Brandt H550 Series User manual

Owner’s Manual
H550, H650, M400 Series
Heavy Haul RGN Trailers
Publication No. 9001448 - Rev 1
Toll Free 1-877-533-3133
www.brandt.ca

Heavy Haul Trailers
WARNING! This Owner’s Manual contains
safety information and instructions for your
trailer.
You must read this manual before loading or
towing your trailer.
You must follow all safety precautions and
instructions.

Heavy Haul Trailers

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S400 ScissorNeck Trailer – Parts Manual
CHAPTER 1 Introduction ...............................................................................1
1.1 Operator Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Safety Awareness Sign Off Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 Description and Location of Major Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CHAPTER 2 Important Safety Information ..................................................7
2.1 Safety Symbols / Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1.1 Recognizing Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2.1.2 Understanding Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2.1.3 Safety Messages / Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.2 General Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 Major Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.1 Improper Sizing of Trailer to Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.2 Driving Too Fast for the Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.3.3 Trailer Not Properly Coupled to the Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.4 Matching Trailer and Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.5 Worn Tires, Loose Wheels and Lug Nuts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.3.6 Improper Loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3.7 Unsafe Load Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.3.8 Shifting Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.3.9 Inappropriate Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3.10 Inoperable Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3.11 Hazards from Modifying Your Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4.1 Brandt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4.2 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4.3 USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.5 Maintenance Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.6 Loading Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.7 Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.8 Safety Decal Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2.9 Safe Trailer Towing Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
CHAPTER 3 Operation ................................................................................ 25
3.1 Principles of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.2 Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.2.1 Break-In and Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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S400 ScissorNeck Trailer – Parts Manual
3.2.2 500 mile / 800 km Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.2.3 10,000 mile / 16,000 km Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.2.4 20,000 mile / 32,000 km Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.3 Pre-Operation Trailer Inspection Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.4 Hydraulic RGN Trailer Gooseneck Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.4.1 System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.4.2 Gooseneck Hydraulic Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
3.4.3 Fifth Wheel Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
3.4.3.1 Coupling the Fifth Wheel .......................................................................... 33
3.4.3.2 Uncoupling the Fifth Wheel .................................................................... 35
3.4.4 Disconnecting the Gooseneck from the Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
3.4.5 Connecting the Gooseneck to the Trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
3.5 Mechanical RGN Gooseneck Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
3.5.1 Fifth Wheel Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
3.5.1.1 Coupling the Fifth Wheel .......................................................................... 39
3.5.1.2 Uncoupling the Fifth Wheel .................................................................... 40
3.5.2 Disconnecting the Gooseneck from the Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3.5.3 Connecting the Gooseneck to the Deck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
3.5.4 Extension Load Shim Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
3.6 Trailer Deck Shims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
3.7 Trailer Suspension and Brake Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
3.8 Loading and Unloading Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3.9 Operating Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.9.1 Loading and Unloading Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.9.2 Pre-Trip Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.9.3 Safe Loading Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.9.4 Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.9.5 Load Securement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.9.6 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.9.7 Axle/Suspension Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
3.9.8 Altering Load Travel Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
3.9.9 Final Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
CHAPTER 4 Maintenance............................................................................ 45
4.1 Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
4.2 Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
4.3 Service Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4.3.1 Daily. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4.3.2 Weekly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4.3.3 Monthly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
4.3.4 Semi-Annually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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S400 ScissorNeck Trailer – Parts Manual
4.3.5 Annually. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
4.3.6 Hydraulic Power Unit Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
4.3.6.1 After first 5 hours ......................................................................................... 47
4.3.6.2 Every 50 hours .............................................................................................. 47
4.3.6.3 Every 100 hours ............................................................................................ 47
4.3.6.4 Every 300 hours ............................................................................................ 47
4.4 Bolt Torque Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
4.5 Kingpin Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.6 Wheel Hub Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.7 Wheel Nut Torque Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.8 Axle Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
4.9 Tire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
4.9.1 Basic Tire Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
4.9.2 Finding Your Vehicle’s Recommended Tire Pressure and Load Limits 52
4.9.3 Tire Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
4.9.3.1 Tire Over-Inflation ....................................................................................... 53
4.9.3.2 Tire Under-Inflation .................................................................................... 53
4.9.3.3 Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure ........................................ 53
4.9.4 Tire Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
4.9.5 Tire Tread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
4.9.6 Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
4.9.7 Tire Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
4.9.8 Tire Fundamentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
4.9.9 Matching Dual Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
4.9.9.1 Tire Measurement ....................................................................................... 56
4.10 Wheel Hub Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
4.10.1 Single Hub Nut System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
4.10.2 Double Hub Nut System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
4.11 Service Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
CHAPTER 5 Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 59
CHAPTER 6 Additional Information .......................................................... 63
6.1 General Torque Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
6.1.1 Unified Inch Bolt and Screw Torque Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
6.1.2 Metric Bolt and Screw Torque Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
6.1.3 Suggested Torque for Hydraulic Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
6.1.4 Suggested Torque for Tapered Pipe Thread Hydraulic Fittings . . . . . . 66
6.1.5 Cable Clamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
6.2 SAE-to-Metric Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
6.3 Acronyms and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

