Patriot Gravity Tender V1.0 User manual

Patriot Gravity TendersTM
Operator’s Manual
Manufactured by
Minden Machine Shop Inc.
1302 K Road
Minden NE 68959
308-832-0220

Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Safety and Operation Rules 4
Machine Inspection 8
Safety Decals 9
Tire Safety 12
Wheel Attachment and Torque Requirements 27
Machine Measurements 31
Bolt Torque 36
Operating 37
Troubleshooting 38
Electronics 40
Parts Diagram 44
Axles and Components 47
Proposition 65 59
Warranty 61
Warranty Registration 62
Claim File 63
Gravity Tender V1.0
2

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Patriot Equipment Gravity Tender! We know you will get many years of productive use from it. The
product has been designed to perform a certain function. The Gravity Tenders can be stationary or can be pulled to a location
depending which model has been purchased. All product users must read and understand this manual prior to equipment
operation. This manual is considered part of your machine and should remain with the machine at all times. Do not allow anyone
to operate or maintain this equipment if they have not fully read and comprehended this manual. Failure to follow the
recommended procedures may result in personal injury or death or equipment damage.
Information in this manual is designed to help owners and operators to obtain the best results and safe operation from their
investment. The life of any machine depends largely on the care it is given and we suggest that the manual should be read and
understood and referred to frequently. If for any reason you do not understand the instructions and safety requirements, please
contact your authorized dealer. The intent of this manual is to provide guidelines to cover general use and to assist in avoiding
accidents and injuries.
There may be times when circumstances occur that are not covered in the manual. At those times it is best to use common sense
and contact your authorized dealer or our factory.
The requirements of safety cannot be emphasized enough in this publication. We urge you to make safety your top priority when
using and maintaining the equipment. We strongly advise that anyone allowed to operate this equipment be thoroughly trained
and tested, to prove they understand the fundamentals of safe operation.
Some photographs, diagrams or illustrations in this manual may show doors, guards and shields opened or removed to aid in
clarity and understanding of a particular procedure. All guards, shields and safety devices must be in their proper position prior to
operation.
Gravity Tender V1.0
3

SAFETY AND OPERATION RULES
General Safety Statements
Safety precautions are essential when the use of any mechanical equipment is involved. These precautions are necessary when
using, storing, and servicing mechanical equipment. Using this equipment with the respect and caution demanded will
considerably lessen the possibilities of personal injury. If safety precautions are overlooked or ignored, personal injury or
property damage may occur.
The machine was designed for a specific application. It should not be modified and/or used for any application other than which
it was designed. If there are any questions regarding its application, please write or call. Do not use this unit until you have been
advised. For more information contact:
Patriot Equipment
1302 K Rd
Minden, NE 68959
308-832-0220
Read this entire manual carefully. Know your equipment. Consider the application, limitations, and the potential hazards specific
to your unit. Operator and bystander safety is of prime concern to us. This manual was written with the safety of the operator and
others who come in contact with the equipment. This manual was written to help you understand the safe operating procedures of
the product. We want you as our partner in safety. A copy of this manual should be available to all persons who may operate this
machine.
It is your responsibility as an owner, operator, or supervisor to know what specific requirements, precautions, and work hazards
exist and 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. Avoid any alterations of the equipment. Such alterations may create a
dangerous situation where serious injury or death may occur and will void warranty.
Why is SAFETY important? Three reasons:
1. Accidents disable and kill
2. Accidents cost money
3. Accidents can be avoided
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION with safety messages. The appropriate signal word for
each message has been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: An immediate and specific hazard which will result in severe personal injury or death if proper precautions are not
taken.
WARNING: A specific hazard or unsafe practice which could result in severe personal injury or death if proper precautions are
not taken.
CAUTION: Unsafe practices which could result in personal injury if proper precautions are not taken or a reminder of good
safety practices.
Gravity Tender V1.0
4

Safety Alert Symbol
BE ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
The symbol shown above is used to call your attention to instructions concerning your personal safety.
Watch for this symbol –it points out important safety precautions. The symbol means Attention! Become
Alert! Your personal safety is involved! Read the message that follows and be alert to the possibility of
personal injury or death.
Read this manual before operating or working around the equipment! This manual must be delivered with the equipment to its
owner and operator. Failure to read this manual and its safety instructions is a misuse of equipment.
Safety Equipment
Please, remember safety equipment provides important protection for persons around a machine that is in operation. Be sure
ALL SAFETY SHIELDS AND PROTECTIVE DEVICES ARE INSTALLED AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED.If any shields
or guards are damaged or missing, contact Patriot Equipment for the correct items.
Safety Procedures
1. Use only lifting equipment with the proper capacity when installing or removing the machine. Forklifts with too little
capacity may tip towards the front where the lifted weight is.
2. Do not operate unit without safety shields or guards in place.
3. IMPORTANT: Use caution when transporting. Be alert of the transport unit’s overall width when approaching
obstacles, such as post sign and poles, along the road. Check the transport width of the unit to ensure clearance before
entering.
4. Comply with all safety warnings and cautions in this manual as well as the operator’s manuals of any tow vehicles that
may be used.
5. Do not allow anyone on the machine when in use or while in storage.
6. Do not allow anyone to enter the hopper.
7. In case of any defect or awareness of potential danger, please contact Patriot Equipment at 1-308-832-0220 immediately.
Gravity Tender V1.0
5

