RECOVERY Accessory kitUSER GUIDE

4WD ACCESSORIES

MODEL: 15-50061 PRODUCT CODE: 50061 08/2015

2

Contents

Page

WARRANTY DETAILS ........................................................................................................................................ 3

REPAIR AND REFURBISHED GOODS OR PARTS NOTICE ...................................................................... 4

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................. 5

INTENDED USE................................................................................................................................................... 5

CONTENTS OF ACCESSORY KIT .................................................................................................................... 5

BOW SHACKLES SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................... 5

EQUALISER STRAP SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................... 5

BOW SHACKLES ................................................................................................................................................. 6

EQUALISER STRAP ............................................................................................................................................ 8

GLOVES ...............................................................................................................................................................10

CARE AND MAINTENANCE ..........................................................................................................................11

FAQ - Equaliser Strap .....................................................................................................................................11

DEFINITIONS / ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................................11

Warranty DetailsThe product is guaranteed to be free from defects in workmanship and parts for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. Defects that occur within this warranty period, under normal use and care, will be repaired, replaced or refunded at our discretion. The benefits conferred by this warranty are in addition to all rights and remedies in respect of the product that the consumer has under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and similar State and Territory laws.

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

MODEL: 15-50061 PRODUCT CODE: 50061 08/2015

Recovery Accessory Kit

Repair and Refurbished Goods or Parts Notice

Unfortunately, from time to time, faulty products are manufactured which need to be returned to the Supplier for repair.

Please be aware that if your product is capable of retaining user-generated data (such as files stored on a computer hard drive, telephone numbers stored on a mobile telephone, songs stored on a portable media player, games saved on a games console or files stored on a USB memory stick) during the process of repair, some or all of your stored data may be lost.

We recommend you save this data elsewhere prior to sending the product for repair.

You should also be aware that rather than repairing goods, we may replace them with refurbished goods of the same type or use refurbished parts in the repair process.

Please be assured though, refurbished parts or replacements are only used where they meet ALDI’s stringent quality specifications.

If at any time you feel your repair is being handled unsatisfactorily, you may escalate your complaint. Please telephone us on 1300 883 104 or write to us at:

Natural Product Solutions Pty Ltd Unit 3 60 Box Road, TAREN POINT 2229 Telephone: 1300 883 104 Email: sales@4x4tough.com.au Website: www.4x4tough.com.au

MODEL: 15-50061 PRODUCT CODE: 50061 08/2015

Recovery Accessory Kit

5

This user guide is part of the recovery accessory kit. It contains important information relating to the product.

Carefully read before using the items in the recovery accessory kit.

Australia offers some of the world’s best off road playgrounds and when it comes to getting off road, having the correct recovery equipment is imperative. Even the most experienced off road enthusiasts will encounter the need to use recovery gear.

Using recovery gear can be extremely dangerous and should always be treated with a cautious approach. Take the time to assess your situation as every recovery will be different and it is vital you always put safety first during a vehicle recovery.

INTENDED USEThe 4X4 TOUGH recovery accessory kit’s contents supports various recovery operations particularly reducing load applied to a vehicle by utilising the Equaliser Strap and Bow Shackles contained within the kit.

CONTENTS OF ACCESSORY KIT• 1 x Equaliser Strap• 2 x Bow Shackles• 1 x Pair of Leather Gloves• 1 x Carry Bag

BOW SHACKLES SPECIFICATIONSWork Load Limit (WLL) 4.75TDiameter Shackle 19mmDiameter Pin 22mmBatch No. 08/2015

EQUALISER STRAP SPECIFICATIONSMinimum Breaking Strain (MBS) 6000KgLength (not under load) 2.5 metresWidth 75mmMaterial 100% PolyesterBatch No. 08/2015

PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USE. UNLESS DIRECTIONS ARE FOLLOWED PHYSICAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE MAY RESULT. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

6

BOW SHACKLESShackles are an important item to have in a 4 x 4 recovery kit as they are widely used in many recovery applications. It is essential shackles used on a 4 x 4 recovery are compliant with Australian Standards.

The Bow Shackles supplied in the 4 x 4 TOUGH recovery accessory kit are the most commonly used type of shackles in a 4 x 4 recovery situation. A “BOW” shackle, named due to the shape of the shackle body allows for bulky items to be easily attached to the shackle.

