Model MA TOW Tractor. Manual - part 9

Chapter 1: General Information and Operating Instructions   June 1997           Section 1-2                     p. 3

(g)

Headlight Switch

The headlight switch turns the headlights “ON” or “OFF”.  Toggle in the up position
turns the headlights “ON”.

(h)

Control Switch

Controls the windshield wiper motor (if equipped).

(i)

Heater Switch

The heater switch controls the heater blower motor (if equipped).

(j)

Glow Plug Button

This button controls the glow plug on the intake manifold and should be held down

for approximately 15 seconds prior to cranking (Diesel only).

7.

Engine and Transmission

(a)

Gasoline

This model uses a Ford Industrial 300 CID Engine with a Ford Industrial C-6

Transmission.  The Ford Motor Company takes great pride in the long tradition of
quality products and great values that the Ford name represents.

Ford Industrial Engines are tested and inspected before leaving the factory.

However, certain checks should be made before putting them into regular operation.
Refer to the Initial Start Up requirements in the Maintenance Section (Chapter 2).

(b)

Diesel

This model uses a Perkins Industrial 4.236 or 1000-4 Engine with a Ford Industrial

C-6 Transmission.  For 50 years Perkins Engines have been a leader in the
Engineering and Manufacture of diesel engines.  It is the diesel engine that all other
engines try to beat in quality, performance and economy of operation.

Perkins Engines are tested and inspected before leaving the factory.  However,

certain checks should be made before putting them into regular operation.  Read the
Initial Start Up requirements in the Maintenance Section (Chapter 2).

B.

TRAILERS

The most common types of trailers used in the industry today are the conventional ‘flat-deck’
trailers and the trailers fitted with superstructures.  The form of superstructure varies with the
trailer’s application.  These variations include bedstead ends, detachable canvas sides, detach-
able chains or four permanent sides (one or more of which are usually hinged for loading
purposes).  Both common types and all variations can be manufactured with either two or four
wheel steering.

Chapter 1: General Information and Operating Instructions   June 1997           Section 1-2                     p. 4

II.

OPERATION

B.

TRAILERS (CONT)

A two wheel steer trailer is constructed with its two rear wheels fitted to an axle rigidly mounted
to the trailer chassis, and its two front wheels mounted on a turntable or pivoting axle.  When he
turntable or pivoting axle is directly connected to a drawbar for towing purposes of towing a two
wheel steer trailer, extra care must be taken to allow for rear end swing when cornering.  A
coupling device, which is attached to the rear of the trailer, enables additional trailers to be
connected, hence creating a trailer train.

A four wheel steer trailer has both the front and rear axles mounted on turntables.  These
turntables are interconnected by a tie-bar.  The tie-bar runs diagonally from one side of the front
turntable to the opposite side of the rear turntable.  If the drawbar, which is attached to the front
turntable, moves, then the tie-bar arrangement causes the front and rear wheels to turn in
opposite directions.  Steering stops are placed to prevent the wheels from turning through a full
90 degree lock, which could otherwise cause a load displacement.

C.

BRAKING SYSTEMS

1.

Overrun Brakes

Trailers which are consistently used to carry heavy loads are usually fitted with overrun
brakes.  These brakes can be either cable or hydraulically operated.  The overrun brakes
automatically slow the trailer down when it tends to overrun.  In particular, these brakes are
recommended when the tow tractor-trailer combination is being operated on gradients.

2.

Parking Brakes

A variety of parking brakes are fitted to trailers.  A majority of these brakes are operated
when the drawbar is disconnected from the tow tractor and raised vertically.  Some other
types of brakes include manually operated hand brake levers.  If your trailer is not fitted
with a parking brake, remember to securely chock the wheels of the trailer before
disconnecting the trailer’s drawbar from the hitch or the trailer coupling.

D.

SAFETY

Safety is the most important aspect of your responsibility.

1.

Tips

(a)

Observe floor loading limits with the unladen weight of the tractor.

(b)

Ensure the trailer’s load is not wider than the aisles en route.

(c)

Travel at a speed consistent with the road and load conditions.

(d)

Sound the horn and slow down for corners.

Chapter 1: General Information and Operating Instructions   Dec. 1995           Section 1-2                     p. 5

(e)

Avoid traveling on soft or bumpy ground when possible.

(f)

Watch out for pedestrians and do not travel too close behind other vehicles.

(g)

Avoid sudden stops.

(h)

Do not block fire fighting equipment from use by parking or depositing a trailer in
front of the equipment.

(i)

Report any mechanical or electrical irregularities immediately.

(j)

Ensure road bridge plates are secure and strong enough to withstand the weight of
the tractor or the combined weight of the trailer and its load.

(k)

Keep clear of the edge of loading docks.

(l)

When cornering, watch for the trailer’s rear end swing.

REMEMBER: A safety minded driver protects both himself, and others, and
eliminates unnecessary damage to the tractor and its load.

WARNING:  ONLY AUTHORIZED DRIVERS SHOULD BE PERMITTED TO

DRIVE.

2.

Precautions

(a)

Upon stopping vehicle place transmission shift lever in neutral, put parking brake
ON, and turn ignition switch to OFF position.

(b)

Maximum tow speed of this tractor is 15 m.p.h..

(c)

Only qualified personnel should service this tractor.

E.

PROCEDURES

1.

Pre-Operation Checklist

The following items must be checked before putting the tractor into service:

(a)

Fuel level.

(b)

Air pressure of the pneumatic tires.  Also check tires for cuts, breaks and excessive
wear.

(c)

Engine oil level.

(d)

Coolant level in radiator.

Chapter 1: General Information and Operating Instructions   Dec. 1995           Section 1-2                     p. 6

II.

OPERATION

E.

PROCEDURES

1.

Pre-Operation Checklist (cont)

(e)

That all controls are in working order.

2.

Driving Instructions

(a)

Place shift lever in neutral.

(b)

Make sure parking brake is set.

(c)

ignition switch and engage starter.

(d)

Apply foot brake.

(e)

Release the parking brake.

(f)

Move the transmission shift lever into the required position, i.e., Forward or Reverse.

(g)

Gently press the accelerator pedal, further press the accelerator until the required

speed is obtained.

NOTE:  Governor limits speed to a maximum of approximately 15 m.p.h..

WARNING: MATCH DRIVING SPEEDS TO LOADS BEING TOWED AND

WEATHER CONDITIONS.  SLOW DOWN WHEN TOWING HEAVY LOADS AND
WHEN ROAD SURFACE IS WET OR ICY.  USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
THESE CONDITIONS ARE PRESENT ON GRADES.

(h)

To slow the tractor, release the accelerator pedal and gradually apply pressure to the
service foot brake.  For an emergency stop, release the accelerator pedal and press
hard on the service brake pedal.

(i)

Each time you park, apply the hand brake, turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”
position and return the transmission shift lever to neutral.

2.

Towing Instructions

SAFE and EFFICIENT towing depends entirely on YOU, the operator.  If you are an
experienced driver, the following ‘rules’ will serve to refresh your memory.  If you are a
trainee, they will assist you to become an expert driver.

(a)

Ensure the trailer load is secure and is within the rated drawbar pull of the tow
tractor.

(b)

Ensure the towing coupling is secure.