Course in Operation of Industrial Tractor-Trailer Trains

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

sufficient number of trailers for this demonstration

(a) Gasoline.

should be added to the equipment being used in the

training area.

(b) Water.

b. Elementary driving.

(1) Instructor's demonstration. The instructor

(d) Tires.

should couple together a tractor-trailer train of the

(e) Fire extinguisher (when truck is so

maximum length permitted by local activity rules. The

equipped).

instructor first drives it straight forward and then in long

(f) Coupling.

sweeping curves to demonstrate how each trailer turns

(5) After mounting the truck, the trainee will

in a smaller radius than the one preceding it. The

check the following:

instructor further demonstrate by operating a train of

(a) Horn.

appropriate length over the obstacle course. Also, the

(b) Parking brake and foot brake.

instructor should operate a train in aisles established by

pallets set on edge in the training area to show how, in

making a sharp turn, it is necessary to veer to the right

be in neutral).

before turning to the left and vice versa (fig 4-124).

(6) Explain in detail the differences between

the operation of electric-driven tractors and gasoline-

driven tractors.

b. Elementary driving.

(1) Instructor's demonstration.

Elementary

driving instructions should be given on a four wheel

tractor. Sitting beside the instructor on an auxiliary seat

provided for the purpose, the trainee watches as the

instructor performs and explains each phase of the

operation. The initial drive should include several starts

and stops. After several maneuvers, the instructor will

Figure 4-124. Right way to turn corners with a

ask the trainee to tell how to operate the controls.

tractor-trailer train

(2) Training operation. After the instructor is

confident the trainees can handle the tractor safely, the

(2) Trainee operation. After the instructor's

instructor permits them to operate it. The instructor

demonstration, each trainee should haul first one empty

should closely observe the trainee make solo

trailer, then two, and so on-adding one at a time until the

maneuvers around the training area. When the trainee

maximum number permitted is reached. Each trainee

has stopped, the instructor should point out any errors

should practice maneuvering a train of the maximum

that were made during the operation.

length permitted, repeating the maneuver practiced with

c. Obstacle course driving.

the tractor itself. That is, the trainee should first practice

(1) Instructor's demonstration.

After each

starting, stopping, and turning in a clear space first with

trainee has satisfactorily completed the solo ride, the

one trailer, and then with several. Then, they should

instructor drives over the obstacle course to

operate the train through the maze and the obstacle

demonstrate the proper method of maneuvering the

course.

tractor over this course.

c. Driving loaded trains.

Before starting, the

(2) Trainee operation. The trainee then takes

trainees should inspect each trailer to see that it is

control of the tractor and drives over the obstacle

properly loaded. A smooth, slow start is essential when

course, stopping to set up any pallets knocked over.

the tractor is pulling a loaded trailer train. The trainee

The instructor watches closely as the trainee drives and

should be instructed to:

discusses the good and bad points of each trainee's

(1) Drive on the right side of aisle to permit

operation. The trainee should drive over the obstacle

other tractors or trucks to pass.

course as many times as the instructor thinks necessary.

(2) Slow down when approaching a comer

and, in turning, swing wide to allow for the clearance of

4-39. Course in Operation of Industrial Tractor-

the last trailer.

Trailer Trains.

(3) Stop and shift into the lowest gear before

going up or down a ramp; do not shift into a higher gear

a. Preparation. Since the principal use of the

until the entire train has cleared the ramp.

tractor is to haul trailers, the instructor's next step is to

demonstrate the operation of a tractor trailer train. A

4-90