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2.3.1.3.
Instructions to be followed for hitching and unhitching
Pay attention to the various possibilities permitted for the connecting of the tractor’s coupling
equipment to that of the machine.
Only combine equipment that is compatible (machine and tractor).
Check that the tractor has the characteristics necessary to hitch the machine.
WARNING:
Non-compliant implementation may result in a risk of the tractor breaking during operation,
being insufficiently stable when loaded and having insufficient manoeuvrability and braking
power.
Check that the tractor meets the necessary requirements before installing or hitching the machine.
The machine must only be mounted on or hitched to a tractor if it meets the necessary requirements.
Perform a braking test to check that the tractor can provide the regulatory deceleration power even
with the machine mounted or hitched.
The requirements relating to the tractor include:
-
The total authorised weight
-
The authorised axle loads
-
The authorised vertical load on the tractor coupling point
-
The permissible load capacities of the tyres mounted on the tractor
-
Sufficient authorised load on the coupling point
You will find this information on the data plate or in the vehicle's registration papers and in the tractor
user manual.
The front axle must support at least 20% of the tractor's empty weight at all times.
Calculation of the real values of the total tractor weight, tractor axle load and the load capacity
of the tyres, and of the minimum ballast required:
The total authorised weight of the tractor indicated in the vehicle’s registration papers must be greater
than the sum of:
- The tractor's empty weight,
- The ballast,
- The total weight of the mounted machine or the vertical load of the hitched machine.
This instruction only applies in Germany:
If the axle loads and/or the total authorised weight are not complied with after all the possibilities have
been exhausted, the competent authority according to the law of the Land may issue a waiver based
on the report of an approved expert in the field of motor vehicle circulation and with the agreement of
the manufacturer, in accordance with article 70 of the German law governing the authorisation of
vehicles to use the public highway, and the obligatory authorisation under the German highway code.
Combining of machines: do not combine machines that are incompatible or are incompatible with the
tractor when combined.
