Copyright
©
2007 Terramite Corporation
2.6
WWW.TERRAMITE.COM/SAFETY
Charleston, WV/USA
USA 1.800.428.3772
Intl. 1 .304.776.4231
Read Operators Manual For Safety
PARTS MANUAL
Service Operations
&
Transporting the Street Sweeper with a Trailer
General Considerations
Proper Towing Equipment.
It is important that you use
a truck that is capable of towing the trailer and the Terramite
Street Sweeper, and that it is equipped with the proper tie-
down equipment for securing it to the trailer. When on a
road or highway, at night or during the day, use accessory
lights and an SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) sign for adequate
warning to other drivers. In this regard, check state and
local regulations.
Do Not Wrap Chains Around Cylinder Rods.
This may scar or bend them.
MAXIMUM TOWING SPEED WITH A
TRAILER IS 60 MPH
Trailer Size and Type
The trailer you select should have a load carrying capacity
of at least 7000 pounds with a tandem axle, and at least 14
feet long. You will need to check with State authorities as
to whether electric or hydraulic surge brakes are permitted.
Loading Can Be Tricky
After setting the truck’s emergency brake and blocking
the wheels of the truck and the trailer, drive the machine
slowly onto the trailer. Keep in mind that the weight of the
Terramite Street Sweeper going onto the trailer may raise
the rear of the truck off the ground, causing the truck,
trailer and Terramite Street Sweeper to roll forward.
Driving onto a tilt bed trailer can also be very tricky as the
trailer bed will likely slam down, tending to make you
overcompensate by going backwards, thus causing the
trailer to seesaw back and forth.
Securing the Terramite Street
Sweeper to a Trailer
Once the Terramite Street Sweeper is positioned on the trailer,
block each side of the front and rear tires. Using chains, bind
it to the trailer. There are binding rings welded onto the frame
under the engine and on the front. Always put the binders
toward the front and the rear, never straight out. The machine
may shift if the binders are placed at 90 degree angles.
Measure the height of the machine on the trailer so you will
know the minimum height under which you can pass.
CAUTION!
Always place the load binder handles on the right so you
can tighten them down without exposing yourself to oncoming
traffic. It is good practice to use a piece of tie wire to keep
the handle from flying up. Be careful if you use a cheater
bar to lock binders down. Fingers have been broken when
the binder flings over center. A ratchet binder is the best,
followed by over center binders. Come alongs are not very
safe due to their poor construction. Make sure all loose
items are secured. Be sure to check tightness after you
start, and periodically as you travel, as the load may shift.
Towing Considerations for the
Terramite Street Sweeper
At highway speeds, if there is too much weight on the
back of the trailer, it may suddenly and without notice start
whipping violently back and forth. This can be very
dangerous and is caused by not having enough weight on
the tongue. It can be corrected by properly positioning the
Terramite Street Sweeper on the trailer. Too far forward
may produce more weight than the hitch or even the truck
can handle; whereas, too far back can be dangerous, as
described above. It is a good idea to go to a weigh station,
and after determining the best position, mark where to park
the wheels. You must also be careful as to just where you
place any additional cargo you may take along. Most trailer
manufacturers recommend that 10% of the weight be on
the tongue.
CAUTION!
Test the braking capabilities of the truck and trailer
combination on the first clear stretch of road. Most brake
controllers can engage the trailer brakes independently of
the towing vehicle’s brakes. This feature can be used to
help straighten out a skid.
Safe Towing Practices
SAFETY FIRST! Always maintain extra distance from
the vehicles in front of you and allow extra room when
turning corners. Make lane changes slowly to keep the
load from shifting, and let other drivers, who may be in
your blind spot, get out of your way. Periodically check
your trailer and safety equipment. Remember, you are
towing the equivalent of a small pickup truck behind you.