It is important to know there are several grades of shackles available on the market:

• Unmarked / or Unrated shackles

• Quality Grade M or 4

• Quality Grade S or 6.

The 4 x 4 TOUGH bow shackles have been made to the quality grade “S” or “6” which offers a superior strength when compared with a quality grade M shackle that is of same size.

The 4.75 tonne shackles are best suited to electric winch recovery situations providing WLL is not exceeded.

Warnings• Always read the product instructions

• NEVER use an unrated shackle. Rated shackles will have a WLL (Work Load Limit) on the body of the shackle.

• Shackles should only be used on vehicles fitted with recovery rated points featuring closed eyelets.

• Never use a shackle to connect two snatch straps together, If a strap broke in this situation the bow shackle could become a projectile and cause serious damage, injury or death.

• Never attempt to recover a vehicle without all the necessary equipment.

• Shackles can become a lethal missile if something should break or fail during a recovery. Ensure that all spectators are well clear and all recovery lines have a damper blanket on them.

• Never load a shackle across its width because the load will be imposed on the threads. The force must be at right angles to the pin.

Recommendations and Tips• To avoid seizing a screw pin in a recovery situation, it is a good practice to back off about 1/2 a

turn after fully hand tightening the shackle pin. Shackle pins may seize due to the force exerted during recovery operations.

• Shackle ratings are based on a linear force, applications involving two or more attachments to a shackle (which would apply non-linear forces), the WLL as stated will be changed therefore a non linear force calculation is required in this situation.

WLL: 4

.75T

4 X 4 TOUGH S 19MM

7

Before Use• Inspect shackles for any damage before and after use, including:

- Markings are legible.

- Pin is the correct type.

- Thread of the body and pin of shackle are not damaged

Getting Set UpWhen assembling a shackle, the following requirements apply:

• Ensure that the pin is of the correct length, so that it penetrates the full depth of the screwed eye and allows the collar of the pin to bed on the surface of the drilled eye.

• Ensure the pin is screwed securely into the shackle body, so that the collar of the pin is seated on the shackle body.

• Incorrect seating of a pin may be a result of a bent pin, a tightly fitting thread or misalignment of the pin holes. Such a shackle must not be used and disposed of in the proper manner.

• Never replace a shackle pin that is one of different grade or specification as it may not be suitable for the loads imposed.

• If pins are hard to turn or the shackle has been overstressed, it should be immediately replaced.

• For identification purposes The 4 x 4 TOUGH shackles body is YELLOW and the pin is RED in colour.

- The body and pin are not distorted

- The body and pin are not unduly worn

- The body and the pin are free from nicks, gouges, cracks and corrosion.

8

EQUALISER STRAP• An Equaliser Strap is important piece of recovery

equipment, also commonly referred to as a bridle or a sling.

• Using an equaliser strap will spread the load over two recovery points rather than just one. This reduces the chance of damaging vehicle recovery points and twisting a vehicles chassis.

• Equaliser Straps are mostly used in conjunction with other recovery equipment such as a winch, snatch and extension straps.

Warnings• Always follow the product instructions

• Persons intending to use the contents of the recovery accessory kit should consider completing a nationally recognised four wheel drive training course, or contact a four wheel drive club for comprehensive advice on the proper selection and use of the strap; and

• The strap must not be used for lifting or conventional towing; and

• Persons intending to use the strap must ensure that the strap is not damaged and is in usable condition; and

• An object such as a recovery damper, heavy bag or blanket must be draped over a connecting strap or winch rope during a recovery to reduce any unintentional rebound of the strap; and

• While the strap is being used, persons outside the motor vehicles involved in the recovery process:

(i) Must be kept at a safe distance from either of the motor vehicles. It is recommended to be at least 1.5 times away in all directions by calculating the length of the longest un-stretched strap/s or wire cable being used in the recovery; and

(ii) Must never place themselves in the path of the vehicle performing the recovery.

• It is important to correctly attach the equaliser strap to a motor vehicle’s rated recovery points.

• A standard tow ball or vehicle tie-down point is not designed for this purpose and may result in the strap or a vehicle component detaching from a motor vehicle and striking and seriously injuring or killing a person. Only attach an equaliser strap to a vehicle recovery points or devices that is suitably rated for use with the strap.

Key Information and Recommendations• A recommendation that the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) of the strap should be between

2 and 3 times the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of any vehicle it is used with; and advice that the strap must be suited to the GVM of the lighter of the 2 vehicles used in the recovery process.

