Safe Landings

Keep your trailer landings in good shape by periodically greasing and inspecting the landing legs

Care of your landing gear involves periodic greasing with the right lube and a careful inspection of the mechanism’s operation and of all the mounting brackets, bolts and weldments. Rob Nissen of SAFHolland stresses not only use of the proper grease, but the need to pressure-wash the trailer chassis and landing legs frequently in winter. SAFHolland recommends an anhydrous, calcium-extreme pressure grease. It’s best to use the low-temperature grade rated down to -65 F. You can grease quarterly, semi-annually or annually, depending on whether your operation is a drop-and-hook situation or whether trailers normally stay married to tractors with little use of the landing gear.

First, raise and support the trailer securely. The best way to do this is to have it securely hitched to a tractor, with all brakes for the rig applied. In a shop situation, it is common to use a forklift.