1
Heavy Haul Trailers
CHAPTER 1 Introduction
This manual is for use with Brandt Heavy Haul RGN Trailers. Safe and efficient operation of your trailer
requires that anyone who will inspect and operate this machine read and understand the information
included in this manual. A person that is not trained and has not read this manual is not qualified to
operate this machine. Read this manual before proceeding with any inspections or repairs on this
machine.
Use the Table of Contents as a guide. Keep all manuals for future use. Contact Brandt if you need
additional copies of this manual.
1.1 Operator Orientation
The directions left, right, front and rear, as mentioned throughout the manual, are as seen from the
tow vehicle driver’s seat facing in the direction of travel.
Front
Rear Left
Right
FIG. 1-1. Operator Orientation

Heavy Haul Trailers
2
1.2 Safety Awareness Sign Off Form
Brandt follows the general Safety Standards specified by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). Anyone who will be operating and/or maintaining the trailer must read and
clearly understand all safety, operating and maintenance information presented in this manual.
Do not operate or allow anyone else to operate this equipment until such information has been
reviewed. Annually review this information.
Make these periodic reviews of Safety and Operation a standard practice for all of your equipment. An
untrained operator is unqualified to operate this machine.
A sign off sheet is provided for your record keeping to show that all personnel who will be working
with the equipment have read and understood the information in the operator’s manual and have
been instructed in the operation of the equipment.
TABLE 1-1. Sign off Form
DATE FULL NAME
(PLEASE PRINT) SIGNATURE EMPLOYER NAME
(PLEASE PRINT) SIGNATURE

3
Heavy Haul Trailers
1.3 General Specifications
RGN Trailer Specifications
10’ WIDE TRAILER 8’ 6” WIDE TRAILER
GVWR 158,760 lbs (72,000 kg) * 158,760 lbs (72,000 kg) *
Payload 130,000 lbs (59,000 kg) * 130,000 lbs (59,000 kg) *
Deck Width 120” (3.05m) 102” (2.59m)
Deck Width c/w Outrigger Kit 141” (3.58m) 123” (3.12m)
Tare - Trailer (26’ deck) 30,200 lbs (13,700 kg) 28,600 lbs (12,986 kg)
Tare - Extension 3,000 lbs (1360 kg)
Deck Lengths 24’, 26’, 6’ Extension 24’ & 26’
88”
112”
154 5/16”
172 5/16”
25’ 11”
8”
65’ 9 5/16”
6’ 3” 178 1/16”
60” 60”
H650 - 65 Ton Square Tail Trailer c/w Deck &Gooseneck Extensions
50”
24 1/16”
27 1/2”
88”
112”
50”
8” 24”
59’ 7 1/4”
25’ 11” 178 9/16”
60” 60”
27 1/2”
154 5/16”
172 5/16”
H650 - 65 Ton Square Tail Trailer c/w Gooseneck Extension
* when used with Jeep and Booster

Heavy Haul Trailers
4
RGN Trailer Specifications
GVWR 140,000 lbs (63,500 kg) *
Payload 110,200 lbs (50,000 kg) *
Deck Width 120” (3.05m)
Deck Width c/w Outrigger Kit 141” (3.58m)
Tare 27,800 lbs (12,600kg)
88”
112”
150”
168”
25’ 8”
8”
59’ 3 1/2”
14’ 6 1/2”
60” 60”
H550 - 55 Ton Blunt Tail Trailer c/w Gooseneck Extension
50”
24” 32”
* when used with Jeep and Booster

