TM 5-3895-367-14&P
4-15. COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING SPREADER.
This task covers:
a. Coupling Spreader to Dump Truck
b. Uncoupling Spreader from Dump Truck
INITIAL SETUP
Tools:
Personnel Required: Four
Tool Kit, General Mechanic’s Automotive
Materials/Parts:
Tiedown straps (Item 12, Appendix E)
a.
Coupling Spreader to Dump Truck.
WARNING
Do not stand between spreader and
dump truck when dump truck is in
motion. Ensure that dump truck has
come to a complete stop before operat-
ing any spreader controls. Failure to
follow this warning could result in severe
injury or death.
(1)
Back dump truck to spreader.
NOTE
Two people should pull spreader into
position using balancing handles. Two
people should lift spreader from rear.
(2)
Loosen thumbscrews (1) and extend
balancing handles (2). Use handles to
hold spreader
level and position spreader while it is being coupled to
dump truck.
CAUTION
Do not force hitch adjusting crank
beyond its limits of travel. Failure to
follow this caution could cause universal
joint to jam.
(3)
Using hitch adjusting crank (3), raise or
lower coupler hitch (4) to match truck
hitch. While raising or lowering coupler
hitch, keep an eye on latch lever (5). If
latch lever starts to bind, release it from
support (6) and place In a higher or lower
tooth on support.
WARNING
Ensure that both latches in coupler hitch
lock onto shaft of truck hitch. If both
latches do not lock onto truck hitch,
spreader could break away from tow- ing
vehicle, causing severe injury or death to
spreader operator.
(4)
When coupler hitch (4) is at proper height,
pull spreader into position using handles
(2). Rotate latch lever (5) upward to open
coupler hitch. When coupler hitch is
seated on truck hitch, release latch lever
to lock coupler hitch on truck hitch.
(5)
Push handles (2) fully into guides and
tighten thumbscrews (1).
(6)
Check for possible interference between
D-rings (7) at front of spreader and dump
truck tires. If necessary, secure D-rings to
prevent movement using tiedown straps.
4-29
