appropriate safety measures are taken when climbing on or off the vehicle in addition to standing on the load bed. Only competent persons should attempt access or work on the load bed.
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Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 12 Load Bed Access Pull step from above to open Step fully open Load Bed access using Sideboard Steps: Maintain the three point contact rule for entering and leaving the Load Bed.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 13 Load Bed Access Load Bed access using Stirrup Steps This alternative method of Load Bed access should only be used where the normal access system using the sideboard steps is impracticable, for example;...
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Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 14 Load Bed Access CAUTION When using the Stirrup Step, it is recommended that a suitable Fall arrest system is used. To leave or dismount the Load Bed: Grasp the grab handle with left hand, stand with your back to the sideboard.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 15 Controls Tailboard The tailboard is manufactured from tough lightweight extruded aluminium, secured by two latches per side locking the tailboard to the rear corner pillars. Tailboard closed and latched To open the Tailboard: Remove sheeting if load is sheeted, visually check the load is not exerting force on the Tailboard.
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Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 16 Controls Tailboard cont'd. Once open the Tailboard is restrained in the horizontal position by Wire Straps. This allows loading or unloading the vehicle in conditions of reduced visibility without obscuring the vehicle road lamps and number plate.
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Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 17 Controls Tailboard cont'd. Tailboard unlatched To close the Tailboard: Brush away all debris between the Tailboard and the edge of the Dropside bed, including the vertical faces at the rear corner pillars. If any resistance to closing the board is felt, lower the board and remove the obstruction, do not force it closed.
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Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 18 Controls Tailboard cont'd. WARNING Ensure the Tailboard is closed and locked before driving the vehicle. Never drive the vehicle with the Tailboard in the lowered position. Vehicle lighting must remain on during loading/unloading through the hours of darkness or poor visibility.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 19 Controls Sideboards The Sideboards are manufactured from tough lightweight extruded aluminium, secured by two latches per side locking the Sideboard to the headboard and rear corner pillars. Sideboard closed and latched...
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Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 20 Controls Sideboards cont’d. Sideboard unlatched To close the Sideboard: Brush away all debris between the Sideboard and the edge of the Dropside bed, including the vertical faces at the headboard and rear corner pillar. If any resistance to closing the board is felt, lower the board and remove the obstruction, do not force it closed.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 21 Maintenance Drivers Checks and Maintenance Items WARNING Only competent technical trained personnel should carry out maintenance involving adjustment or replacement of bodywork components on this Dropside. CAUTION It is imperative that the recommended Driver Checks and Maintenance be carried out to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Dropside.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 22 Maintenance Monthly Maintenance Checks • Check all Safety Signs are present and ensure they are legible and not damaged. • Inspect and check function of Tailboard & Sideboard Latches. Apply general purpose grease if necessary.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 23 Safety Signs Operator Information Decals Load lashing / retention information decal is located on rear face of cab protector on LHS of vehicle. Tailboard hazard decal is located on lower edge of tailboard on RHS of vehicle.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 24 Emergency Equipment Reflective Warning Triangle Avoid lowering the tailboard fully on the public highway. The tailboard is equipped with straps retaining the tailboard at 90 degrees to ensure the rear lamps are visible by approaching traffic from the rear.
Do not exceed the maximum Gross Train Mass stated on the vehicle identification plate. Do not exceed the maximum gross Trailer mass as stated on the Registration document. Refer to the 'Vehicle identification'' and 'Towing a Trailer' section in the Ford Transit Owner’s Handbook CAUTION If an aftermarket Tow Bar is being installed ensure that the tailboard is fitted with a protective guide.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 26 Lighting Marker Lamps: End Outline Marker Lamps: • The End Outline Marker Lamps are LED type and non serviceable. Replacement lamps can be obtained from VFS (Southampton) Ltd Side Marker Lamps (Double Cab and Extended Frame only): •...
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 27 Vehicle Care Cleaning the bodywork Regular cleaning of the Dropside bodywork will maintain its function and value. It is important to ensure that debris does not build up on the load bed impeding the closure of the side and tailboards.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 28 Vehicle Identification VIN Plate Location and Identification The Dropside is Type Approved under directive 2007/46/EC EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval WVTA. Therefore as a multistage build (Chassis stage 1/Body stage 2) the vehicle carries the stage 2 VIN plate alongside the Chassis VIN plate.
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 29 Vehicle Identification Body Type and Serial Number The Dropside bodywork has its own ID plate for use when ordering spare parts or warrenty enquiries. Important information such as the Body Serial Number and Type can be found...
Transit Dropside 2014:11-12 Seat Transit 28/11/14 10:52 Page 35 Index Description Page Description Page About this Handbook Non Fluid Loads Accessories Notes Annual Maintenance Checks Operator Information Decals Body Identification Plate Parts and Accessories Changing a Marker Lamp Personal Protection Equipment 7, 8...