TM Eco Series
Operating & Safety Instructions
USA – 07/11
Issue 01
29
4.7
TRACTION DRIVE
On those trailer machines equipped primarily with fixed width axles, a traction drive system is an
available option. This function allows the machine to be manoeuvred by one man, and provides the
machine with the capability of ascending or descending a slope of 10% (5.7 degrees). Slopes in
excess of this angle should not be attempted and a towing vehicle used instead.
The traction system is hydraulically driven, the supply being taken from the same power source as the
base machine. The drive speeds and gradeability are therefore linked into the available power from the
vehicle prime mover. The engagement of the traction system is also hydraulic, using a single hand
lever to bring the drive cradles into contact with the road wheels. The control of the traction function is
then possible from a single joystick permitting the machine to be moved forwards, backwards and
steered on either side.
ENGAGING DRIVE
1)
Before engaging the traction drive system, ensure that the machine is de-coupled from the
towing vehicle, the jockey wheel deployed and securely fixed, and the parking handbrake is fully
engaged.
2)
Check that all of the emergency stops are released, i.e. ‘Out’, and that the Base Key switch is in
the ‘On’ position, thereby directing the electrical feed to the drive joystick and jack station.
3)
The Drive joystick has a single pushbutton located on the handle. Pushing and holding this
button allows the power unit to produce hydraulic flow, which is directed to the drive manifold.
It is not necessary to operate the jack selector lever, as this would deviate the hydraulic flow to
the jack manifold and render the drive inoperative.
4)
Whilst holding the joystick button and keeping the drive lever in the upright position, it is
possible to use the third horizontal control lever to engage the traction drive. By pulling the lever
upwards, the engagement cylinder will rotate the twin drive motors until the cradles come into
contact with the road wheels. This function is pressure protected, and the lever should be held
to allow the cradles to ‘push’ into the pneumatic TIRES for best grip when driving. This pressure
is set to 80 bar in the factory, and should not need adjustment.
5)
When the engagement cylinder achieves full travel and the cradles are in adequate contact with
the road wheels, the lever and drive button can be released, locking the engagement cylinder in
this position. Only then should the parking handbrake be released, holding the machine on the
traction drive assembly.
6)
The machine can now be manoeuvred using the drive joystick, holding the button whilst moving
the joystick in the direction of travel. It should be noted that the machine drives in the direction
the handle is moved, such that if the joystick is released, the machine will not drive towards the
direction the lever was being pulled. This decreases the risk of entrapment of the operator. To
halt the drive function, release either the joystick, which will return to the centralised ‘Off’
position, or release the button to stop the hydraulic flow. The Emergency Stops can be similarly
used to halt the machine drive at any time.
Summary of Contents for TM34M ECO Series
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