USE AND

MAINTENANCE
MANUAL

TIPPER
S SEMI-
TRAILER
S
BODIES
 CONT
ENT
1. Introduction page 2

2. Warranty page 3

3. Warnings and general recommendations page 4

4. Operating staff page 6

5. The tipper page 7

• Road use and tipping on multiple sides page 7

• Activation of tipper body

and hydraulic system page 8

• Control of tipping operations page 9

• The load page 9

• Safety devices page 10

• Directives for correct use of tipping

on multiple sides page 11

• Rear side page 12

• Folding opening rear side page 13

• How to set up folding opening page 14

• How to restore tilted opening page 15

• Lateral side opening with hydraulic

jack with tilted variant page 16

• How to hydraulically open the side page 16

• How to hydraulically tilt open

the lateral side page 18

• How to traditionally tilt open

the lateral side page 19

• Mechanical/pneumatic opening page 20

• Hydraulic lift rear side opening

with fixed stops page 21

• Hydraulic lift rear side opening

with tilted variant page 22

• Rear bumper bar page 23

• Additional optionals for tipper page 23

6. The semi-trailer page 24

• Vehicle identification page 24

• Hitching and release manoeuvres page 24

• Pin page 25

• Support wheel of the semi-trailers page 26

• Air suspension page 26

• Load bed height variation page 27

• Axles page 27

• Self-steering axles page 27

• Axle alignment page 27

• Axle lifting page 28

• Parking brake page 28

• EBS Electronic Brake System page 28

• Wheels and bearings assembly page 29

7. Routine and extraordinary maintenance of vehicles page 30

• Maintenance for operation of the vehicle page 31

• Routine maintenance page 31

• Lubrication page 34

• Tyres page 34

• Purging water from air tanks page 34

• Vehicle washing page 34

Use and Maintenance Manual 1

1. INTRODUCTION

The DRAGO S.R.L. use and maintenance manual has the purpose of providing the operator of the equipment with all
the information necessary for correct use of the vehicle and the equipment and all the fundamental standards for
ordinary and extraordinary maintenance, for the purpose of maintaining the constant efficiency of the machine and
guaranteeing the operator maximum safety conditions.

Before starting to use the tipper, read this instructions manual carefully and ensure it is available to any operator
responsible for use and maintenance of the machine.

In the event of malfunctions, please contact qualified staff, the relevant support centres or the manufacturer.

The user of the vehicle is directly entrusted with responsibility for his own safety and that of third parties, property,

animals and the environment. Drago tippers were designed to guarantee utmost safety and reliability, making them a

competitive and appreciated work tool.

These results are obtained thanks to our state of the art design and manufacturing techniques and use of high quality
materials.

For notifications and/or requests, please contact our offices communicating the chassis number and/or dump body
number executed by punching an alphanumerical code or application of a metal plate on the lateral longitudinal member
of the semi-trailer chassis or the front bottom of the tipper body.

Non-compliance and/or non-application of directives contained in this manual will cause the warranty to expire.

Use and Maintenance Manual 2

2. WARRANTY

Drago S.r.l. guarantees the absence of defects, taking into consideration the current technological status in relation to the
type of product sold, for the duration of one year starting from its collection date by the client.

This warranty only applies to purchasers who meet the agreed payment.

The right to warranty is only recognised if the purchaser communicates the defect in writing within and no later than

eight days from its appearance. The one-year warranty also extends to those parts not directly manufactured by Drago

S.r.l. with the exclusion of bulbs and tyres.

Drago S.r.l. will recognise the warranty at its discretion, based on technical requirements, proceeding to repair or replace
faulty parts or refund.

The right to warranty does not apply when:

the purchaser does not report faults and/or defects within eight days of their appearance and in writing;
The vehicle and the relevant equipment were used in a negligent manner, without complying with use and maintenance
standards;
Damage was caused by external agents, not attributable to our liability;

The product was previously entrusted to third party garages unauthorised for repair, maintenance and support;

Parts were assembled on the vehicle unauthorised by Drago S.r.l.

Modifications were made to the vehicle unauthorised by Drago S.r.l.

In no case should the client request a replacement vehicle, a reduction in payment or

suspension of payment. Any other warranty is excluded.

