VDI 3973 1990-03 PDF

Full title and description

STB VDI 3973 1990-03 — Industrial trucks; tractors with trailers without brakes. This document is a national adoption/reference of the VDI guideline VDI 3973 (designation used in some catalogues as "STB VDI 3973 1990-03") and provides requirements and procedures for the use of powered industrial tractors that tow non‑braked trailers inside industrial environments.

Abstract

This standard specifies how to determine permissible trailer loads, towing (traction) forces and safe operating conditions for tractor–trailer combinations where trailers are not fitted with independent braking systems. It covers calculation of maximum trailer mass for factory/tarped operations, recommended checks, coupling arrangements, test runs and operator instruction to reduce the risk of loss of control or excessive dynamic forces during towing. It does not apply to automated guided vehicle systems (AGVs).

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (obsolete; later editions published).
• Publication date: March 1, 1990 (1990-03).
• Publisher: Verlag des Vereins Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI).
• ICS / categories: 53.060 — Industrial trucks (material handling equipment).
• Edition / version: 1990-03 (original VDI 3973 edition referenced as STB VDI 3973 1990-03).
• Number of pages: 7 pages (original German edition length recorded as 7 pages).

(Publication and status information recorded in standards catalogues and VDI/DIN listings.)

Scope

The standard applies to internal material‑handling operations where powered industrial tractors tow one or more non‑braked trailers. It establishes methods to calculate the maximum permissible trailer load, checks on vehicle and coupling geometry, recommended maximum drawbar/towing force, safe route and turning‑radius considerations, minimum coupling and hitch dimensions, and instructions for conducting test runs and marking the towing vehicle. It explicitly excludes application to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and road traffic use outside factory/internal site operations.

Key topics and requirements

• Determination of maximum permissible trailer load and required traction force.
• Calculation and verification of drawbar/towing forces under typical operating conditions.
• Requirements for coupling devices, hitch geometry and length of tractor–trailer combinations.
• Procedures for test runs, route checks and signage/marking of towing combinations.
• Operator training and instruction requirements specific to towing non‑braked trailers.
• Operational limitations and exclusions (e.g., AGVs, public road use).

Typical use and users

Used by plant safety managers, logistics and materials‑handling engineers, machine manufacturers, maintenance personnel and workplace safety officers. Typical users apply this standard when designing, selecting or validating tractor and trailer combinations for internal transport, preparing operating procedures, specifying coupling equipment, and training operators on safe towing practices in factories, warehouses and logistics centres.

Related standards

Relevant related standards and documents commonly referenced together with VDI 3973 include type‑sheets and testing rules for industrial trucks (e.g., VDI 2198 series), coupling and connection dimension standards (e.g., DIN 15172), brake and safety requirements for powered industrial trucks (e.g., DIN/VDI brake standards), and other VDI/DIN guidance on trailer equipment and tyre rolling resistance. Later editions and replacements of VDI 3973 (2016 draft and the 2018 edition) provide updated requirements.

Keywords

VDI 3973, STB VDI 3973, industrial trucks, tractors, non‑braked trailers, towing force, drawbar, coupling, workplace logistics, material handling, operator training

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: VDI 3973 (referenced here as STB VDI 3973 1990-03) is a technical guideline covering powered industrial tractors that tow trailers without independent brakes, giving methods to calculate permissible trailer loads and safe operating procedures.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers calculation of maximum trailer mass and towing forces, coupling and hitch considerations, length and turning geometry, procedures for test runs and marking, and operator instruction for safe towing in internal industrial settings; it excludes AGVs and public road vehicle regulations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Plant/logistics engineers, equipment manufacturers, safety officers and maintenance teams use it when specifying, testing or operating tractor–trailer combinations in factories, warehouses and similar internal transport environments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1990-03 edition is withdrawn/superseded; more recent VDI 3973 editions (including a 2018 edition) replace the 1990 text and should be used for current practice and compliance. Consult the latest VDI/DIN publications for the current active edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: VDI 3973 is part of the VDI/DIN body of standards addressing industrial trucks and material handling; it is commonly used alongside other VDI and DIN standards on type‑sheets, couplings and braking/safety requirements (e.g., VDI 2198, DIN 15172).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Industrial trucks, tractor‑trailer, non‑braked trailer, towing force, drawbar load, coupling, workplace transport, VDI 3973, STB VDI 3973.