Towing connections

12-1 Towing connections

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A tractor with a towing connection other than a three-point linkage does not have an attachment point to which a safety chain can be securely attached.

Condition

2. A towing connection component:

a) is not securely attached, or

b) is missing, or

c) is cracked, distorted or significantly corroded, or

d) has corrosion damage within 150mm of the mounting points, or

e) is worn beyond manufacturer’s specifications.

3. A coupling pin:

a) has a diameter that is:

i. not appropriate for the diameter of the coupling, or

ii. less than 75% of the diameter of the larger of the coupling holes, or

b) does not have a retaining mechanism, or

c) is welded or repaired.

4. A coupling mechanism or safety locking device does not operate smoothly or effectively, or fasten securely.

5. A towing hook is:

a) welded or repaired, or

b) is worn at any point beyond the lesser of:

i. the coupling manufacturer’s wear limits (if available), or

ii. 10% of the original dimensions.

Note 1

Towing connection means the combination of components that enables one vehicle to tow or be towed by another vehicle; it includes a towbar, drawbar, drawbeam, coupling and a safety chain attachment point.

Note 2

Coupling means that part of a vehicle that is specifically designed to enable it to be connected to another vehicle; it does not include a structural member of the towing or towed vehicle.

Note 3

Three-point linkage means, for a tractor or agricultural trailer, a towing connection that has three points of attachment.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment

1. A tractor used to tow an agricultural trailer must have an attachment point to which a safety chain can be securely connected.

Permitted equipment

2. A tractor may be fitted with a towing connection that is a three-point linkage.

3. A vehicle other than a tractor may be fitted with a towing connection.

4. A tractor used to tow an agricultural trailer must have an attachment point to which a safety chain can be securely connected.

5. A coupling pin must:

a) be of a diameter that is appropriate for the diameter of the tractor or trailer coupling, whichever has the smaller diameter hole, and

b) have a diameter that is not less than 75% of the diameter of the larger of the coupling holes, and

c) have a retaining mechanism.

Condition

6. Towing connection components fitted to a vehicle must ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between the towing and towed vehicles under all conditions of loading and operations for which the vehicle was constructed.

7. Towing connection components must be fit for purpose and in sound condition.

8. A vehicle must:

a) be safe to be operated, and

b) have been constructed using components and materials that are fit for that purpose, and

c) be within safe tolerance of their state when manufactured.

Page amended 1 June 2013 (see amendment details).

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