Use and Maintenance Manual 3

3. WARNINGS AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The manufacturer cannot be held in any way liable in the following cases:

 Improper use of this manual

 Improper use of the machine
 Use of the machine by unqualified staff
 Non-compliance with specific use and
maintenance standards
 Lack of planned maintenance
 Unauthorised changes to tipper
The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the manual without being obliged to update the previous editions.

This user manual was specifically drafted for the DRAGO tipper. Please therefore refer to the manual provided by the

manufacturer for the vehicle. Remember to comply with the following controls and periodic checks of the machine, as

well as compliance with the following warnings:

 check indicator lights in the cab and the external devices are working

 check acoustic device is working

 check side closure and locking devices, steering columns, hinges, etc... are working

 periodically check the pins and safety chains are in good condition

 periodically check the hydraulic circuit parts close properly

 avoid washing with high pressure water jets, detergents, solvents or liquids that are flammable

 before dismantling the joints and tubing, ensure is no pressurised liquid inside

 Do not climb on the structure of the tipper or use the external ladder to climb up or down during work
operations. This was planned for maintenance only by qualified staff.
 only use handles for their planned purpose
 do not carry out tipping operations on sloped or excessively broken ground
 do not carry out tipping operations near electric cables
 do not stay near the tipper during tipping operations
 the safety strut is compulsory during maintenance operations
 danger of crushing: responsible staff must pay attention to closure mechanisms
 units in motion: pay attention during movements and manoeuvres

Use and Maintenance Manual 4

  it is forbidden to climb under the raised tipper and stretch oneself out within the action range of the sides
 it is forbidden to tamper with guards and safety devices
 approach is forbidden during manoeuvres
 reading the use and maintenance manual is compulsory
 insertion compulsory of bolts, pins, cotter pins, screws, etc... in the right position
 ensure the sides are open before proceeding with tipping operations

TIPPER SAFETY SIGNS - DRAGO Ostiglia (Mn) via dell'industria, 11 -

Tel. 0386.804942 - Italy

IT IS FORBIDDEN IT IS FORBIDDEN TO IT IS FORBIDDEN TO

TO APPROACH IT IS FORBIDDEN IT IS FORBIDDEN
TIP ON SLOPED TIP NEAR ELECTRIC TO STAY NEAR TO CLIMB ON
DURING GROUND CABLES
MANOUVRES TIPPER DURING RAISED TIPPER
TIPPING

DANGER DANGER UNITS IN

IT IS IT IS IT IS FORBIDDEN
ATTENTION TO MOTION
COMPULSORY COMPULSORY TO TAMPER
HANDS
TO READ THE TO USE SAFETY WITH GUARDS
USE AND STRUT DURING AND SAFETY
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE DEVICES
INSTRUCTIONS

Use and Maintenance Manual 5

4. OPERATING STAFF

Staff responsible for operating the tipper vehicle must have the physical and mental qualities indispensable to
perform the tasks in a safe manner for themselves, others and with respect for the environment.

The main characteristics of the operator are:

• driver's licence with suitable category for the vehicle in use

• of sound physical and mental health
• sense of responsibility
• sense of orientation
• quick reflexes
• excellent concentration

It is indispensable for the operator to carefully read and have understood the use and maintenance manual to
know and acquire familiarity with the tipping equipment.

All operators must be informed by their company of the operating modes, the safety clothing to wear and the
general criteria of the safety standards to comply with.

Operating responsibility for the machine belongs to whoever is entrusted and trained to operate it.

Remember not to wear rings, wristwatches, jewellery, unfastened, loose or hanging items of clothing, to avoid the risk
of catching in the moving mechanisms.

Wear safety clothing.

Comply with road safety standards when driving the vehicle.

Always keep the drivers' cab, the floors, the steps, the rail and the handles clean to avoid accidents

due to slipping and falling. Do not grab onto commands and flexible tubing to hold yourself or

objects.

Warn the maintenance managers of any functioning

anomalies. Ensure all the safety devices are present

and working properly.

Ensure all new employees who will operate the machine are aware of these concepts.

Use and Maintenance Manual 6

 5. THE TIPPER

Road use

Before using on the road, remember to:

• familiarise yourself with all the commands on the tipper equipment and ensure you can switch off
and/or block any device in an emergency.
• check the tipper equipment is in the lowered position and that the lifting command is in the descent position.
• note the maximum height off the ground of the lowered tipper in such a way to comply with road signs.
• check regular closure of the sides, the risers and, possibly, position any mechanical safety stops.
• periodically ensure the exact deflation and intactness of the tyres which should correspond to the
manufacturer's specifications. Measurement should be taken with the tyre cold.
• before starting the engine, ensure there is nobody near the vehicle or inside the tipper body.

