Cub Cadet Challenger MX 550 Camo Operation Manual - Page 12

Choosing the proper loading ramp(s) 1. Choosing a reliable ramp and understanding how to properly use it is far and above the best option for safely loading a utility vehicle into your truck or 2. onto your trailer. Take a look at the considerations you should have in mind when choosing the proper ramp(s): 3. • Capacity: Utility vehicles are not evenly balanced, meaning it's necessary to check the axle weights before you make any choices regarding ramps. A typical ramp's capacity is based upon two axles with equally distributed loads. We recommend 3,000-lb minimum capacity ramp(s) as the appropriate option for your two-person utility vehicle. • Offset track widths: Your utility vehicle has an offset track width front and rear, it's important to factor this in to your ramp placement and ramp width needs. Ramps need to be wide enough to accommodate the difference in the distances between the front two wheels and the rear two wheels. • Ground clearance and wheelbase: Utility vehicles which have low ground clearance (under 4") and a relatively long wheelbase (98" or more), make them prone to bottoming out at the crest when using straight ramps. As a solution to this issue we suggest using arched ramps. 4. • Load Height: As with any ramp application, the distance from the ground to the truck bed or trailer impacts the overall length of the ramp you will need, the greater the load height, the longer the ramp should be. Some ramp manufacturers and retailers provide load height calculators to help you determine the correct ramp length you will need to safely load your vehicle. Note: If you are still unsure of what types of ramps you will need to get the job done and are having trouble understanding these instructions, check with your local ramp or utility vehicle retailer for assistance. Loading the Utility Vehicle If your truck or trailer's load capacity is sufficient to transport the utility vehicle and you obtain the proper loading ramps and equipment to safely secure the utility vehicle to the truck or trailer, the only thing left to do is load it. Here's how to best accomplish this task: Proceed with extreme caution. It is very 5. difficult to overcome a mistake while in the loading process. Park the truck or trailer in a flat area, set the parking brake, turn the ignition off and chock the wheels. 6. Face the truck bed or trailer towards a slight incline, which will reduce the steepness of the loading angle by bringing the bottom of the ramps up on the slight incline. See Figure 3-8. 7. 8. 9. Figure 3-8 Place the ramp fingers or plate edges on the edge of the trailer or truck bed. See Figure 3-9. Figure 3-9 Use tie-down straps or cables to secure the ramps to the trailer or truck, via the bumper (steel bumpers only) or trailer hitch safety chain loops. Refer to instructions provided with the ramp. If your utility vehicle is supplied with a roof and/or windshield, remove or fully secure them prior to loading. Roofs and windshields are not designed to withstand the wind speeds that the open road can generate, so it's best to remove them entirely to prevent any damage or accidents. Follow all safety rules provided in this manual along with the manuals supplied by the trailer and ramp manufacturer. Carefully load the utility vehicle onto the truck or trailer. Once the utility vehicle is on the truck or trailer, set the utility vehicle's parking brake and secure the utility vehicle to the truck or trailer. Tie-down strap placement will depend on your truck or trailer. Be sure to use only tie down straps sufficient for the load capacity. If loaded onto a truck, close the tailgate once the utility vehicle is secured to the truck bed. Stop periodically to ensure that your tiedown straps have not loosened and that the utility vehicle remains securely in place. Important: Know the total height of your vehicle with the utility vehicle loaded before transporting. Be sure to check for low clearance bridges, doorways etc. prior to traveling under them, the added height above the height of your truck could cause clearance issues and damage to both vehicles 12 Section 3 - Controls & Operation