Method Of Towing Machine - Komatsu WA380-5 Operation & Maintenance Manual

OPERATION

METHOD OF TOWING MACHINE

Serious injury or death could result if there is any mistake in the selection
of wire rope or method of towing a disabled machine.
Always be sure to check carefully that the capacity of the wire rope used
for towing is ample for the weight of the towed machine.
Never use a wire rope which has cut strands (A), reduced diameter (B),
or kinks (C). There is danger that the rope may break during the towing
operation.
Always wear leather gloves when handling wire rope.
Never tow a machine on a slope.
During the towing operation, never stand between the towing machine
and the machine being towed.
Move the machine slowly and be sure not to apply any sudden load on
the wire rope.
If there is a failure in the brake line, the brakes cannot be used, so be
extremely careful when towing.
NOTICE
Only tow the machine for a short distances, such as to a place for inspection or maintenance.
The machine must not be towed for long distances.
For details of the permissible towing load for this machine, see Section "SPECIFICATIONS (PAGE 5-2)".
For details of the procedure for towing a machine when it has broken down, please contact your Komatsu distributor.
This machine must not be towed except in emergencies. When towing the machine, take the following precautions.
Before releasing the brakes, put blocks under the wheels to prevent the machine from moving. If the wheels are
not blocked, the machine may suddenly move.
When towing a machine, tow it at a low speed of less than 2 km/h (1.2 MPH), and for a distance of a few meters
to a place where repairs can be carried out. The machine should be towed only in emergencies. If the machine
must be moved long distances, use a transporter.
If it is impossible to operate the steering and brakes of the machine being towed, do not let anyone ride on the
machine.
Keep the angle of the towrope as small as possible. Keep the angle between the centerlines of the two machines
to within 30 degrees.
The towing machine should normally be of the same class as the machine being towed. Check that the towing
machine and towed machine both have ample braking power and that the towing machine has ample rimpull to
control both machines on the slopes or on the tow road.
When towing a machine downhill, it may be necessary to connect another machine to the rear of the machine
being towed in order to provide ample rimpull and braking power. This makes it possible to prevent the machine
from losing control.
Towing may be carried out under various differing conditions, so it is impossible to determine beforehand the
requirements for towing. Towing on flat horizontal roads will require the minimum rimpull, while towing on slopes
or on uneven road surfaces will require the maximum rim pull.
WARNING
TROUBLESHOOTING
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