Options for 1-2 working day delivery and next day timed services available on most items Zone B Surcharge Areas If you notice your headlights not working, even if it’s daytime, get them fixed before setting off. The fifth wheel requires regular lubrication and inspection. This should be carried out either monthly or every 10,000 km whichever comes first. The first thing to do before uncoupling a trailer is to apply the parking brake. After leaving the cab, apply the trailer parking brake. Always park on a firm, level surface.

The fifth wheel coupling is used to connect a tractor unit to a trailer. It allows articulation between the tractor and trailer. The direction of haulage may be push or pull, though pushing tends to be for a pair of ballast tractors working together, one pulling and the other pushing an exceptional load on a specialist trailer. The most common drawbar configuration for heavy vehicles is an A-frame drawbar at the front of a full trailer that connects to a tow coupling on a hauling vehicle [1] If you notice a lump or bulge, a deep cut more than 25mm (1 inch) long, or exposed ply or cords, then the tyre is illegal to use on the road. You can see in this following video how much force a tyre on a heavy vehicle can explode with in a blowout. Damage can be caused by clumsy or aggressive coupling techniques, manoeuvring outside of the range of the coupling, and poor maintenance and care of the parts. Cables and air linesIt is also a requirement for the manufacturer’s date code to be legible on all tyres fitted to LGV tractor units and trailers over 3.5 tonnes. If you are driving a vehicle with a two-speed axle, this doubles the number of gears. An electrical switch actuates a mechanism in the rear axle which doubles the choice of gear ratios, which can significantly improve the performance of a heavily laden vehicle. On light vehicles, the most common coupling is an A-frame drawbar coupled to a 1 7/8 inch or 50mm tow ball. These drawbars transmit around 10% of the gross trailer weight through the coupling. Older vehicles require double-declutching to change gear. On new vehicles with synchromesh gearboxes, double-declutching increases clutch wear and wastes fuel. Protective clothing Agricultural equipment is hauled by a tractor-mounted drawbar. Specialist agricultural tools such as ploughs are attached to specialist drawbars which have functions in addition to transmitting tractive force. This was partly made redundant with Ferguson's development of the three-point linkage in his famous TE20.

Energy-saving tyres keep fuel costs down because they have a lower rolling resistance and better grip than ordinary tyres. You should consider this when replacing your tyres. Vehicle operators must have an effective system in place for drivers to report vehicle defects and have them repaired properly. Smoke coming from your tyres is not normal in every day driving and you should stop immediately if you see this as it could be rubbing on part of the bodywork which will eventually cause it to overheat or will rub through and cause a blowout. Changing a wheel or tyreThe drawbar should not be confused with the fifth wheel coupling. The drawbar requires a trailer which either loads the drawbar lightly (for example a small boat trailer, or caravan, or the load is the weight of the coupling components only (larger trailers, usually but not always with a steerable hauled axle, front or rear). By contrast, the fifth wheel is designed to transmit a proportion of the load's weight to the hauling vehicle. Drawbar configuration is mostly seen on hydraulic modular trailer and ballast tractor combination to haul oversize loads which require special trailer and tractor. Energy-saving tyres can help save money as they have a reduced rolling resistance, increase fuel efficiency and increase grip. The increased grip means you don’t have to brake as much for corners. The reduced rolling resistance means that the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to get the vehicle moving, or keep it moving. If you are driving a vehicle fitted with a turbocharger these can heat up to 600 degrees Celsius. When you stop, allow your engine to idle a short time (around a minute) to help the turbo cool. Some vehicles will have a turbo timer fitted to allow this to happen without you waiting with the vehicle. Oil A drawbar is a solid coupling between a hauling vehicle and its hauled load. Drawbars are in common use with rail transport, road trailers, both large and small, industrial and recreational, and with agricultural equipment.

If you detect a leak in your air braking system, leave the vehicle parked and find someone to fix it. Don’t drive it until it’s fixed otherwise you could end up with no brakes. Gearbox If you are driving along and notice that tread is coming away from one of your tyres (i.e. your tyre is delaminating), you must stop and change it. Different sized wheels Workshop manuals are available for advice about the maintenance and repair of your vehicle. These are essential for anyone who intends to service or repair their own vehicle. Aggressive reversing can break or bend the funnel which directs the towing eye into the jaw. In this case, the drawbar height was too low and the approach speed too fast. The funnel couldn’t direct the drawbar into the jaw, instead breaking through the funnel. Diesel expands in the heat. If your fuel tank is filled to the brim and it’s a hot day, expansion of the fuel will cause it to spill on the road which is very dangerous, especially for motorcyclists. Don’t fill your fuel tank to the brim.

Coupling and uncoupling a trailer

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The oil filter collects sediment from the oil. This sediment comprises tiny metal fragments from the engine. The oil filter will usually be replaced at service intervals and this reduces friction. Fuel The purpose of a pre-heating device is to heat the engine in cold weather. They heat the glow plugs in the cylinders. The starter should only be operated when the indicator light goes out. If you have been issued with protective clothing by your company for use while driving, it is your responsibility to wear it. Drawbar trailers have a specific method to couple them with the towing vehicle (this could be a rigid lorry or a prime mover/tractor unit that has the correct coupling). The drawbar towing eye fits inside the jaws of the coupling unit and a pin drops through the eye.Lorry and bus tyres have codes on the tyre side walls which indicate the maximum load and the speed capability. Increased risks of punctures It is also a requirement for the manufacturer’s date code to be legible on all tyres fitted to LGV tractor units and trailers over 3.5 tonnes. Reversing too fast into the jaws can squash the towing eye meaning the pin won’t drop through. Reverse slowly until the trailer is coupled. Consistent high speeds for long distances on motorways can cause your tyres to overheat and disintegrate. This is more likely to be the case if they are under-inflated because this creates more rolling resistance that is dissipated in the form of heat.