Altec DRM 12 - Clutch and Power Take-Off (PTO); Battery; Fasteners; Tires and Wheels

34 • Section 6 — Care of the Unit
Clutch and Power Take-Off (PTO)
The PTO clutch mechanism is supplied by the engine
manufacturer. It is very important to lubricate the PTO
bearings, clutch levers, and linkage. For specic informa-
tion and lubrication interval requirements refer to your
clutch/PTO owner’s manual. Proper inspection, operation,
and maintenance of the clutch will greatly increase the
useful life of the chipper clutch. Improper operation or
maintenance of the clutch will void clutch warranty.
Inspection
• Verify all cap screws, pins, and linkage components
are in good condition and properly tightened.
• Verify adequate free play on the clutch handle/linkage
assembly. With the clutch in the engaged position
(handle vertical) there should be approximately 1”
to 1
1
/2” of free play at the end of the handle without
pressure being applied to engage the clutch.
• Without proper free play, premature failure of the
clutch will occur.
Notice
Damage resulting from improper clutch adjustment
will not be covered under warranty. Refer to PTO own-
er’s manual for detailed adjustment procedures.
Figure 6.1 — Clutch Free Play
Battery
Caution
Injury can result from exposure to battery acid. Wear
appropriate safety equipment.
After 100 hours of operation or once per month, whichever
occurs rst, inspect the battery for accumulated corrosion
at the terminals. If found, mix two tablespoons of baking
soda to one pint of water and apply with a small brush
to terminals. When nished, be sure to ush the surface
of the battery with water. Remove any excess water and
coat the terminals with light grease or petroleum jelly to
reduce the possibility of corrosion forming. Also check
the battery cables for wear and all cable connections and
battery tie downs to be certain that they are not loose.
Fasteners
Fasteners should be visually inspected on a daily basis,
physically torqued weekly for the rst 30 days of operation
and monthly thereafter. All fasteners must be in place at
all times and properly torqued. Torque values are given
for specic fasteners where applicable. For fasteners in
general, refer to Torque Values in the Appendix.
Tires and Wheels
Refer to tire manufacturer specication for proper tire
ination. Make sure tires are in good condition. Tire ina-
tion pressure can be found on the tire.
Torque wheel lug nuts to the value in the axle owners
manual.
Tongue and Hitch
Warning
Death, serious injury, and/or property damage can
result from towing the chipper with a damaged hitch
or tongue tube. Thoroughly inspect the hitch and
tongue tube before towing the chipper. Make repairs
as necessary.
Damage as a result of jackkning the chipper may
require the removal of the tongue tube (on units with
removable tongue tubes) from the frame for a thorough
inspection.
• Inspect tongue and hitch cap screws for wear or
elongation of the mounting holes.
• Grease all contact and moveable components of the
hitch.
• If tongue or hitch show any wear they must be re-
paired or replaced immediately.
Notice
Always utilize a spotter when backing to prevent
jackkning and the serious damage that will result.
1” to 1
1
/2”