The drawbar connection is the key part of the connection between the trailer and the tractor. The firmness and safety of the connection are directly related to driving safety. The following are matters that need to be paid attention to at the drawbar connection:
Inspection before connection
1. **Cleaning and lubrication**: Before connection, carefully check whether there is enough lubricating grease on the saddle plate of the tractor, whether there are other foreign objects on the traction pin and traction slide of the semi-trailer, and ensure the cleanliness of the traction slide.
2. **Height matching**: Adjust the support legs to make the traction slide of the semi-trailer adapt to the height of the traction saddle. Generally, the traction slide of the semi-trailer is 1-3 cm lower than the center position of the upper plane of the traction saddle of the tractor. Be careful not to make it too high, otherwise it will not only fail to connect, but also damage the traction seat, traction pin and related parts.
3. **Locking mechanism status**: Operate the locking mechanism of the traction seat to open the locking block and make it free.
Operations during connection
1. **Alignment and reversing**: When the tractor is reversing, the center lines of the tractor and the semi-trailer should be aligned, and the center line offset of the two vehicles should be limited to less than 40 mm. After the saddle mouth of the tractor is aligned with the towing pin, slowly reverse until a "click" sound is heard. When the locking block returns to its position, the tractor and the semi-trailer are successfully towed.
2. **Check the locking condition**: Check whether the locking block of the towing seat locks the towing pin and whether it is locked securely.
3. **Test connection**: Move the tractor forward slightly to check whether the connection is good.
Inspection after connection
1. **Check firmness**: Check whether the towing rod connection is firm and there is no loose part.
2. **Check electrical connection**: Check the electrical connection between the trailer and the tractor, including the lights, brake lights, etc., to ensure normal operation.
3. **Check the safety chain**: Make sure that the safety chain is installed correctly, cross-installed, and maintains appropriate tightness.
Maintenance and precautions
1. **Regular lubrication**: When used for the first time, the saddle needs to be filled with lubricating grease, and the lubricating grease should be replaced regularly, and the grease should be free of impurities or deterioration.
2. **Check the gap**: If the gap between the trailer and the saddle is too large, it should be adjusted in time.
3. **Replace worn parts**: When the wear limit of the towing pin is reached, the towing pin must be replaced. After replacing the towing pin, the towing pin fastener must be replaced. The safety bolt has an anti-loosening function and can only be used once. Do not use other products instead.
The above steps and precautions can ensure the safety and reliability of the towing rod connection, thereby ensuring the safety of the trailer and the tractor during driving.