Multiquip MLT25 operation manual Safety guidelines Trailers, COMMOn Causes for LOss of TRaILeR

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safety guidelines — TRAILERS

The following guidelines are intended to assist the operator in the operation and handling of a trailer.

Safety precautions should be followed at all times when operating a trailer. Failure to read, understand and follow the safety guidelines could result in injury to yourself and others. Loss of control of the trailer or tow vehicle can result in death or serious injury.

COMMOn Causes FOR LOss OF TRaILeR

„Driving too fast for the conditions (maximum speed when towing a trailer is 55 mph).

„Overloading the trailer or loading the trailer unevenly.

„Trailer improperly coupled to the hitch.

„No braking on trailer.

„Not maintaining proper tire pressure.

„Not keeping lug nuts tight.

„Not properly maintaining the trailer structure.

„Ensure machine is towed level to tow vehicle.

TRaILeR TOWIng guIDeLInes

„Recheck the load tiedowns to make sure the load will not shift during towing.

„Before towing, check coupling, safety chain, safety brake, tires, wheels and lights.

„Check the lug nuts or bolts for tightness.

„Check coupler tightness after towing 50 miles.

„Use your mirrors to verify that you have room to change lanes or pull into traffi c.

„Use your turn signals well in advance. Allow plenty of stopping space for your trailer and tow vehicle.

„Allow plenty of stopping space for your trailer and tow vehicle.

„DO nOT drive so fast that the trailer begins to sway due to speed.

„Allow plenty of room for passing. A rule of thumb is that the passing distance with a trailer is 4 times the passing distance without the trailer.

„Shift your automatic transmission into a lower gear for city driving.

„aLWaYs use lower gears for climbing and descending grades.

„DO nOT ride the brakes while descending grades, they may get so hot that they stop working. Then you will potentially have a runaway tow vehicle and trailer.

„To conserve fuel, don’t use full throttle to climb a hill. Instead, build speed on the approach.

„Slow down for bumps in the road. Take your foot off the brake when crossing the bump.

„DO nOT brake while in a curve unless absolutely necessary. Instead, slow down before you enter the curve and power through the curve.This way, the towing vehicle remains in charge.

„DO nOT apply the brakes to correct extreme trailer swaying. Continued pulling of the trailer, and even slight acceleration, will provide a stabilizing force.

„Anticipate the trailer “swaying.” Swaying is the trailer reaction to the air pressure wave caused by passing trucks and buses. Continued pulling of the trailer provides a stabilizing force to correct swaying. DO NOT apply the brakes to correct trailer swaying.

„Use lower gear when driving down steep or long grades. Use the engine and transmission as a brake. Do not ride the brakes, as they can overheat and become ineffective.

„Be aware of your trailer height, especially when approaching roofed areas and around trees.

„Make regular stops, about once each hour. Confi rm that:

Coupler is secure to the hitch and is locked.

Electrical connectors are secure.

There is appropriate slack in the safety chains.

There is appropriate slack in the breakaway switch pullpin cable.

Tires are not visibly low on pressure.

MLT25 SERIES LIGHT TOWER • operation manual — rev. #0 (11/28/12) — page 27

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Contents Model MLT25 sERIES Proposition 65 warning Nhtsa Reporting Safety DefectsSpecifications are subject to change without notice Table of ContentsAddresses practices not related to personal injury Safety InformationSaFeTY Messages SaFeTY sYMBOLsGeneRaL saFeTY LaMp saFeTY LIgHT TOWeR saFeTYTOWIng saFeTY Loading and Tie-Down on Flatbed Truck TRanspORTIng saFeTY„ neveR operate light tower ELeCTRICaL saFeTYGenerator/Engine Specifications MLT25 Series SpecificationsLight Tower Specifications Trailer SpecificationsLength Mast Stowed Position Length Mast Deployed Position DimensionsDimensions Reference Letter Description DimensionMetal Halide Lamps General informationMajor Components Control Panel Side ComponentsMajor Components Front/Rear Circuit Breakers, 3-Pole, 15 a Turn the lamps on and offCheck all fastening nuts and bolts for tightness Read all safety instructions at the beginning of manualInspection Before startingFemale and Male Connector Contact between the two connectorsOutriggers and Support Stands OperationStarting the Engine Mast operationRaising the Mast Rotating the Mast Raising the MastLowering the Mast Stowing the Mast to Horizontal PositionVoltage Selector Positions Move the Voltage Selector to the desired positionServicing the Mast Raise/Lower Cable System MaintenanceGenerator/ENGINE Maintenance Check Cable WearLower the mast to the horizontal resting position Servicing the Mast Extension Cable SystemHydraulic Brakes Maintenance TrailersManually Adjusting the Brakes Trailer BrakesHydraulic Brake Troubleshooting Adjustable ChannelLeaf Suspension Wheel Hub AdjustmentSafety guidelines Trailers COMMOn Causes for LOss of TRaILeRTRaILeR TOWIng guIDeLInes COupLIng to THe TOW veHICLe DRIvIng COnDITIOnsInOpeRaBLe BRaKes, LIgHTs or MIRRORs TRaILeR TOWIng TIpsTRaILeR vIn Tag BRaKe COnTROLLeR ELeCTRICaL COnneCTORTOW veHICLe SuspensIOn sYsTeMJaCKsTanD SaFeTY CHaInsTRaILeR LIgHTIng anD BRaKIng COnneCTOR BReaKaWaY sYsTeMLock washer and hitch frame Trailer tongue. Wood or concrete blocks may also be usedCoupling the Trailer to the Tow vehicle Ball Coupler Attaching safety Chain Breakaway Brake systemBreakaway Cable surge Brake system Pintle Coupler and pintle Hook Connecting Trailer LightsUncoupling the Ball Hitch PInTLe Hitch COupLeRCoupling Trailer to Tow vehicle pintle Coupler Figure H. Attaching Safety Chain Pintle HitchTIRe saFeTY Unsafe Tires, Lug nuts or Wheels Determining Load Limit of TrailerBe sure lug nuts are tight before each tow Determining Load Limit of Tow vehicle step StepTIRe FunDaMenTaLs Table a. speed RatingLetter Rating Speed Rating Uniform Tire Quality grading standards uTQgs Tire safety TipsTire Repair Replacing Worn or Damaged TiresLug nut Torque Requirements Table B. Tire Wear TroubleshootingWheel Rims Wheels, Bearings and Lug nutsTable C. Tire Torque Requirements Lights and signalsSymptom Possible Cause Solution Lamp TroubleshootingLamp starts slowly ARC does not strike Defective Lamp? When switch is first Checking voltage and ballast Turned onReplacement minimizes color differences Clean fixtureStarting Lamp Troubleshooting GuideConnections Ballast RemovalElectronic components locator L3 NEU. GND Wiring diagram sheetTB1 E1 AWG Page HERE’S HOW to GET Help