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Before a dry bulk truck blower enters service, the blower, PTO, driveline and air system should be checked as a complete installation. A problem with any one of these components can affect operation and, where rotating equipment is involved, create a serious safety hazard.

Paragon’s pre-operation procedure for the P858, P858e and P1057 provides a structured process for checking the system before operation, including PTO and driveline verification, blower and air-system inspection, initial rotation, loaded testing and a final safety inspection.

The P858, P858e & P1057 Blower Safety Precautions and Pre-Operation Safety Checklist provides a field-ready document for recording truck and blower information and completing the required checks before the system enters service. 

Download the P858, P858e & P1057 Blower Safety Precautions and Pre-Operation Safety Checklist
P858, P858e & P1057 Blower Safety Precautions and Pre-Operation Safety Checklist

Why Check the Complete Blower System Before Operation?

A truck blower does not operate independently. The installation includes the blower itself along with the PTO, driveline, air-handling components and associated protection equipment.

That makes pre-operation inspection more than simply checking whether the blower turns on.

Before operating the system, technicians should verify that the driveline configuration is correct, the blower is properly lubricated, the inlet and discharge paths are configured correctly, rotation and airflow are correct, and the system behaves as expected under both no-load and loaded conditions.

Start With PTO and Driveline Verification

Before running the blower, verify the components responsible for transferring power from the truck to the blower. 

Confirm that the PTO ratio, torque capacity and rotation are correct for the application. The PTO should be mounted according to the PTO manufacturer’s recommendations, and the transmission should be refilled as required. 

The driveline should be installed correctly, and the blower should be capable of being rotated by hand before powered operation begins. 

Rotating driveline components present a serious entanglement hazard. Never work under the vehicle or on the driveline or shaft while the engine is running. If a PTO or shaft remains exposed after installation, appropriate guarding is required.

Check Lubrication, Inlet Air and Discharge

Once the driveline has been verified, inspect the blower and air system. 

Verify: 

  • Oil level is at the center of the sight glasses
  • Air inlet filter is connected
  • Air inlet filter is mounted away from tractor exhaust
  • Camlock dust cap has been removed
  • Discharge pipework is open to atmosphere

These checks establish the blower’s basic mechanical and air-system condition before the initial powered test.

Perform the Initial Rotation and No-Load Test

Initial operation should begin with the tractor engine at idle. 

Engage the PTO slowly and verify that the blower is rotating in the correct direction and producing the expected airflow. From there, bring the blower slowly to operating speed. 

During this test, inspect the system for signs that require attention, including: 

  • Abnormal vibration
  • Mechanical noise
  • Oil leakage
  • Mounting issues

This stage allows the installation to be observed under powered operation before proceeding to the loaded test.

Verify the System Under Load

After the no-load checks have been completed, the Paragon checklist includes a loaded test. 

With the blower stopped, connect the blower discharge hose to the trailer. The checklist then calls for operating the blower at the trailer operating pressure of 15 psi for 15 minutes at normal speed. 

During this procedure, verify that the relief valve allows 15 psi tank pressure and that the engine maintains the correct RPM throughout the test. These values are specific to the procedure documented for the P858, P858e and P1057 and should not be generalized to other blower systems.

P858 vertical air flow product image

Complete a Final Safety Inspection

After testing, shut off the truck engine and allow the blower to come to a complete stop before completing the final inspection. 

Inspect the fusible plugs, relief valve, filter, pipework and oil sumps for integrity. The final check should also confirm that the correct engine-speed label is visible in the cab and that driveline warning labels are installed on both sides of the truck frame. 

The blower system should only move into regular service after the applicable installation, operational and safety checks have been completed. 

Pre-Operation Verification at a Glance

Stage 

What to Verify 

PTO & Driveline 

PTO ratio, torque capacity, rotation, mounting and driveline installation 

Blower 

Blower rotates by hand and oil is at the center of the sight glasses 

Air System 

Inlet filter connected and positioned away from tractor exhaust; discharge open to atmosphere 

No-Load Test 

Correct rotation and airflow; check vibration, noise, leaks and mounting 

Loaded Test 

15 psi for 15 minutes at normal speed; relief-valve operation and engine RPM checked 

Final Inspection 

Fusible plugs, relief valve, filter, pipework, oil sumps and required labels 

Critical Driveline Safety Precautions

The driveline deserves particular attention because rotating shafts can cause severe or fatal injury. 

Personnel working around the system should be properly trained and follow the applicable equipment instructions and safe operating procedures. Proper tools and safety equipment should be used, and driveline components should be correctly assembled, compatible with the application and in good condition. 

Never service a driveline or shaft while the engine is running. A support strap should be used when servicing a drive shaft, and exposed PTO or shaft components should be properly guarded. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Inspect the PTO and driveline configuration, blower lubrication, inlet filter and discharge path before powered operation. Initial rotation, airflow and system condition should then be verified before progressing to a loaded test. 

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