Prevent the moving floor system from starting unexpectedly
You have just coupled a moving floor trailer or taken it over from your colleague. You arrive at your first unloading location, switch on the PTO and the moving floor unexpectedly starts moving by itself! And you haven't even pressed a single button. This situation may cause serious visible damage, for example by the moving load forcing the rear doors out of the trailer. And there might also be damage to the floor system which is not immediately evident. To help you achieve the Lowest Cost of Ownership, the specialists at Knapen Trailers are happy to help with advice. These tips will help you locate any problems in time and prevent or reduce damage and loss.
Tip 1
Check whether the emergency control has been activated
When coupling a moving floor trailer that has been used by someone else, the previous user may have activated the emergency control of the system because they had a problem. This means the floor system will start moving automatically as soon as the PTO is switched on. Whenever you take over a moving floor trailer, always check that the emergency control is not switched on. If it is switched on, ask why. This will avoid you having any problems at your next unloading address.
Tip 2
Switch on manual control unit in the wrong position
If the moving floor trailer is equipped with a remote control with a cable, the switch might still be in the unloading position. This is a fixed position. The position for the loading function is not a fixed position; this switch returns to its initial position when released. If the switch is in unloading position, the floor system will also start to move automatically when the PTO is switched on. Our advice is to always activate the emergency stop, which is also on the remote control, to prevent the system from starting to move automatically.
Our advice is to always activate the emergency stop and put the switch in neutral position.
Tip 3
Check the pressure and return lines
Some moving floor trailers, or trucks, have a non-standard pressure and return line configuration. The easiest way to identify these lines is to look at the thickness. The thin line is usually the pressure line and the thicker one is the return line. However, this is not always the case. If the pressure and return lines have been switched, the moving floor will start moving by itself as soon as the PTO is switched on. This can damage the load and the floor system.
The incorrect configuration causes the oil to flow through the system in the opposite direction, applying a load on the oil filter for which it was not designed. This can cause the filter to explode. You will not notice this right away, but problems could occur later.
Once the lines have been connected correctly again, and oil is flowing through the system in the right way, material and particles from the damaged filter, as well as any contamination already present, can enter the system . This will contaminate the valve block and prevent the floor system from functioning properly. If the pressure and return lines were connected incorrectly and your moving floor started moving by itself, always check the oil filter!
For instructions see Drivers’ tips 27: Keep your hydraulic system clean.
