Vestil SP-TOP - Manual (Page 2)

08/28/06 drb Manual, trailer stabilizing jacks, 13126120.doc
V ESTIL M FG . C O . 2
U SER I NSTRUCTIONS – T RAILER S TABILIZING J ACK ( ALL MODELS )
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Consult OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.178 “Powered Industrial Trucks” and the text below for requirements
affecting the use of this product.
* 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) -- “The brakes of highway trucks shall be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels
to prevent the trucks from rolling while they are boarded with powered industrial trucks.
* 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(3) -- “Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer and prevent upending during the
loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor”
* 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(7) -- “ Brakes shall be set and wheel blocks shall be in place to prevent movement of trucks,
trailers, or railroad cars while loading or unloading. Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer during
loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor. The flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars
shall be checked for breaks and weakness before they are driven onto.”
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If any damage to the stabilizing jack is evident, remove it from service immediately.
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Ensure that all employees involved in the use of this product understand and follow these instructions!
Installation and Operation:
The standard model trailer stabilizing jack is intended to be used to support the ends of a semitrailer that is
parked against a loading dock and not connected to a truck’s fifth-wheel. The semitrailer must be situated on a flat,
stable, improved (preferably concrete) surface.
The load rating, in pounds, is shown on the product’s information label located on the side of the jack. The jack has
two ratings -- a static rating (how much weight the jack will support), and a lifting rating (how much weight the jack’s
screw mechanism can lift).
* Note: The need for trailer stabilizing jacks, as well as the quantity to use and their exact placement under the
semitrailer, shall be determined by a qualified individual responsible for the loading or unloading of the trailer.
The following is a list (not all-inclusive) of circumstances in which utilization of a trailer jack is recommended:
• To reduce the risk of the semitrailer’s landing gear failure.
• To reduce the risk that the front of the semitrailer might tend to tip up when a fork truck enters the rear of
the semitrailer, such as with trailers having axles that are further away from the dock than is typical.
• The heavier the fork truck and load, the more likely it is that a trailer stabilizing jack(s) will be needed.
• Shorter semitrailers are more likely to need two jacks -- one under each corner of the nose end.
Warning: Before installing stabilizing jacks underneath it, the semitrailer must be fully supported by its landing gear.
Warning: Before installing stabilizing jacks, the semitrailer must first have its wheels secured so that they will resist
creep or roll during the loading or unloading of the semitrailer.
Warning: Confirm that the surface on which the jack(s) will rest is sufficient to prevent the jack from sinking
Warning: Confirm that the strength of the trailer jack’s point of contact with the bottom of the semitrailer is sufficient
to prevent the jack from breaking through the trailer’s floor.
Warning: Do not exceed the trailer stabilizing jack’s load ratings. Injury to personnel or permanent damage to the
semitrailer and/or its contents could result from exceeding the listed capacity.
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To raise and lower the top cap: models BFSJ-2748, LO-J-BEAM, LO-J, HI-J, and SP-TOP-R all utilize a ratcheting
mechanism (the same handle used for moving the jack around is used for the ratchet), models SP-TOP, SJ-35, and
SJ-35-EF utilize handles that are affixed to the screw hub, and model H-LO-J-BEAM utilizes a hydraulic jack.
Tip the stabilizing jack(s) backward onto its wheels and roll it under the nose-end (front) of the semitrailer. When
using a single jack, place it at the centerline of the trailer’s width. When using two, place one under each corner.
Note: Additional stabilizing jacks might be needed under the rear corners of the semitrailer if the distance from the
axle to the back end of the semitrailer is more than ¼ the length of the trailer.
Adjust the height of the jack so that the jack’s top cap is firmly set against the underside of the semitrailer frame.
Note: The landing gear must remain lowered and firmly against the ground in order to provide additional support.
To remove a trailer jack, lower the top cap so that it is no longer in contact with the bottom of the trailer. Tip the
jack backwards and roll it out from under the trailer.
Caution: The jack(s) must be removed before backing a tractor underneath the semitrailer.
* Ensure that all information/safety/warning labels stay in place and are legible.
Refer to the labels page in this manual.