Transfer trailer pre-trips By David A. Kolman, Editor While the specifi c transfer trailer manufacturer’s instructions for PM procedures should be followed, there are some general proper procedures that need to be considered before operating a transfer trailer, says Charlie Benton, product manager, refuse trailers, East Manufacturing (www.eastmfg.com). It is a leading manufacturer of a full line of aluminum platform, dump and refuse trailers, and steel dump trailers and dump bodies, for the commercial vehicle, construction, agricultural and refuse markets. Driver pre-trip inspections must be made before the fi rst trip of the day and before each trip during the day, advises Benton. Each pre-trip inspection should include these equipment checks: • Inspect for any apparent damage, particularly wear or punctures in the fl oor and sidewalls. • Check that the tailgate latches open and close. • Ensure that the tailgate latching linkage is properly adjusted. When latched, the locking cams must pass over center on all tailgate latches. • Look for oil, water and fuel leaks. • Check that all lights function and all refl ectors are in place and not obscured. • Perform a visual check for assurance that the kingpin is engaged and locked within the fi fth wheel. • Examine the landing gear for proper road clearance and make sure the crank handle is securely stowed. • Visually inspect all suspension springs for broken leafs and equal arch. • Be sure suspension springs are secured within the hangers and equalizers. • If there is an air suspension, check that all air springs are infl ated. • Check that tires are infl ated to tire manufacturer’s specifi cations. • Check that wheel lugs are tight and rims are not slipping on spoke wheels. • Check wheel lug nuts for proper torque on disc wheels. • On wheels with see-through hubcaps, check the oil level in the wheel hubs. Add oil as needed. • On wheels with solid hubcaps, pull the plug and check the oil level in the wheel hubs. Add oil as needed. • If there is a spare tire, make sure its carrier is securely bolted to the chassis. • Visually check brake shoe linings and brake drums for wear and proper adjustment. • By actuation, determine if the brake system is in proper working order. • Turn the ignition on and observe the ABS warning light. Verify that the light goes on for three seconds and then goes off. If the light remains on, the ABS requires service. • Set trailer parking brakes and rock the trailer back and forth to test the brakes. • Make sure there is suffi cient hydraulic oil in the hydraulic tank. • Check for chafed hoses or cracked fi ttings. VehicleServicePros.com/10095038 Different maintenance approaches By David A. Kolman, Editor Talbert Manufacturing strongly supports proper preventive maintenance (PM) programs that include tiered planning for scheduled service, says Troy Geisler, vice president of sales and marketing for Talbert Manufacturing. Through such programs, vehicles are inspected, repaired and maintained so that defects can be prevented, and this helps avoid unwanted violations or accidents. The company (www.talbertmfg. com) builds a wide variety of heavy haul trailers and specialized transportation equipment. Its product line includes tag-along, utility, tilt deck, hydraulic slide axle/hydraulic tail, stepdeck, lowbed, extendible, east/ west spread axle and multi-axle confi guration trailers. Reactionary maintenance programs, on the other hand, are based on problems, and involve fi xing something that has failed, he says. These types of programs result in excessive vehicle downtime and the resulting costs of idle equipment. The difference between preventive and reactive maintenance will not only affect a fl eet’s bottom line, but it could prevent timeconsuming and expensive failures on the road, he adds. Effective preventive maintenance programs have proven successful, leading to safer transport while saving both time and money. In addition to preventive maintenance, Doyle recommends that owners have an intimate knowledge of their equipment, as well as know beforehand how various confi gurations will change vehicle functionality and performance. This is especially true with heavy haul trailers, as adding a jeep, gooseneck extension, deck types, deck extension, additional axles and/or axle extensions will affect how the load handles, notes Geisler. Oftentimes, components sit until they are required, so be sure to list and include these in the preventive maintenance program. “Prior proper planning will prevent poor vehicle performance,” he concludes. With heavy haul trailers, various confi gurations will change vehicle functionality and performance, and thus maintenance requirements. Photo courtesy of Talbert Manufacturing 26 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ OCTOBER 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com
FleetMaintenance_October_2016
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