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The construction industry has not been so active for many years. As the Government's R400-billion infrastructural spend kicks in, so trucks and trailers will play a major role in shifting and tipping raw materials on site to meet the deadlines and penalties.
But when an end-tipping trailer falls over, it can cause loss of life and create major site delays. This is one reason why non-tipping, moving-floor material handling systems are finding favour - especially on the very safety-conscious mining properties. Side tippers are also now in fashion and there are many on the road, but they too can capsize.
There's much more to driving a truck tractor and end-tipping rig - operating an end-tipper trailer can be dangerous. There are key aspects that require training and constant checking and this applies equally well to a rigid tipper as it does to a side or end-tipping trailer. The problem is that an end-tipping trailer is long - to be legal it has to fit inside the bridge formula. This means spreading the axle units and the result is a long trailer that becomes very unstable if the cargo sticks for any reason. With all this in mind,
FleetWatch technical correspondent Dave Scott outlines what he terms the 10 Commandments for safe tipping operations. Please take heed of them.
Tip-Truck and Trailer 10 Commandments
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1.
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Never ever discharge a load on an uneven or unstable surface.
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6.
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Replace broken or weak springs in matched pairs - it's all about stability.
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2.
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Truck-tractors and trailers must be lined up.
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7.
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Avoid on-road load spillage - it creates hazards for other road users.
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3.
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Ensure that PTO and pump are disengaged before moving off.
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8.
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Avoid bulldozer and loader contact and side damage.
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4.
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Do not tip alongside another vehicle. If you fall over, don't damage someone else's truck and trailer.
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9. |
Check tyres for pressure on a daily basis, preferably at each stop. Stability is in a tyre's footprint.
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5.
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Regularly check hydraulic hoses and couplings - this is a main cause of downtime.
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10. |
Be aware of commodity specific gravity and characteristics that may result in cargo sticking. Provide check lists and training.
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