MA Tow Tractor Section 2 SECTION 2: OPERATION A. CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND SWITCHES The tractor controls and instruments include a headlight switch, ignition switch, hour meter, ammeter (if equipped), water temperature gauge (if equipped), oil pressure gauge (if equipped), heater switch (if equipped), wiper control switch (if equipped), dome light (if equipped), automotive type 17" steering wheel, gear shift unit, glow plug button (if equipped), brake pedal, parking brake lever, full-size accelerator pedal, horn button, and a turn signal light lever mounted on the steering column (if equipped). The control layout is designed to combine maximum driving comfort with maximum efficiency. The accompanying illustration (Figure 2-1) shows the location of the controls, while the following gives a brief summary of their operation. It is essential that the operator become accustomed to both the location and operation of the controls before attempting to drive the tow tractor for productive operation. Figure 2-1. Operator's Compartment 1. Shifter Control Unit CAUTION: COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE SHIFTING FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE OR REVERSE TO FORWARD. The Shifter Control unit is located on the instrument panel immediately in front of the driver s position. The standard unit has three positions: Forward, Neutral and Reverse. 1-2-1 Rev 23
Section 2 MA Tow Tractor 2. Park Brake Lever The parking brake lever is connected by a strap to the parking brake drum attached to the rear of the transmission. It is used for parking or holding the tractor on grades and should always be set for parking and released before driving. Brake is engaged as lever is pulled toward the operator. Push lever away from operator (down) to release brake. 3. Ignition Switch The ignition switch is an automotive type switch that has three (3) positions. 4. Accelerator Pedal Gasoline Units (1) Ford 240 or 300 CID Units: The pedal is connected to the carburetor via the accelerator cable. (2) Ford ESG-642 (4.2L) Units: The pedal is connected to the ECM. Diesel Units: The pedal is connected to the injection pump via the accelerator cable. 5. Service Brake Pedal The service brake pedal operates the hydraulic brakes on the rear wheels. 6. Instruments (e) Hour meter: Reads elapsed time of engine operation. Dome Light Switch: Operates the interior cab light (if equipped with cab). Brake Warning Light: Operates only if the brake line(s) develop a fluid leak. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL): Flashes to inform operator of engine issues or failures. (Equipped on Ford ESG-642 (4.2L) units only.) Ammeter/Voltmeter: Indicates the rate of charge or discharge of the alternator/ battery circuits. (f) (g) Oil Pressure Gauge: Reads the engine oil pressure. Water Temperature Gauge: Measures the temperature of the engine cooling water system. 1-2-2 Rev 25
MA Tow Tractor Section 2 (h) (i) Oil Temperature Gauge: Measures the temperature of the engine oil system. (Equipped on Deutz units only.) Headlight Switch: Turns the headlights ON or OFF. Toggle in the up position turns the headlights ON. (j) (k) (l) Control Switch: Controls the windshield wiper motor (if equipped). Heater Switch: Controls the heater blower motor (if equipped). Glow Plug 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 B. TRAILERS Gasoline Gasoline models are equipped with either a Ford Industrial 240 or 300 CID Engine or Ford ESG-642 (4.2L) Engine. The units are built 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 Preparation for Use requirements in Chapter 2, Section 1. Diesel Diesel models can be equipped with a Perkins Industrial 4.236 or 1000-4 or 1104C-44 (Tier II) Engine, a Deutz 1011F or F4M2011 (Tier II) Engine, a Cummins 4B or B3.3 Engine, or a Hercules D-2300 engine. These units are also built with a Ford Industrial C-6 Transmission. All of these engines are tested and inspected by the manufacturer before leaving the factory. However, certain checks should be made before putting them into regular operation. Refer to the Preparation for Use requirements in Chapter 2, Section 1. 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, detachable 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. 1-2-3
Section 2 MA Tow Tractor 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 the turntable or pivoting axle is directly connected to a drawbar for 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 that 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 Observe floor loading limits with the unladen weight of the tractor. Ensure the trailer s load is not wider than the aisles en route. Travel at a speed consistent with the road and load conditions. Sound the horn and slow down for corners. 1-2-4 Rev 23
MA Tow Tractor Section 2 (e) (f) (g) Avoid traveling on soft or bumpy ground when possible. Watch out for pedestrians and do not travel too close behind other vehicles. Avoid sudden stops. (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) Note 2. Precautions E. PRE-OPERATIONAL CHECKS Do not block fire fighting equipment from use by parking or depositing a trailer in front of the equipment. Report any mechanical or electrical irregularities immediately. 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. Keep clear of the edge of loading docks. 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. Upon stopping vehicle, place transmission shift lever in neutral, put parking brake ON, and turn ignition switch to OFF position. Maximum tow speed of this tractor is 15 mph. Only qualified personnel should service this tractor. 1. Fuel System Check all fuel line connections to make sure they are properly connected, from fuel tank to fuel pump to carburetor (gasoline) or injector pump (diesel). Make certain fuel cell drain valve is closed. 1-2-5
