SAF-HOLLAND XL-FW488 FW2800 and FW2900 Series Hydraulic Elevating Fifth Wheel - Manual (Page 14)

14 XL-FW488 Rev A
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Failure to read, understand and follow the important information
contained in these instructions may result in a hazardous condition or
cause a hazardous condition to develop.
Relative to tractor-trailer operations, there are other checks, inpsections and
procedures not listed here, which are necessary, prudent and/or required by law. The
following is in addition to these and pertains to the fifth wheel only.
Perform these procedures with the area clear of obstacles and other personel.
Check Equipment Prior to Use
1. Make sure fifth wheel is properly lubricated.
2. Make sure secondary lock is disengaged (see Figure 1).
3. Make sure the fifth wheel locks are open.
4. Make sure the fifth wheel ramps are in the down position (see Figure 2).
FOR NORMAL YARD USAGE
All elevating fifth wheels when towing trailers in the elevated
position are less stable than conventional tractor-trailers and are
sensitive to speed and maneuvers.
Coupling Procedures
1. Place handle in “Yard Use” position to retract top plate lockdown pins. To retract
pins, move handle from the “Highway Use” position (handle pointing toward rear
of tractor), to the “Yard Use” position (handle pointing toward front of tractor) as
shown on instruction label located above the handle on the left front side of the
fifth wheel frame assembly.
2. Confirm lockdown pins are in the retracted position. Both pins should be fully
retracted through the fifth wheel assembly frame rails and through lockdown plates
(see Figure 4).
3. Back up close to the trailer, centering the kingpin on the throat of the fifth wheel.
STOP.
4. Block the trailer’s wheels. Connect air lines and set the trailer brakes.
5. Check to see that the trailer is at the proper height for coupling. The front of the
bolster plate should contact the fifth wheel approximately 4 inches to the rear of
the fifth wheel’s articulation point. If not, raise or lower the fifth wheel to obtain
this position (see Figure 2).
6. Back under the trailer, engaging the fifth wheel locks with the trailer kingpin. Pull
forward to test the completeness of the coupling as an INITIAL check. Set the tractor
brakes.
A direct visual inspection assures proper coupling. The trailer plate
must be on the top plate of the fifth wheel and the locks closed on
the kingpin as shown in Figure 3.
7. Put transmission in neutral and engage power take-off (PTO).
8. Set engine speed to 1000 to 1200 r.p.m. and operate control valve to raise the trailer
to full height of fifth wheel. Release the control lever to hold fifth wheel height.
9. Disengage PTO, remove blocks, release trailer brakes and “MOV-ON”.
Uncoupling Procedures
1. Position the trailer in the desired location, one that assures firm support for the
landing gear.
2. Set the trailer brakes. Tractor brakes should be released.
3. Put transmission in neutral and engage PTO. NOTE: The PTO must be engaged
(pumped down) when lowering the fifth wheel.