Activation of tipper body and hydraulic system

ATTENTION: operation of the "tipper body" machine has always been restricted by operation of the vehicle on
which it is installed. The operator should know the exact type of load to transport and the exact load for which the
machine was tested in compliance with the Rules of the Road and to ensure his safety and that of third
parties/property.
Ignition of the machine is only possible through voluntary action on a command device planned for such purpose.

Before starting tipping, the operator should ensure the pins on the sides are positioned to enable tipping in the desired
position.

 Keep the engine running and with the air reserve on the service pneumatic circuit at maximum pressure.
 Keep the vehicle in neutral for the number of rotations of the engine under 1000 rotations/min.
 Using the lever on the pneumatic command, insert power take off, the indicator light on the pneumatic command will
automatically start.
 Release the clutch, maintaining the vehicle in neutral so the system oil starts to circulate.
 Pull the handle upwards.
 Gradually activate the lever to lift the body; in this instant, an indicator light switches on, on the dashboard.

When the body reaches the maximum planned inclination, the limit switch device activates which, working on the
open centre control valve, blocks the piston stroke.
The limit switch device is composed of a valve and a cable anchored to the body. The cable determines traction on
the valve when the body is in the maximum inclined position.

To proceed with descent operations of the body, pull the modular control valve knob upwards and the lever
releases, then gradually activate the lever upwards and the body lowers with the speed proportional to the stroke
executed.
Control of tipping operations

Before and during tipping operations, proceed as follows:

Ensure the vehicle is positioned on horizontal and non-subsiding ground, away from the edge of cliffs or channels.
Check the liberty of the vertical and horizontal action range of the dump body.
Check you are working in optimal light conditions.
Do not move the vehicle to encourage unloading of materials.
Do not carry out unloading operations in the presence of strong winds.
On semi-trailers equipped with pneumatic suspension, ensure suspensions are deflated before tipping, therefore
the operator must act as a consequence according to use standards dictated by the manufacture of the base vehicle.
Pay attention not to work in danger zones such as in the presence of fire, harmful vapours for people and the
environment, in enclosed or semi- enclosed spaces with danger of intoxication of exhaust fumes, near overhead
electricity lines.
Avoid using the machine on days with dangerous atmospheric conditions.
Use and Maintenance Manual 7
 It is forbidden to stay on the bed of the machine when in motion.

The load

The operator is obliged to know the Rules of the Road.

The weight: the operator should know the exact test load and the amount of weight contained in the tipper. If in
doubt, proceed to weighing the vehicle. If the weight of the vehicle does not comply with that permitted, you need to
re-establish the correct values of the load.

Consistency: the operator is obliged to know the type of material transported for the purpose of organising and
safeguarding against any form of danger.
One of the most common reasons that can cause vehicle overturning is the type of material transported.
In the presence of sludge-like material or with such characteristics to stick to the surface of the body, work with extreme
caution. In the event of irregular jumping or anomalous behaviour of the machine, immediately lower the body and
immediately check its causes.

Covering the load; article 175 of the Rules of the Road in force since 1995 has sanctioned a ban on vehicles
circulating with untidy loads, not leak- proof and uncovered in the case of transport of easily dispersing matter.
All operators working with tippers equipped with removable tarpaulins are obliged to study the use and maintenance
manual supplied with the tipper.

Safety devices

SIDE OPEN: rear side hooks opening system, automatic after PTO inserted.
SAFETY CABLE: it is a strong steel cable with leaded eyelets (dimension varies according to body) and starts to
work if the limit switch system breaks to avoid overturning the body.
BODY LIMIT SWITCH: safety device composed of a cursor mechanism activated via a cable (or another
system) which interrupts the power supply flow and, as a result, stops the hydraulic cylinder stroke.
PIN WITH COMPULSORY POSITION: this system blocks wrong insertion manoeuvres and allows positioning
of the pins diagonally opposed and avoids central inflation of the bed of the tipper body caused by hydraulic
cylinder thrust.
MAXIMUM PRESSURE VALVE: the control valve is equipped with a maximum pressure valve to protect the
machine from risks of overloading which could cause roll over or subsiding of the ground.
ACOUSTIC WARNING: can also be held in the cab and signals tipping from the start. Intermittent buzzer that
simultaneously inserts on lifting. It is effective to signal the body is moving.
VISUAL WARNING: red indicator light in the cab signalling the body in the raised position and the indicator
light in the cab to signal power take off is inserted.
SAFETY STRUT: safety component positioned between the body and the sub-chassis to protect the operator
during maintenance and repairs of the above or in the specific case of having to abandon the vehicle with the
body raised.

