
SEBU8213-04 81
Operation Section
Towing Information
Towing Information
i02801575
Towing the Mac hine
SMCS Code: 7000
Personal injury or death could result when towing
a disabled machine incorrectly.
Block the machine to prevent movement before fi-
nal drive s are disengaged. The machine can roll
free if it
is not blocked. With final drives disen-
gaged, the machine cannot be stopped or steered.
Follow th
e recommendations below, to properly
perform the towing procedure.
Relieve
the hydraulic tank and line pressure be-
fore any disassembly.
Even af
ter the machine has been turned off, the
hydraulic oil can still be hot enough to burn. Allow
the hydraulic oil to cool before draining.
NOTICE
To tow the machine, both final drives must be disen-
gaged. Otherwise, damage could result.
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.
Note: Do not tow the machine with the sun gears
in place. Remove the sun gear from each final
drive.
Reference: See the publication Power Train
Disassembly and Assemb ly in the machine's Service
Manual for the procedure. Consult your Caterpillar
Dealer for the proper procedure in order to remove
the sun gear, if necessary.
These towing instructions are for moving a disabled
machine for a short distance at low speed. Move
the machine at a speed of 2 km/h (1.2 mph) or less
to a convenient location for repair. Always haul the
machine if long distance moving is required.
Shields must be provided on both machines. This
will protect the operator if the tow line or the tow bar
breaks.
Do not allow any
person on the disabled machine
except the operator. Only allow the operator on the
disabled machine if the operator can control the
steering and/
or braking.
Before you tow the machine, make sure that the tow
line or the to
w 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 tow line
or of the tow 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.
Attach the cable to the towing eye on the front of
the machin
e if you are towing the machine forward.
Attach the cable to the drawbar pin on the rear of the
machineifyouaretowingthemachinebackward.
Do not use a chain for pulling a disabled machine.
A chain link can break. This may cause personal
injury. U
seawirecablewithendsthathaveloopsor
rings. Put an observer in a safe position in order to
watch the pulling procedure. The observer can stop
the proce
dure if the wire cable starts to break. 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 tow bar. This could cause the tow line
or the t
ow bar to break. Gradual, steady machine
movement will be more effective.
Norma
lly, the towing machine should be as large
as the disabled machine. Make sure that the towing
machine has enough brake capacity, enough weight,
and en
ough 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
down
hill. This may require a larger towing machine or
additional machines that are connected to the rear of
the disabled machine. This will prevent the machine
fro
m rolling away out of control.
All situation requirements cannot be listed. Minimal
tow
ing machine capacity is required on smooth, level
surfaces. On inclined surfaces or surfaces that are in
poor condition, maximum towing machine capacity
is
required.
Do not tow a loaded machine.
Consult your Caterpillar dealer for the equipment that
is necessary for towing a disabled machine.