operator killed trailering tractor

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Pretty much a transparrent change, but there are some definite benefits to having it.
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I don't see the 'magic' available in this transparant change. You are advocting going to spring break pressure, that uses an electromagnet or solenoid to hold the springs open till you press the brake pedal. If you go the electromagnet route, then you will be using the same amount of power to hold the brakes full open, against the springs, as you would normally be using to hold the brakes full closed via magnet, to make the brakes operate. If you go some solenoid route, you are stuck with either brakes on / off.. or you have to use a multiposition solenoid / servo setup.

That adds mechanical complexity to a pretty simple setup. Also.. with those spring brakes.. they would be essentially operating just like air brakes.. only using electricity instead of air pressure to hold the brakes open till needed. So far.. every state that I know of needs a cdl and a brake endorsement on their license to use these auto engage brake systems. I think that would be a tough sell for state DOT, and for the many voters, who like me, are not looking for more rules to run their life, and extra license, and class, and endorsement, and more expensive brake system, just because there are a very few people out there that are real good at getting themselves killed. With that same kind of thinking we need to ban swimming pools, bath tubs, and permanently close all beaches, lakes, ponds and other bodies of water just because people drown each year..? right? Lets punish everybody, and put heavy restrictions all across society because a few percent are genetically pre-disposed to remove themselves fromt he gene pool? Eh? count me out. If that ever makes it up for a vote.. I'll let my elected officials know that I'm not in favor of it... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

It would be way easier to either add a temporary emergency brake button that locked the e-brakes ont he trailer, or even a cable pull type like a real parking brake.. could be fastened tot he undersid e fo the trail just ahead of the fenders.. That or.. if someone is intent on 'legislating' this issue.. simple have trailers sold with some sort of anti-squatting device.. like oh... a block of wood, or a pin and drop foot, or ramps with feet.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[keeney]

Some things I have "learned" about loading / unloading equipment onto trailers in my infrequent use of them:

1. Trailers do not have parking brakes, so if on ANY incline, I chock the wheels on both sides of the trailer. If I am not sure of direction of incline, I chock the wheels in both directions. I leave the chocks until I am ready to drive the trailer again. I learned to do this more from being surprised about trailers moving around when uncoupled from the truck than issues during loading/unloading, but its something I am just in the habit of now.

2. I use ramps sufficient for the load. I have some old wood 2x12's that I used to use for motorcycles, but once I acquired the tractor, I also acquired some ramps rated for its weight. The wood planks have been retired.

3. I ALWAY attach the ramps to the trailer (or truck). The ramps came with a safety cable with a hook, but that seemed insufficeint to me. I drilled some holes in the end and into the deck of my trailer (and my truck tailgate) so I can drop some 1/4" bolts in to keep the ramps from moving around while loading.

4. I support the back of the trailer with jack stands. When they have occasionally become wedged under the loaded trailer, they have always been able to be "persuaded" to come out.

5. I always wear the seatblet while drive the tractor on and off the trailer. To think about it, its one of the steepest inclines I operate the tractor on or near.

 

[Paul_Dowling]

I see a major problem with your idea about self-locking brakes. They would tend to lock permanently. Any moisture would cause the lining to bond to the drum and you would not be able to move the trailer. Happens all the time with boat trailers. No fun at all.

 

[JimR]

What a shame to have that happen. Poor guy probably never seen it coming either. It is a live and learn experience when loading trailers. I had my first bit of trailer fun the first time I loaded my tractor on my newly converted flatbed boat trailer to car trailer. I had hooked up the trailer on my truck. It looked locked but the latch up under the tongue was not on right. (Fixed that problem real quick afterwards) I put two planks up for the ramps and started to load my 3000 pound Cub. Down goes the trailer back and up goes the front. I did have the wheels blocked and it's a good thing. The trailer could have easily flung out and ruined my tailgate and bed. The trailer was limited in lift by the 2 break-away trailer chains hooked to the hitch on the truck. It was still a quick rush I never expected to see that happen. I now block the back of the trailer when loading and unloading. I plan on making a set of adjustable sliding jacks for the rear of the trailer using two pipes and a pin.

 

[GaryM]

Blocking the back is a good idea. I've noticed a lot of equipment trailers with attached ramps have blocks built into the ramp. The ramp looks like a triangle when they are in the loading position.