Bolts
Operating or transporting inadequately bolted equipment is extremely dangerous. Avoid severe risks of falling or detaching parts (including tires), as well as loose bolts flying off equipment at projectile speeds by making sure they are securely fastened.
Make sure you check the bolts on your equipment for the following four issues every time you are preparing to deploy or transport:
1. Ensure that all bolts in the mast are present and securely fastened.
- Torque mast bolts at 64 ft-lb (88.8 N.m.)
- Torque pole bolts at 75 ft-lb (101 N.m.)
2. Ensure that all bolts for the trailer hitch pole (or “tongue”) are present and securely fastened.
TIP: Also make sure that the tow ball on the hitch is the correct size, and that the adaptor is correctly fastened (see Operation Safety Manual). Not doing so may cause your unit to topple during transport.
3. Ensure that all tire nuts are present and securely fastened.
Torque lug nuts at 90-120 ft-lb (122-167 N.m.), in the correct order, following the appropriate star pattern sequence, until tight.
4. If operating equipment that uses a winch, ensure all bolts attaching the cable to the winch are present and securely fastened.
Storage & Transport
Ver-Mac units are designed for easy and convenient transport. However, as with transporting any equipment, there are vital precautions to be taken both before you set out and while you are on the road.
It is essential to observe the following six guidelines whenever you are transporting your equipment.
1. Check the unit's welding for cracks or signs of rust. These can cause key parts to fall or detach in transit, resulting in accidents.
2. Inspect your unit's tires to make sure they have adequate pressure and are in good condition for the road, with all tire nuts present and securely fastened.
3. Never transport the unit with the sign in the open position. Always ensure the sign is sitting on the stands when transporting it to and from your site to avoid critical damage to your unit's welding.
4. For units with a tandem hitch, never tow more than two units when using nested or tandem towing. Tow all AFAD pairs with separate vehicles.
5. Always remove any loose objects from the trailer before transport. Never attempt to load any part of the trailer with other items or equipment.
6. Make sure parts that parts that are not attached to the trailer are pinned down properly before transporting the unit (i.e.: AFAD gate). Please refer to your Operation Safety Manual.