THE EQUIPMENT MUST NOT BE TAMPERED WITH. ANY MODIFICATION, REPLACEMENT OR

DISMANTLING OF THE SAFETY DEVICES CAUSE THE WARRANTY TO BECOME INVALID ADN
RELIEVES DRAGO S.R.L. OF ALL LIABILITY.

ATTENTION: THE LADDER ON THE LATERAL SIDES SHOULD ONLY BE USED BY THE GARAGE
USING THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT FOR SAFE USE AND USED BY COMPETENT STAFF.

Rear side

The rear side is fastened on the steering columns of the lateral sides with specific hinges that allow opening the main door
on the bottom part.

The closure hooks placed on the steering columns are kept in the safe position by a mechanical device or

Use and Maintenance Manual 8

alternatively by a pneumatic jack. Furthermore, on request, specific safety pins are provided by manually inserting
them in specific compartments.

Mechanical opening
The tipper is equipped with automatic rear opening, equipped with two closure hooks that work in sync with the body,
using a specific hydraulic device.

Pneumatic opening
During the tipper activation phase, the control valve releases the withheld air and sends oil to the jacks, enabling side
opening.

UPPER HINGE

CLOSURE HOOK

Mechanical/pneumatic rear side opening

The rear side is fastened on the upper edge of the steering columns of the body with hinges that allow opening

Use and Maintenance Manual 9

the side on the bottom part. The side is kept closed by tumbling hooks on the steering columns.
The rear side automatically opens a mechanical/pneumatic system through which, during the tipping phase, the control
valve releases the withheld air and sends oil to the jacks that allow release of the "ratchets" and subsequent opening of
the side.

Use and Maintenance Manual 10

Hydraulic lift rear side opening with fixed stops

The side is hinged on the upper longitudinal member of the body and is activated using two, dual effect side hydraulic
jacks placed on the side walls.
The hydraulic lifting mechanism of the side takes advantage of the spontaneous oil flow released by the pump once the
PTO is inserted by the authorised operator.
The hydraulic oil initially flows in the points with less pressure, then involving the
entire hydraulic system. The side is held by fixed tumbling hooks welded onto the
steering columns.
Lifting of loaded side: once power take off is activated by the operator, the hydraulic oil will flow into the lateral
hydraulic jacks on the side, lifting it. Then, the oil will go to the front hydraulic jack, thereby allowing the body to
tip.
Lifting of empty side: to allow this operation, you need to close the tap placed on the bottom of the front jack. This action
will allow the oil to flow only towards the lateral hydraulic jacks and thereby activate the desired lifting.

Use and Maintenance Manual 11

Routine and extraordinary maintenance

The maintenance technician must possess all know-how and qualifications in the field of mechanics, bodywork and
electronics, to know the machine and its parts. He must have assessment skills, using common sense, to understand the
extent of the problem.

Routine and extraordinary maintenance if carried out regularly and precisely will give a long-lasting and good working
vehicle.

Routine maintenance of the tipper is simple to carry out, while extraordinary maintenance includes the exclusive
intervention of the manufacturer or the authorised garage.

Specific personal protective equipment should be used during maintenance operations: safety gloves,
goggles, helmet, shoes and overalls. Do not carry out any operation unless the engine is off and vehicle
braked.
Use of the safety support is compulsory when the tipper is in the erect position.

For any intervention including replacement of damaged or worn parts, it is strictly recommended to use ORIGINAL
SPARE PARTS, on the contrary operation of the machine is safe conditions could be prejudiced.
THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT BE HELD IN ANY WAY LIABLE FOR CIVIL OR CRIMINAL
DAMAGES IN THE EVENT OF TAMPERING WITH THE STRUCTURE OR THE SYSTEMS AND IN THE
PRESENCE OF NON-ORIGINAL SPARE PARTS.