Section 2 MA Tow Tractor Fill fuel cell with correct fuel. Refer to the engine manual(s) included with this manual to determine the correct fuel specifications. 2. Battery 3. Brakes Check the battery fluid level. Top up with distilled or approved drinking water, as needed. Connect the battery cables, if disconnected. Check master cylinder fluid level. If low, check for leaks in brake lines. Check service brake to make sure it is working properly. Check park brake to make sure it is working properly. 4. Engine and Transmission Note Check engine oil level, add oil if needed. (See lubrication specifications later in this section.) Check radiator coolant/water mixture level. If coolant is needed, make sure radiator drain valve is closed, then add required coolant/water mixture. Check transmission fluid level. NOTE: This check is to determine if there is fluid in the transmission. If any fluid shows on the dipstick, do not add transmission fluid until it is checked with the engine running, after the engine has reached normal operating temperature. Check transmission cooling lines for proper connections. 5. Rear Axle and Reduction Gear Box Check oil level in the rear axle and gear reduction box and add oil, if needed. The rear axle and reduction gear box are internally connected. (See lubrication specifications later in this section.) 1-2-6
MA Tow Tractor Section 2 6. Tire Inflation Check air pressure in tires and add air, if needed: Drive Wheels Steer Wheels 45 psi 60 psi 7. Vehicle Drive and Controls Check that the tractor drives properly in both forward and reverse directions. Check that all controls are in working order. 8. Units Equipped with Cummins B3.3 Engine In cold weather, ensure that the engine preheat toggle switch, located on the engine side of the firewall, is in the ON position. The switch may be turned off in warm weather climates. F. PROCEDURES 1. Driving Instructions (All Units Except Cummins B3.3) (e) (f) Place shift lever in neutral. Make sure parking brake is set. Turn the ignition switch and engage starter. Apply foot brake. Release the parking brake. Move the transmission shift lever into the required position, i.e., Forward or Reverse. 1-2-7
Section 2 MA Tow Tractor (g) Note 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 mph. (h) (i) 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. 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. Each time you park, apply the parking brake, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and return the transmission shift lever to neutral. 2. Driving Instructions (Cummins B3.3 Units Only) (e) (f) (g) Place shift lever in neutral. Make sure parking brake is set. If the ambient temperature is less than 20 F, for initial starts, turn the key switch to the ON position. Press and hold the engine preheat button down for 30 seconds. Press and hold down the engine safety override button, turn the ignition switch to the start position, wait 5 seconds and release the safety override button. Apply foot brake. Release the parking brake. Move the transmission shift lever into the required position, i.e., Forward or Reverse. 1-2-8
MA Tow Tractor Section 2 (h) Note 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 mph. (i) (j) 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. 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. Each time you park, apply the parking brake, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and return the transmission shift lever to neutral. 3. 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. (e) (f) (g) Ensure the trailer load is secure and is within the rated drawbar pull of the tow tractor. Ensure the towing coupling is secure. Start as slowly as possible to allow any slack in towing arrangements to be taken up. Travel at a speed consistent with road and load conditions. Slow down and sound the horn when approaching corners and junctions. Take all corners wide, especially when towing two-wheel steer trailers. Always be alert. Watch out for pedestrian and never drive too close behind other vehicles. (h) Do not carry unauthorized passengers. (i) If your trip involves crossing road bridge plates, ensure they are secure and are strong enough to withstand the combined weight of the tractor and driver, or trailer and load. 1-2-9
Section 2 MA Tow Tractor (j) (k) When approaching the destination, reduce speed sufficiently far away to ensure a slow, rolling halt. A sudden halt could cause a load displacement. Ensure the trailer s parking brake is applied by immediately raising drawbar vertically after disconnecting the trailer coupling. If no parking brake is fitted, securely chock the road wheels before disconnecting coupling. 4. Periodic Maintenance Maintaining the tractor may, or may not be the operator's responsibility, depending on company policy. In either case, maintenance participation by the operator is advantageous. It will enable operators to identify the tractor s components and understand their function so well that they will be able to report immediately on any mechanical irregularities. CAUTION: WHEN A PROBLEM IS DISCOVERED, OPERATORS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THE UNIT FROM SERVICE, AND REPORT THE PROBLEM TO A QUALIFIED MAINTENANCE MECHANIC. UNQUALIFIED OPERATORS SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO PERFORM REPAIRS. Routine maintenance is essential if your tractor is to be an efficient materials handling unit. Lack of maintenance will result in costly repairs - loss through downtime - and interruptions in plant operation. Refer to Chapter 2 for the Periodic Maintenance Schedule. 1-2-10