TM-5-2330-378-14-P
SEMITRAILER, LOWBED: 40 TON CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTER M870 AND M870A1
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR'S, UNIT, DIRECT SUPPORT AND GENERAL SUPPORT MAINTENANCE MANUAL (INCLUDING REPAIR PARTS AND SPECIAL TOOLS LIST)
JUNE 1999
TM-5-2330-378-14-P - Page 52 of 524
TM 5-2330-378-14&P
2-9.
OPERATING PROCEDURES.
a.
Driving.
When
driving
the
towing
vehicle
and
semitrailer,
the overall
length
of the
unit
must
be kept
in mind
when passing other vehicles and when turning. Because the unit is hinged in the middle, backing is also
affected.
b.
Turning. When turning comers, allow for the semitrailer wheels turning inside the radius of the towing
vehicle.
Make a right turn by driving the towing vehicle about halfway into the intersection and then cutting
sharply to the right.
WRONG
RIGHT
C.
Stopping.
During normal operation, the brakes of the towing vehicle and the semitrailer are applied at the
same time when the driver steps on the brake pedal. Brake pressure should be applied gradually and
smoothly. The semitrailer brakes maybe applied separately by using the semitrailer handbrake control lever
on the steering column. On steep downgrades or slippery surfaces, the semitrailer brakes should be applied
slowly before the towing vehicle brakes. This will reduce the possibility of jackknifing the semitrailer.
d.
Parking.
When thetowing
vehicle and semitrailer
are to be parked and left unattended,
setthe
parking
brake
on the towing vehicle. Apply the semitrailer handbrake control, and turnoff the engine before leaving the cab.
For the M870, block the semitrailer wheels (1) with chock blocks (2). Block behind front wheels on uphill
grades and in front of back wheels on downhill grades.
It
2
2-22
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