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Operation Section
at least 150 percent of the gross weight of the towed
machine. This pertains to towing a disabled machine
from mud and to towing a machine on a grade.
Illustration 166 g00837145
Lifting and tie-down points (front)
For towing or retrieving the machine from the front,
attach towing equipment to the lifting points on the
frame at the front of the machine.
Illustration 167 g00837146
Typical retrieval hitch (rear)
If it is not possible to tow the machine from the front or
if it is not possible to retrieve the machine from the front,
attach the tow line or tow bar to the retrieval hitch at
the rear of the machine. When the machine has been
retrieved, attach towing equipment to the lifting points
on the frame at the front of the machine for towing.
Normally, the towing machine should be at least the
size of the disabled machine. Make sure that the
towing machine has enough brake capacity, weight and
power. The towing machine must be able to control
both machines for the grade, distance and conditions
that are involved.
A larger towing machine and a solid tow bar will be
required in order to provide sufficient control and
braking when a disabled machine is moved downhill.
Shields must be provided on both machines. This will
protect the operator if the tow line breaks 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.
Use an observer in a safe position in order to watch the
procedure. The observer can stop the procedure if the
rope starts to break or the rope starts to unravel. Stop
the procedure if the towing machine moves without
moving the towed machine.
Do not disengage the parking brake or remove chocks
from the wheels before the tow line or tow bar has taken
the weight of the disabled machine.
Quick machine movement could overload the tow line
or tow bar. This could cause the tow line or tow bar to
break. Gradual, smooth machine movement will be
more effective.
Keep the tow line angle to a minimum. Do not exceed a
30 degree angle from the straight ahead position.
All situation requirements cannot be listed. Minimal
towing machine capacity is required on smooth level
surfaces while maximum towing machine capacity is
required on grades with poor ground conditions.
If you are in doubt, consult your Caterpillar dealer for
advice before you attempt to tow a disabled machine.
Towing with the Machine
Note: TH360B machines are designed for use as
towing machines when an approved towing hitch is
installed.
If the combined weight of the machine, the towed
attachment and the attachment cargo exceed the
brake capacity available from both the machine
and the towed attachment, a loss of control may
occur. The operator must verify that the combined
weight does not exceed the combined braking
capacity. Loss of control could cause injury or
death.
Your machine may be equipped with a number of
different types of towing hitch. Please refer to "Types of
Towing Hitches" for more information.
Note: The maximum permissible weight of the
attachment and freight may need to be reduced if the
attachment will be towed on ground which is not level.
The speed of the machine may also need to be reduced
if the attachment will be towed on ground which is not
level.