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Figure 7-25.Reflective triangle placement: two lane or undivided highway.
Figure  7-28.Correct  placement  of  payload.

Equipment Operator Basic - Beginning construction equipment operators manual
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Figure  7-27.—Reflective  triangle  placement:  one  way  or divided highway. rule  of  thumb  used  for  measuring  how  much  distance you should maintain from the vehicle in front of you is at least 1 second for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph. At greater speeds, you must add 1 second for safety; for example, if you are operating a 40-foot vehicle, you should allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. In a 60-foot tractor- trailer, you need 6 seconds. For over 40 mph, you need 5  seconds  for  a  40-foot  vehicle  and  7  seconds  for  a 60-foot tractor and trailer. To measure distances, wait until the vehicle ahead passes a shadow on the road, a pavement marking, or some clear landmark. Then count off the seconds as “one thousand-and-one,  one  thousand-and-two”  and  so  forth, until your vehicle reaches the same spot. Compare your count with the rule of 1 second for every 10 feet of length. If you are operating a 40-foot truck and only counted up to 2 seconds, you are too close. LOADING  AND  SECURING  CARGO As a tractor-trailer operator, you must have an understanding of the basic procedures and safety rules used  when  transporting  construction  supplies  and equipment.  Improper  loading  of  any  load  can  be  a danger to yourself and others around you, cause damage to the tractor-trailer, affect the steering of the tractor, and so forth. The operator, whether or not you loaded and secured the load yourself, is responsible to inspect the load,  to  recognize  overloads  and  poorly  balanced weight, and to ensure that the load is properly tied, strapped, or chained down, and covered (if required). NOTE: It takes less time to tie down a load than it takes to report the reason a load fell off a trailer. Vehicle Weight Definitions The operator is responsible for knowing how much weight  is  loaded  on  the  tractor-trailer  and  knowing  the total weight of both the unit and cargo. The terms used for vehicle weight is as follows: Payload allowance or payload is the maximum weight of material that can be transported. Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the total weight of a single vehicle plus its load. Gross combination weight (GCW)  is  the  total weight of a powered unit including the trailer(s) and cargo. Gross  vehicle  weight  rating  (GVWR)  is the maximum GVW specified by the manufacturer for a single vehicle, including the load. Gross combination weight rating (GCWR)is the maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific  combination  of  vehicles,  including  the  load. Curb weight is the total weight of the empty truck with the fuel tank, cooling system, and crankcase filled. Additionally, it also includes the weight of tools, spare tire, and all other equipment specified as standard. How- ever, this weight does not include the weight of the payload  and  operator. Axle weight is  the  weight  transmitted  to  the  ground by one axle or one set of axles. Tire load is the maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure. This rating is stated on the side of each tire. Suspension systems have a manufacturer’s weight capacity  rating. Coupling  device  capacity   are  rated  for  the maximum  weight  they  can  pull  and/or  carry. Operating  Conditions The maximum payload of a truck is determined by subtracting the curb weight and weight of the driver (175 pounds) from the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight  rating.  The  maximum  gross  vehicle  weight rating  for  a  specified  operating  condition  applies  only when the tires and equipment on the truck are according 7-23







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