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Heavy Haul Trailers
RGN Trailer Specifications
GVWR 158,700 lbs (72,000 kg) *
Payload 130,000 lbs (59,000 kg) *
Deck Width 120” (3.05m)
Deck Width c/w Outrigger Kit 141” (3.58m)
Tare 31,100 lbs (14,100kg)
RGN Trailer Specifications
GVWR 140,000 lbs (63,500 kg) *
Payload 110,200 lbs (50,000 kg) *
Deck Width 120” (3.05m)
Deck Width c/w Outrigger Kit 141” (3.58m)
Tare 29,000 lbs (13,150kg)
89”
113”
155”
173”
25’ 11”
10”
62’ 11”
18’ 1 1/4”
60” 60”
65 Ton Beaver Tail Trailer c/w Flip Front Section
50”
27 5/16” 66 3/4”
89”
113”
155”
173”
25’ 11”
10”
62’ 11”
18’ 1 1/4”
60” 60”
H650 - 65 Ton Beaver Tail Trailer c/w Gooseneck Extension
50”
27 5/16” 66 3/4”
89”
113”
155”
173”
25’ 11”
10”
62’ 11”
18’ 1 1/4”
60” 60”
65 Ton Beaver Tail Trailer c/w Flip Front Section
50”
27 5/16” 66 3/4”
88”
112”
150”
168”
23’ 6”
8”
59’ 3”
17’ 2”
60” 60”
H550 - 55 Ton Beaver Tail Trailer c/w Gooseneck Extension
50”
24” 63 1/2”
* when used with Jeep and Booster
* when used with Jeep and Booster

Heavy Haul Trailers
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RGN Trailer Specifications
GVWR 101,400 lbs (46,000 kg)
Payload, Full Deck 80,000 lbs (36,300 kg) *
Deck Width 8’-6” (2.59m)
Deck Width c/w Pull Out Outriggers 13’ (3.96m)
Deck Width c/w Swing Out Outriggers 10’-6” (3.20m)
Tare, No Gooseneck Extension 19,700 lbs (8,950kg)
RGN Trailer Specifications
GVWR 101,400 lbs (46,000 kg)
Payload, Full Deck 80,000 lbs (36,300 kg) *
Deck Width 8’-6” (2.59m)
Deck Width c/w Pull Out Outriggers 13’ (3.96m)
Deck Width c/w Swing Out Outriggers 10’-6” (3.20m)
Tare, No Gooseneck Extension 19,300 lbs (8,750kg)
89”
113”
155”
173”
25’ 11”
10”
62’ 11”
18’ 1 1/4”
60” 60”
65 Ton Beaver Tail Trailer c/w Flip Front Section
50”
27 5/16” 66 3/4”
82”
120”
29’-6”
5”
56’- 3”
13’- 7”
54” 54”
M400- 40 Ton Trailer - 54” Axle Spacing c/w Gooseneck Extension
48”
17” 26”
to
60”
52’-11”
89”
113”
155”
173”
25’ 11”
10”
62’ 11”
18’ 1 1/4”
60” 60”
65 Ton Beaver Tail Trailer c/w Flip Front Section
50”
27 5/16” 66 3/4”
82”
120”
28’-6”
5”
56’ 3”
14’-7”
60” 60”
M400- 40 Ton Trailer - 60” Axle Spacing c/w Gooseneck Extension
48”
17” 26”
to
60”
52’-11”

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Heavy Haul Trailers
1.4 Description and Location of Major Components
RGN Trailers
E
D
C
B
A
A - Goose Neck B - Base Trailer Deck C- Rear Axle Section D- Optional Front Flip Section
E- Optional Trailer Deck Extension
FIG. 1-2. Major Components - RGN Trailers

Heavy Haul Trailers
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7
Heavy Haul Trailers
CHAPTER 2 Important Safety Information
It is your responsibility as an owner, operator or supervisor to know what specific requirements,
precautions and work hazards exist. It is also your responsibility to make these known to all other
personnel working with the equipment or in the area, so that they too may take any necessary safety
precautions that may be required.
You are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of this equipment. Make sure that all
persons who operate, maintain or work near this equipment know the contents of this manual.
You are the key to safety. These safety precautions protect you and the people near you. Include these
precautions in your safety program. Accidents can be prevented.
THINK SAFETY
WORK SAFELY

Heavy Haul Trailers
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2.1 Safety Symbols / Signal Words
2.1.1 Recognizing Safety Information
This is the Safety Alert Symbol. It is used to alert you to injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
2.1.2 Understanding Signal Words
A signal word – DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION – is used with the Safety Alert Symbol.
DANGER! Is reserved for a hazard that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING! Indicates a hazard that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Caution. Shows a hazard that, if not avoided, could result in injury.
Notice. Indicates that your heightened awareness is required to avoid practices not related to
personal injury.
These safety signs include a message that tells what the hazard is, and the steps to avoid the hazard.