• It is important the correctly rated strap is used.

• Inspect equaliser strap before every use.

• If the equaliser strap is damage in any way DO NOT USE.

9

• Keep strap away from sharp edges especially when under load.

• Exposing the strap to high temperatures may cause damage and is to be avoided.

• ALWAYS ensure proper rated recovery points are used.

• A strap under load should NEVER be dragged across any surface.

• When using shackles with an equaliser strap always use approved rated shackles.

• Never connect two straps with a shackle or metal object, if a strap broke in this situation the shackle/metal object could become a projectile and cause serious damage, injury or death.

• Never exceed the Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) of a strap, or the Working Load Limit (WLL) or Safe Working Load (SWL) of shackles.

• Continued jerking or high speeds during a recovery can damage the equaliser strap, recovery points and vehicle chassis.

• Inspection of rated recovery points regularly is recommended to determine if any damaged has occurred through bottoming out and general off road activity. A damaged recovery point could result in a failed recovery.

• Never attempt to recover a vehicle without all the necessary equipment.

FAQQ. What purpose does the neoprene sleeves provide on the Equaliser Strap?A. The neoprene sleeves are supplied to protect the strap and stitching from abrasion.

10

EQUALISER STRAP USAGEGetting Set Up• Assess the area the recovery is about to take place and look for potential hazards before you

start the set up / recovery.

• Check around and under the vehicle and clear the area as much as practical.

• Connecting the Equaliser Strap.

• Inspect the equaliser strap ensure it is free of defects. If defects are present the strap could break, DO NOT USE.

• Check the straps rating and if it is suitable for the recovery being conducted.

• Ensure the strap is not twisted, knotted or kinked.

• Thread one end of the equaliser strap through either appropriately rated snatch strap, extension strap eyelet or winch hook. (Not included)

• Connect the eyelets of the equaliser strap to the approved rated vehicle recovery points with rated bow shackles.

• If using a bow shackle to connect to the vehicle ensure it is a RATED SHACKLE. Look for WLL or SWL markings and is adequate for the recovery being conducted.

GLOVESRecovery in an off road environment can be dangerous and the potential to injure your hands during the process is highly possible. It is recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands at all times during the process and reduce the probability of incurring cuts, scrapes, pinching of skin and other injury to your hands especially when handling wire rope from a winch and operating high lift jacks.

11

CARE AND MAINTENANCE• Dirt, Mud, Grit and Sand are abrasive and can damage the equaliser strap. Always clean your

equaliser strap after use.

• Clean the equaliser strap by using warm water containing a mild detergent. Ensure the strap is completely dry before coiling and storing.

• Check the strap for any nicks, cuts, burn marks, wear marks. If found the strap should be disposed of in a proper manner.

• When finished using your equaliser strap it is recommended to roll up the strap to avoid the strap getting tangled, knotted or damaged.

• Clean Bow Shackles by using a mild water pressure to remove dirt or mud.

• Check for shackle body and pin distortion, dispose of if distortion present.

• Check shackle for wear marks, dispose of if wear marks found

• Ensure shackle markings are legible or dispose of.

• Keep gloves and bag clean by brushing off excess dirt. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

• Air dry gloves and bag flat and slowly away from direct heat.

FAQ - Equaliser StrapQ: Does an equaliser strap stretch like a snatch strap?A: No, equaliser straps are made mostly from polyester as opposed to nylon.

Q: Can I use shackles to attach my equaliser strap to my vehicles recovery points?A: Yes as long as the shackles are rated greater than the load being recovered.

Q: Should I use a shackle without markings?A: No as you can not establish if it will support the load to be recovered.

Q: What are the black sleeves used for on the equaliser strap?A: The sleeves protect the equaliser strap at the point where connecting other recovery equipment.

DEFINITIONS / ABBREVIATIONSGVM ............................Gross Vehicle Mass

MBS .............................Minimum Breaking Strain

Snatch Strap ...........Recovery Strap

Equaliser Strap ......Bridal and/or Sling

WLL .............................Working Load Limit

SWL ............................Safe Working Load

12

4x4 TOUGH GO OFF ROAD is a trademark of

Natural Product Solutions Pty Ltd Unit 3, 60 Box Road, Taren Point NSW 2229 Phone: 1300 883104.

www.4x4tough.com.au | sales@4x4tough.com.au