The tipper provided to you was subject to final testing and the following controls:
-Body lifting system functionality and hydraulic oil level check.
-Presence of safety cotter pins on the pivots and pins.
-Greasing of proposed points.
-Presence of instruction and exposed dangers on the machine.
-Presence of CE and certification plates.
Maintenance for operation of the vehicle

Brand new vehicles require extraordinary maintenance that allows adequate running in. You are therefore advised to
carry out the operations indicated below and to use the vehicle with due caution during the first 500 km.

Start-up:
 Check the wheel fastening nuts are tight
 Check the fifth wheel coupling pin is tight
 Check the overall lubrication of the vehicle
 Check tyre

pressure

 Check tightening of the wheel fastening nuts

 Check the overall lubrication of the vehicle
 Check the fastening pin on the leaf springs and shock absorbers are tight
 Check the leaf spring fastening nuts on the axle are tight
 Check tyre pressure

Routine maintenance

Routine maintenance includes control at established intervals to avoid irregular consumption and increase the
overall duration of each part, maintaining sufficient operation of the vehicle over time.

WASHING THE LORRY

-Clean the vehicle accurately without using corrosive and/or flammable substances
-Do not leave the piston in the maximum extension position during washing, in the long term the surface could be
damaged.
-Do not persist in using the high pressure water jet where electrical parts are positioned
Use and Maintenance Manual 12
-Adjust the air jet to intermediate value for drying, to avoid penetration of any particles in the mechanical and electrical
devices of the vehicle

VISUAL INSPECTION OF WEAR STATUS OF THE PROTECTIVE PAINT

-If abrasions or grazes are detected, proceed to manually touch up with compatible products to those used by the
manufacturer.
-If an advanced state of oxidation of the chassis is found, it is absolutely indispensable for it to be re-painted.

Use and Maintenance Manual 13

VISUAL INSPECTION OF ANY CRACKS ON WELDED PARTS
- As well as checking paint, you should also check if welding is in good condition, i.e. checking for any cracks or
chips or zones where paint has a "spider's web" effect. In this case, it is indispensable to proceed to checking
welding seals and possible bodywork intervention in the garage.

TIGHTENING NUTS AND BOLTS

- You need to scrupulously proceed to tightening operations of nuts and bolts, paying particular attention to screw wear
status.
- If screws are too elongated and threads worn, proceed to replace them with material with the same characteristics to
those installed.
- If bolts are replaced that join walls and the base of the bodywork, it is strictly forbidden to use non-compliant bolts.
Since these bolts are special, DRAGO will provide the original set of screws to the client on specific request.
- If you have difficulty finding common screws, contact the manufacturer.

TIGHTENING JOINTS
-Vibrations of the vehicle could cause joints to loosen and cause hydraulic oil to leak, compromising safe
operation of the machine. Proceed to check the joints are tight, according to the recommended coupling torques.

CHECKING PINS ARE IN SUITABLE CONDITIONS

- The pins do not require specific maintenance, however you should periodically check they are in perfectly
condition. If there are obvious signs of wear, immediately contact the authorised garage to replace them.
- Visible worn pins should not be used.

CHECKING THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

- Check the system does not have leaking oil or seepage that could become such.
- Check the external rubber on the flexible tubing shows no signs of abrasion.
- Check the cable ties are properly closed and intact.
- If worn tubing, oil leaks, abrasions or excessive wear is found on the tubes, immediately proceed to replacing them at
the authorised garage.
- Check all parts of the system are efficient.

CHECKING THE OIL TANK

- With the vehicle cold and the body lowered, loosen the plug on the oil tank and check the oil level is approx. three-
quarters full.
- If a small top-up is required, comply with the manufacturer's instructions on the type of oil recommended (you
are advised to use pure mineral hydraulic oil ISO 46).
- Clean the tank filters at least every six months

GREASING OF PROPOSED POINTS

-The lifting piston head
-The tipping balls
-The articulated hinges of the hooks and shelves
-Side release palettes
-Opening and closure handles

Lubrication

Lubrication of the various units of the vehicles is obtained using greasers with ball closure for pressurised
lubrication by injecting the necessary quantity of grease.
Before starting lubrication operations, you need to accurately clean the ball greasers to avoid introducing foreign bodies
in the units to lubricate.
 DRAGO S.R.L.

Fittings for industrial vehicles

Via dell’Industria, 11/13 – 46035 Ostiglia

(MN) ITALY Tel. 0386 804942 fax
0386 804943
info@dragoribaltabi
li.com
www.dragoribaltabi
li.com