Operator Qualifications
Operation of this machine shall be limited to competent and experienced persons. In addition anyone who will operate or work
around the machine must use good common sense. In order to be qualified, they must also know and meet all other requirements,
such as:
1. Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 18 may operate power machinery. It is your responsibility to
know what these regulations are in your own area or situation.
2. Current Occupational Safety Health Administration regulations state in part: “At the time of initial assignment and at
least annually thereafter, the employer shall instruct every employee or user in the safe operation and servicing of all
equipment with which the employee or user is, or will be involved.”
3. Unqualified persons are to stay out of the work area.
4. A person who has not read and understood all operating and safety instruction is not qualified to operate the machine.
Safety Overview
YOU are responsible for SAFE operation and maintenance of the machine. YOU must ensure that you and anyone who is going
to operate and maintain or work around the machine must be familiar with the operating, maintenance, and safety information
contained in the manual.
Remember YOU are the key to safety. GOOD PRACTICES protect not only you but also the people around you. Make these
practices a working part of your safety program. Be certain EVERYONE operating this machine is familiar with the procedures
recommended and follows safety precautions. Remember, accidents can be prevented. Do not risk injury or death by ignoring
any information addressed.
Machine owners must give operating instructions to operators before allowing them to operate the machine. They must be
reviewed at least annually thereafter per OSHA regulation 1928.57.
The most important safety device on the equipment is a SAFE OPERATOR. It is the operator’s responsibility to read and
understand ALL instructions in the manual and to follow them. All accidents can be avoided!
Any person who has not read and understood all operation and safety instructions is not qualified to operate the machine. An
untrained operator exposes himself and bystanders to possible serious injury or death.
Do not modify the equipment in any way. Unauthorized modifications may impair the functions and/or safety and could affect
the life of the equipment.
Gravity Tender V1.0
6

Safety Affirmation
1. I have read and understand the operator’s manual and all safety signs before operation, maintenance, adjusting, or
unplugging the machine.
2. I will allow only trained persons to operate the machine. *An untrained operator is not qualified to operate this
equipment.
3. I have access to a fire extinguisher.
4. I have all guards in place and will not operate the machine without them.
5. I will not allow riders on the machine.
6. I understand the danger of moving parts (rotating parts, hydraulics, and pinch points) and will stop engine associated
with the machine before servicing.
7. I recognize the danger of the machine coming in contact with power lines.
8. I have the safety lock up pins and know and understand where and when to use them.
9. I understand that any accidents that occur with the machine are my responsibilities.
10. I understand that Patriot Equipment will not be held responsible for any accidents that involve the machine.
Sign Off Sheet
(This sheet should be signed annually as part of your safety program)
As a requirement of OSHA, it is necessary for the owner/employer to train the employee in the safe operation and safety
procedures with this machine. We include this sign off sheet for your convenience and personal record keeping.
DATE
EMPLOYER SIGNATURE
EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE
Gravity Tender V1.0
7

Machine Inspection
After delivery of your new machine and/or completion of assembly, and before each use, inspection of the machine is mandatory.
This inspection should include, but not be limited to:
1. Check to see that all guards are in place, secured and functional.
2. That all fasteners are tight.
3. That all Hydraulic lines are free from leaks and defects.
4. That all electronics are working properly and wires are in good condition.
5. Check to see that all unnecessary personnel are out of the work area.
6. Inspect tires, if equipped, for the correct air pressure.
Lighting and Marking
It is the responsibility of the customer to know the lighting and marking requirements of the local highway authorities and to
install and maintain the equipment to provide compliance with the regulations. Add extra lights when transporting at night or
during periods of limited visibility if necessary.
Serial Number
To ensure efficient and prompt service, please furnish us with the model and serial number of the machine in all correspondence
or other contact. The serial number is located on a visible location of the machine.
Safety Decals
1. Keep safety decals clear and legible at all times.
2. Replace decals and signs that are missing or have become unreadable.
3. Safety signs are available from your Dealer or the Manufacturer.
How to install Safety Decals
1. Be sure that the installation area is clean and dry.
2. Decide on the exact position before you remove the backing paper.
3. Align the decal over the specified area and carefully press the small portion with the exposed sticky backing in place.
4. Slowly peal back the remaining paper and carefully smooth the remaining portion of the decal in place.
5. Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out using a piece of decal backing paper.
Gravity Tender V1.0
8

Parts List
ITEM QTY PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
1 1 GT-3TSD 3TSD Assembly
2 1 TS1006 Slide Style Coupler Bumper Pull
Decal can vary with coupler style used
3 1 Tire Information Generated at Factory
4 1 VIN GVWR Generated at Factory
52 TS2000 5x20 Red Patriot Decal
6 1 TS2012 Single Pinch Point
7 1 TS2017 Read Manual Before Use
8 2 DOT White L Required marking
9 15 DOT RW Strip Required marking
10 2 Red DOT Required marking
11 1 TS2003 Serial Number Decal
12 1 TS2018 P65 Warning
Patriot Equipment
1302 K Road Minden, NE
308-832-0220
This drawing, and the information hereon, are the
property of Minden Machine Shop Inc., and may be
used only as authorized by us. Unpublished - All rights
reserved under the copyright laws.
1
5
2
4
3
7
6
9
8
11
12
Gravity Tender DOT Decals
Gravity Tender V1.0
9

Patriot Equipment
1302 K Road Minden, NE
308-832-0220
This drawing, and the information hereon, are the
property of Minden Machine Shop Inc., and may be
used only as authorized by us. Unpublished - All rights
reserved under the copyright laws.
TS2017
TS2012
TS2018
TS1006 - This decal will vary with hitch type
TS2003
TS2000
Created at Factory
Created at Factory
Gravity Tender DOT and Non-DOT Decals
Gravity Tender V1.0
10