Frame service can be minimized by lessening the concentration
of stress in small areas of the frame.
Use vehicles only for the purposes for which they were designed.
• | Do not overload the vehicle. |
• | Load the vehicle evenly. Avoid localized loads. |
• | Do not operate the vehicle on extremely rough terrain at excessive
speeds. |
• | Determine the forces placed on a frame from the operation of equipment
when picking a frame for a new vehicle or reinforcing a frame. |
Follow the recommended practices when repairing a frame. Follow the
recommended practices when mounting a body or equipment on a frame.
• | Avoid sudden changes in the section modulus. |
• | Do not drill holes in the frame rail flanges. |
• | Space holes in the web section of a rail at least 13 mm
(1/2 in) apart. |
• | Use existing holes whenever possible. |
• | Do not cut holes with a torch. |
• | Do not overheat the frame rails. |
• | Avoid welding on the flanges. |
• | Do not allow four or more holes to exist on the same vertical
line of the web. |