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. If you see this warning light then you have a problem with your oil pressure. Continuing to drive with this light on could cause your engine to seize. If there’s not enough oil pressure the engine components won’t be lubricated. They will overheat and eventually will seize.

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] vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][ms-protect-content id=”1895,1478″][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”76108″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text] OVERVIEW Overfilling your engine with oil could cause a loss of power. This is because moving engine parts could hit the oil. This can even damage the engine. Overfilling with oil can also cause excess pressure which can damage oil seals and cause leaks. 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.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 Lorry and bus tyres have codes on the tyre side walls which indicate the maximum load and the speed capability. Increased risks of punctures

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 The fifth wheel requires regular lubrication and inspection. This should be carried out either monthly or every 10,000 km whichever comes first. 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.If you have been issued with protective clothing by your company for use while driving, it is your responsibility to wear it. The 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.

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. The fifth wheel coupling is used to connect a tractor unit to a trailer. It allows articulation between the tractor and trailer. 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.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. 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 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.

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.

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.