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Heavy Haul Trailers
2.1.3 Safety Messages / Decals
Different safety messages are displayed on this equipment. Locate, read, and understand the safety
messages. The DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION or NOTICE symbol can be shown with a safety message.
These messages mean:
Note: Some of these messages will not be used on this product. They are shown for example
only.
Notice. Replace safety signs when they become damaged. Make sure to include safety signs
on replacement parts. New safety signs are available from Brandt.
Crush Hazard
Pinch Hazard
High Voltage
Stop
Cutting Hazard
Entanglement
Hearing Protection Hard Hat
Heavy Object
Lock-out Location
Eye Protection
Breathing Protection
Lock-out Required

Heavy Haul Trailers
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2.2 General Safety Precautions
•THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY DEVICE ON THIS MACHINE IS A SAFE OPERATOR. It is the
operator’s responsibility to read and understand all safety and operating instructions in the
manual and to follow them.
•Trailer owners must give operating instructions to operators or employees before allowing
them to operate the machine, and at least annually thereafter.
•A person who has not read and understood all operating and safety instructions is not
qualified to operate or do maintenance on the machine. An untrained operator or
maintenance technician exposes them self and bystanders to possible serious injury or death.
•Read and understand the Operator’s manual and all safety signs before coupling to, loading
and unloading, operating or maintaining the trailer.
•Keep the trailer and the area around the trailer clean.
•Do not perform unauthorized modifications to this trailer.
•Make and follow an approved maintenance and inspection schedule.
•Do not remove, change, or disable machine guards.
•Correct malfunctions and perform repairs immediately on discovery.
•Do not replace fasteners, hardware or mechanical connectors with a different or unknown
grade or type. Torque fasteners and hardware to the correct value.
•Do not overload or exceed the trailer capacity. Do not operate the trailer at speeds that exceed
the designed ratings.
•Use tools applicable to the work. Use power tools to loosen threaded fasteners only. Do not
use SAE tools on SI (metric) fasteners.
•Use the correct lifting equipment for moving heavy parts. Follow recommended procedures
for removal and installation of parts.
•Keep the area clear of bystanders, especially children.
•Have a first-aid kit available for use should the need arise and know how to use it.
•Provide a fire extinguisher for use in case of a fire. Store in a highly visible place.
•Do not allow riders on the trailer.
•Uncouple the trailer from the tractor and ensure the trailer is immobilized prior to servicing,
adjusting and repairing the trailer.
•Know the height of your load. Ensure clearance to electrical lines and other structures.
Electrocution can occur without direct contact.
•Know the location and read all decals on the machine. They contain important alerts and
precautions which are to be followed at all times.
•Keep hands, feet, clothing and hair away from all moving parts.
•Tie down load before moving or transporting trailer.
•Check tie-downs frequently during transport to prevent shifting or movement of the cargo.
•Make sure all lights and reflectors required by law are in place, clean and can be seen clearly by
all overtaking and oncoming traffic.
•Before disconnecting the tractor from the trailer unit(s), make sure the tractor and trailer are on
level ground and the trailer brakes are applied.

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Heavy Haul Trailers
2.3 Major Hazards
Loss of control of the trailer or trailer/tow vehicle combination can result in death or serious injury.
The most common causes for loss of control of the trailer are:
•Improperly sizing the trailer for the tow vehicle, or vice versa.
•Excessive Speed: Driving too fast for the conditions.
•Failure to adjust driving behavior when towing a trailer.
•Overloading and/or improper weight distribution.
•Improper or mis-coupling of the trailer to the hitch.
•Improper braking and steering under sway conditions.
•Not maintaining proper tire pressure.
•Not keeping lug nuts tight.
2.3.1 Improper Sizing of Trailer to Tractor
Trailers that weigh too much for the tractor can cause stability problems, which can lead to death or
serious injury. Furthermore, the additional strain put on the engine and drive train may lead to serious
tow vehicle maintenance problems. For these reasons the maximum towing capacity of your tractor
should not be exceeded. The towing capacity of your tractor, in terms of maximum Gross Trailer
Weight (GTW) and maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) can be found in the tractor’s
Owner’s Manual.
DANGER! Use of a tractor with a towing capacity less than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of the trailer can result in loss of control and may lead to death or serious injury.
Be sure tractor is rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your trailer.
2.3.2 Driving Too Fast for the Conditions
With ideal road conditions, the maximum recommended speed for safely towing a trailer is 60 mph
(100kph). If you drive too fast, the trailer is more likely to sway, thus increasing the possibility for loss
of control. Also your tires may overheat, thus increasing the possibility of a blowout.
WARNING! Driving too fast for conditions can result in loss of control and cause death or
serious injury. Decrease your speed when going downhill or as road, weather, and
lighting conditions deteriorate.