LITERATURE GP 1G7787 - Caterpillar

Personal injury or death could result when towing a disabled machine incorrectly.Block the machine to prevent movement before releasing the parking brake. The machine can roll free if it is not blocked.The following recommendations should be followed when towing the machine.
Air pressure is required to release the parking brake on all machines. If the engine cannot be run the air compressor will be inoperable and it may not be possible to release the parking brake using the hand control.The towing instructions which follow are for moving the machine a short distance at low speed to a convenient location for repair. Do not exceed 2 km/h (1.2 m.p.h.). These instructions are for emergencies only. Always load the machine onto a suitable breakdown vehicle if long distance moving is required.Shielding must be provided on the towing machine if the operator can be injured due to the tow line or bar breaking. Similarly, the operator's compartment of the disabled machine must be shielded if a person is to be present during towing.Do not allow any person on the disabled machine unless the operator can control the steering and/or braking. Even then only the operator should be allowed on the machine.Before towing, make sure the tow line or bar is in good condition and is strong enough for the towing situation involved. Use a tow line or bar which is strong enough to pull at least 1.5 times the gross weight of the towing machine, for a disabled machine stuck in mud or when towing on a grade.Gradual and smooth machine movement is necessary during towing. Quick machine movement could overload the tow line or bar and cause it to break.Normally, the towing machine should be at least as big as the disabled machine. Satisfy yourself that the towing machine has enough brake capacity, weight and power to control both machines. Consider the grade, distance and conditions involved.To provide sufficient control and braking when moving a disabled machine downhill, a larger towing machine and a solid tow bar will be required. The steering frame locks must also be in place - see the topic "Lifting the Machine" in the "Operation Section" of this manual. Additional machines connected to the rear may also be required to prevent the disabled machine from rolling away.If the machine is to be towed downgrade and needs to be articulated (maneuvred) it is necessary to have a towing machine at the front to control the tractor unit and additional machines at the rear to control the trailer unit. Only then can the steering frame lock links be left off.The specific requirements of all towing situations cannot be anticipated. Minimum towing machine capacity is required on smooth level surfaces while maximum towing machine capacity is required on grades with poor ground conditions. If in doubt consult your Caterpillar dealer for advice before attempting to tow a disabled machine.Towing a Machine with Inoperable Engine
If the machine is in the straight ahead position and is to be towed in a straight