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Personal injury or death could result when towing a disabled machine incorrectly. Block the machine to prevent movement before releasing the brakes. The machine can roll free if it is not blocked. |
This machine is equipped with spring applied brakes. These brakes are also oil pressure released brakes. If the engine or the system for pressure oil is inoperable, the brakes are applied and the machine cannot be moved. The machine can be moved if a brake release pump is used.
This machine can be towed by removing the axle shafts from the final drives. This action will make the machine brakes inoperable and the machine can move freely. Refer to the machine Service Manual or consult your Cat dealer for the removal procedure for the axle shaft and for the installation procedure for the axle shaft.
These towing instructions are for moving a disabled machine for a short distance at low speed. Move the machine at a speed of
Shields must be provided on both machines. This shielding 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 requirement is for a disabled machine that is stuck in the mud and for towing on a grade.
For towing, only attach the tow line to the tow eyes on the frame, if equipped.
Do not use a chain for pulling a disabled machine. A chain link can break. This action 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 20° cone aligned with the machine longitudinal axis.
Quick machine movement could overload the tow line or the bar. This action 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.
Provide sufficient control and sufficient braking when you are moving a disabled machine downhill. This movement may require a larger towing machine or additional machines that are connected to the rear. This action 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 in poor condition.
When any towed machine is loaded, the machine must be equipped with a brake system that is operable from the cab.
Consult your Cat dealer for the equipment that is necessary for towing a disabled machine.
If the engine is running, the machine can be towed for a short distance under certain conditions. The power train and the steering system must be operable. Tow the machine for a short distance only. For example, pull the machine out of mud or pull the machine to the side of the road.
The operator on the towed machine must steer the machine in the direction of the tow line.
If an internal transmission or a drive line failure is suspected, remove the axle shafts.
Consult your AVSpare dealer or refer to the machine Service Manual for axle shaft removal and installation procedures.
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When the final drive sun gears are removed, the machine has NO parking brakes. The machine can roll and cause personal injury or death. Block the tracks securely so that the machine cannot move. The towing connection must be rigid, or towing must be done by two machines of the same size or larger than the towed machine. Connect a machine on each end of towed machine. Be sure all necessary repairs and adjustments have been made before a machine that has been towed to a service area, is put back into operation. |
Ensure that all instructions are carefully followed.
You can move the machine when the engine is not operable. You must use a brake release pump.
Consult your Cat dealer for the equipment that is necessary for towing a disabled machine.
The pressure hose from the pump connects to the brake valve. The pump takes oil from the sump of the brake release pump. The pump pressurizes the brake valve in order to release the brake.
Note: This machine is free to move. This machine is free to roll away and this machine has no braking ability when both brakes have been released.
Connection of Brake Release Pump ( FT1845 Pump Group)
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Illustration 1 | g00040674 |
The machine brakes can be released for towing. Use FT1973 Adapter Group (5), two 123-0525 Adapters, and FT1845 Pump Group (1).
NOTICE |
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Possible brake piston seal damage could result without checking relief valve. Opening pressure must be checked and adjusted before connection is made. |
- The main pressure hose connects to the FT1973 Adapter Group (5) and two 123-0525 Adapters. Plug the pressure hose at the connection.
- Turn the handle of the bypass valve (4) to the closed position.
- While you are pumping the handle (3), observe the opening pressure of the relief valve (2).
- Adjust the opening pressure of the relief valve. Set the pressure to
3030 ± 70 kPa (440 ± 10 psi) .
Remove the floorplate in order to access the steering valve ports before you proceed.
- Remove the fitting from the top of the steering valve ports. The ports are marked "BK".
- Install the 123-0525 Adapters into the ports. Connect the remainder of the FT1973 Adapter Group to the pump pressure hose.
- Route the pressure hose under the floorplate in the cab. Then route the pressure hose to the pump. The pump is temporarily on the platform.
- Replace the floorplate.
- Place the pump group in front of the operator.
- Move the parking brake switch to the DISENGAGED position.
- Fasten the seat belt. Continue to the next topic.
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Illustration 2 | g00040676 |
- Turn the bypass valve handle to the CLOSED position.
- Initially, rapidly move the pump handle. This action will produce a large volume of oil flow.
- The brake piston seal must be fully seated. The seating of the seal is evident by a sudden rise in the oil pressure.
When the seal is properly seated, the pressure rises to the maximum.
- The machine can now be towed.
NOTICE |
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Do not allow pressure to drop below Partial brake engagement could occur and can result in brake damage. Brakes must be fully released when towed machine is moving. |
NOTICE |
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Do not use the machine brakes to slow or stop the machine. Extensive brake damage and system contamination can result. |
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Illustration 3 | g00040676 |
Open the bypass valve in order to apply the brakes. This action will completely dump the oil.
The brake system can only be applied by turning the bypass valve. The service brake pedal and the steering levers do not function.
After towing, remove the pump group. Repair the machine. Install the floorplate.
Consult your Cat dealer for towing a disabled machine.