Bulletin number: SB-112

Date issued: September 21, 2006

Machine models: Loadmaster 2 series with Cruise Control option using programs 3477PC-PF and 1002302 Rev A between June 1, 1998 and December 31, 2001

Subject: Accidental Activation of Cruise Control

Back to Index
 

Description of Problem	Discussion
Solution	Recommended Action

To our valued customer:

This safety bulletin is part of an ongoing effort to provide quality service and support for all Alliance Machine Systems International, LLC products. If you need assistance or more information, please call Gary Kneale, Field Service Manager, at 509-535-0356 and select Option two.

Description of Problem

Alliance has received a report of an operator accidentally engaging the cruise control feature of a Loadmaster 2. The operator was placing dunnage sheets when the dunnage sheet accidentally brushed the cruise control ball on the movable backstop. This action caused the stripper plate to extend, hitting the operator’s hand.

Back to top

Discussion

The cruise control feature of the LM2 is designed to retract and extend the stripper plate automatically when an order requires only one or two bundles per tier. The feature works through the use of a selector switch and two ball sensors. The selector switch makes one of the two ball sensors active. The active ball sensor detects when a bundle has been placed on the tier and cycles the stripper plate. Accidental activation can occur when objects other than bundles brush the active ball sensor.

Back to top

Solution

The solution for this issue it to remove the cruise control functionality from the load release cycle.  This means that after the operator has released the load and finished laying dunnage sheets for a new load then he/she will have to press the Stripper Cycle mushroom button on the control panel or depress the foot switch.

Back to top

Recommended Action

Alliance recommends that you take the following actions within 30 days after receiving this safety bulletin.

1. Determine if you have a machine that has the cruise control option.  If your machine does not have this option then please ignore this bulletin.
2. If your machine has the cruise control option, then please make the following change in the software:

This disables the cruise control during the load release cycle only. The cruise control function will work as designed during load building.

If you do not want to make the software change or are unable to make the software change, please call Gary Kneale, Field Service Manager, at 509-535-0356 and select Option two to schedule a Field Service Technician to make the change for you.

Back to top

Back to Index