1. Product Overview
The Checkers Roadblock UC1500-4.5 is an impact-absorbing urethane industrial wheel chock designed to secure parked trucks and trailers. Its robust construction and high visibility make it suitable for various industrial applications.
This wheel chock is made from durable polyurethane, offering resistance to impacts, wear, and water. Its orange color enhances visibility, aiding in quick placement and retrieval. The curved surface ensures a flush fit against the wheel, providing maximum stability.
Key features include:
- Impact-absorbing urethane construction for durability.
- High-visibility orange color.
- Recessed handle for easy carrying.
- Mounting hole for attaching a rope, chain, or bracket.
- Designed for wheels up to 35 inches in diameter and vehicles with a gross operating weight up to 70,000 lb.
Image 1.1: The Roadblock UC1500-4.5 wheel chock positioned against a large vehicle tire, demonstrating its intended use for securing vehicles.
2. Setup and Placement
Proper placement of the wheel chock is crucial for effective vehicle immobilization and safety. Always ensure the vehicle is parked on a stable, level surface if possible. If parking on a grade, extra caution and additional chocks may be required.
- Vehicle Positioning: Ensure the vehicle is fully stopped and the parking brake is engaged before placing chocks.
- Chock Placement: Place the wheel chock firmly against the tire on the downhill side of the vehicle. If on a level surface, place it against the tire in the direction of potential movement. For enhanced safety, use two chocks per wheel (one on each side) or chock multiple wheels.
- Flush Contact: The curved surface of the chock is designed to sit flush against the tire. Push the chock firmly into place to ensure maximum contact and stability.
- Visibility: The bright orange color of the chock aids in visibility. Ensure chocks are clearly visible to all personnel in the area.
Image 2.1: A Checkers UC chock positioned under the tire of a large truck, illustrating its application for heavy-duty vehicles. These chocks are suitable for over-the-road trucks, trailers, pickups, and utility vehicles.
Image 2.2: Multiple bright orange wheel chocks placed under the tires of a truck, highlighting their high visibility for easy location and to prevent tripping hazards or misplacement.
3. Operating Instructions and Safety Guidelines
Wheel chocks are essential safety devices designed to prevent unintended vehicle movement. Adhere to the following guidelines for safe operation:
- Always use wheel chocks when a vehicle is parked, especially during maintenance, loading, or unloading operations.
- Ensure the chock is appropriate for the vehicle's weight and tire size. The UC1500-4.5 is rated for vehicles with an operating weight up to 70,000 lb and tire diameters up to 35 inches.
- Position chocks on a firm surface. Avoid placing chocks on loose gravel, mud, or ice, which may reduce their effectiveness.
- After placing chocks, attempt to gently rock the vehicle to confirm that it is securely immobilized.
- Remove chocks only when the vehicle is ready to move and all personnel are clear of the area.
- Refer to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations for specific requirements regarding wheel chock usage in your industry.
Image 3.1: Two Checkers UC chocks securing the rear wheels of a truck. These chocks are designed to resist weather, fuel, and oils, and will not crack, rot, or splinter like wood or rubber chocks. Their lighter weight compared to traditional chocks makes them easier to maneuver.
4. Maintenance and Care
The Roadblock UC1500-4.5 wheel chock is constructed from durable urethane, requiring minimal maintenance. Follow these guidelines to ensure its longevity and effectiveness:
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the chock for any signs of damage, excessive wear, or cracks. Replace any damaged chocks immediately.
- Cleaning: Clean the chock with mild soap and water as needed to remove dirt, grease, or other contaminants. Avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the material.
- Storage: Store chocks in a clean, dry place when not in use. While resistant to weather, prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can reduce lifespan.
- Material Properties: The polyurethane material resists impacts, wear, water, fuel, and oils, and will not crack, rot, or splinter, unlike chocks made from wood or rubber.
Image 4.1: A comparison table illustrating the advantages of polyurethane chocks over rubber and wood in terms of weight, value, longevity, weight resistance, traction in weather, and visibility.
5. Troubleshooting
The Roadblock UC1500-4.5 wheel chock is a passive safety device. If you encounter issues, they are typically related to improper placement or selection for the application.
- Chock slides: Ensure the chock is placed on a firm, clean surface. Verify the chock is correctly sized for the vehicle's tire diameter and gross operating weight. Avoid using on slippery surfaces like ice or loose gravel.
- Vehicle still moves: Confirm the parking brake is engaged. Ensure chocks are placed firmly against the tires. For heavy vehicles or steep grades, consider using additional chocks or chocks with higher load capacities.
- Damage to chock: Inspect the chock for any visible damage. If the chock is cracked, severely worn, or compromised, replace it immediately to ensure safety.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | UC1500-4.5 |
| Material | Impact-absorbing Urethane |
| Color | Orange |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2 kg) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 30.48 x 22.86 x 22.86 cm (12 x 9 x 9 inches approx.) |
| Max Gross Operating Weight | Up to 70,000 lbs (31,751 kg) |
| Recommended Tire Diameter | Up to 35 inches |
| Manufacturer | Checkers Industrial Safety Products, Inc. |
Image 6.1: Diagram showing general dimensions of a Checkers wheel chock (approx. 8.5" height, 11.5" length, 9" width). Please refer to the specifications table above for the precise dimensions and capacities of the UC1500-4.5 model.
Image 6.2: A table comparing various Checkers UC Chock models, detailing their maximum load capacity, tire size range, and availability of a roped pair option. Specific details for the UC1500-4.5 are provided in the specifications table within this manual.
7. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty information for the Checkers Roadblock UC1500-4.5 Industrial Wheel Chock is not provided in this manual. For detailed warranty terms, product support, or to contact the manufacturer, please refer to the official Checkers Industrial Safety Products website or contact their customer service directly.
Manufacturer: Checkers Industrial Safety Products, Inc.
For further assistance, please visit www.checkers-safety.com.
