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MAINTAIN YOUR ROLL-OFF SUBFRAME

Meagan Daugherty

Roll-off subframes, also known as skids, rail frames, and long rails, are engineered frames design used to make non-roll off bodies or equipment compatible with roll-off trucks. Available in Standard and ISO Subframe styles, they act as a base for whatever you want to haul with your roll-off truck and can be manufactured with the hookup style that will match your roll-off system.

For both Standard and ISO Subframes, routine maintenance must be done, and parts may need replaced. Maintenance may differ based on if you have a hooklift, cable, or combo hookup style subframe.

HOOKLIFT MAINTENANCE

Hooklift Components
Like your standard hooklift roll-off container, you will want to check the hook components before every use to ensure nothing is damaged that could cause an accident. Parts that you will want to pay the most attention to would be the Hooklift Pin, Hooklift Pin Brackets, and the A-Frame. The Hooklift Pin is the pick-up point where the hook of the system locks in to be able to pick up the load. When checking the Hooklift Pin, be sure there are no cracks or rust points. The Pin Brackets hold the pin to the A-Frame, while the A-Frame connects to rails or roll-off container with the equipment. Note that a 36” hooklift style subframe uses a Small Hook Box rather than the Pin Brackets. If either of these components are damaged, it could cause the connection to break and the load could fall resulting in damage, injury, or worse.

Moving Components
You should inspect and grease all moving components of the subframe once a month. On a hooklift subframe, this will include the rear Wheels. Depending on the style of Wheel you have for your subframe, you may have 1 to 2 grease zerks that will require greasing. You may need to inspect the Wheels more often depending on your climate and the usage of the subframe. An ISO Subframe has an added moving component. The ISO Locks located on all four corners of the subframe. These components should be maintained and greased at least twice a year. However, if used quite often, may need to be greased more frequently to operate properly.

Frame
The frame, or rails, of your subframe will also need to be maintained. It is recommended to clean the subframe one a month, or more depending on the application. For example, when using your subframe as a salt spreader equipment upfit, it is recommended to wash more frequently. Once cleaned, walk around the subframe and look for rusted out areas, holes, fractures in the steel, and any other areas that may cause concern.

CABLE SUBFRAME MAINTENANCE

Cable Components
Similar to your standard cable roll-off container, you will want to check the cable components to ensure nothing is damaged that could cause an accident. Parts that you’ll want to pay most attention to would be the Cable Hook, Brackets, and Nose Rollers. The Cable Hook is held in place by a Hook Plate. Ensure before each use that both components are in good condition, with no cracks, major rust areas, or warped sections. The Cable Hook is how the truck cable system is connected to the roll-off subframe to load it on the truck. A damaged hook can cause the equipment to fall during operation which could result in damage, injury, or worse. The Nose Roller on a cable style

subframe is what goes on the rails of the cable system to assist in loading and unloading the equipment. Nose Roller Brackets and Bull Nose Brackets are what keep the Nose Rollers in place. All of these roll-off parts will need to be free of rust, cracks, and more to operate properly.

Moving Components
Every month, you should inspect and grease all moving components of the subframe. On a cable subframe, this includes the front and rear Wheels of the frame, as well as the Nose Rollers. Some roll-off Wheels will have more than one grease location, so be sure to note that prior to the inspection. Depending on how often the subframe is being used, you may need to inspect and grease these parts more frequently. Same as the ISO Hooklift Subframe, the ISO Cable Subframe ISO Locks will also need to be maintained and greased twice a year. However, with more frequent use, more greasing will be required to operate smoothly.

Frame
Just like with a hooklift style subframe, the frame, or rails, of your cable subframe will need to be maintained. It is recommended to clean the subframe one a month, or more depending on the application. For example, when using your subframe as a salt spreader equipment upfit, it is recommended to wash more frequently. Once cleaned, walk around the subframe, and look for rusted out areas, holes, fractures in the steel, and any other areas that may cause concern.

COMBO SUBFRAME MAINTENANCE

Hookup Components
A Combo style hookup on a roll-off subframe will follow the same moving parts and frame maintenance checks as cable and hooklift hookups. When it comes to the hookup components, you will need to ensure that both the hook and cable hookup parts are not in need of repair. We recommend checking these parts prior to each use or at least once a day to ensure that everything is in working order before operation.

If any of these subframes parts are rusted, worn down, misshapen, broken, cracked, or not working as intended, you will need to replace them immediately to keep your business in motion.

Need more information on Roll-Off Parts Subframes? Read What is a Roll-Off Subframe? here.