3M MMHTA-18 User Manual

3

Motorized Man ual Highway Tape
Applicator (MMHTA-18)

Information Folder 5.15

July 1995

Description

The 3M™ Motorized Manual Highway Tape
Applicator (MMHTA-18) is a motorized, two­wheeled device for applying 3M™ Stamark™ and
Scotch-Lane™ pavement marking tapes (See
Figure 1). The device is specifically designed to
apply pavement markings precoated with pressure
sensitive adhesive during and immediately follow­ing asphalt resurfacing operations. It can also be
used to apply pressure sensitive adhesive coated
markings on existing surfaces or temporary mark­ings used in construction work zones.

Table of Contents

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

Product Width and Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Application Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Application Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Pre-Application Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Tape Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Tape Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Tamping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Figure 1

2

Application Techniques (Refer to
Diagram A)

Pre-marking:

Using 200-250 ft. (60-70 m) of light rope, chain or
thin wire cable for a guideline, mark the skip
sequence on the chain to be followed. Example:
A sash chain marked to the proper sequence with
1-inch (2.54 cm) spiral key rings.

Example: For a 10 ft. (3 m) skip line and a 30 ft.
(9 m) space (10-30 sequence):

1) Mark point (A), the beginning of the first skip
line, about 8 feet (2.44 m) from the beginning
of the chain to line up applicator.

2) Measure 10 ft. (3 m) and mark point (B), the
end of the skip line.

3) Measure 30 ft. (9 m) and mark point (A), the
beginning of the next skip line.

4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 throughout the remaining
length of the guideline so that the last mark is
at point (A).

Figure 2

Diagram A

Product Width and Spacing

Several combinations of tape widths and spacing
can be applied using the MMHTA-18. Combina­tions of solid and skip lines may be applied simu­taneously. The 3M™ Manual Highway Tape
Applicator can be used to apply all Stamark and
Scotch-Lane pavement marking tapes at maximum
standard roll lengths. NOTE: If special ordering
tape, the maximum roll diameter cannot exceed 20
inches (50.8cm) if the material is to be applied
with a MMHTA-18. Consult your 3M representi­tive to determine the availbility of the MMHTA-18
in your area.

Operation

The tape applicator can be operated by one person.
The following application rates are based on
asphalt paver speeds of 25 - 50 ft./min. and a
walking speed of 100 ft./min.
10:30 Skip 750 ft./hr.
15:25 Skip 1125 ft./hr.
Solid Line 1500 ft./hr.
Solid / Skip (NPZ) 2500 ft./hr.
Double Solid 3000 ft./hr.
Overall Average 1000 ft./hr.

NOTE: The application rates shown are intended
as guidelines and may vary with project condi­tions.

Procedure for Application of Pavement
Markings

Load the tape and thread it over the 2-inch (5.08
cm) diameter aluminum roll, adhesive side up (See
Figure 2). Feed the tape through the CLAMP to
the CUTTER PLATE. Adjust the GUIDE BARS at
the sides of the tape rolls to hold them securely in
position. The guide bars should be adjusted to
allow the roll to rotate freely, but not move side to
side. Stamark pavement marking tapes can be
ordered with the adhesive side of the tape wound
inward or wound outward. Both types of rolls will
work with the MMHTA-18; however, the tape
wound adhesive side out is recommended. The
tape wound adhesive side out will develop a natur­al curl that positions it to curve toward the silicone
applicator roll as it passes through the cutting
plate.
CAUTION: Do not activate the cutting knife with
the foot pedal while threading tape.

3

Figure 3

Pre-Application Preparation

1. Inspect cutting blades, clean and adjust if nec­essary. See Maintenance.

2. Check all fastening hardware and tighten if
necessary. Do not overtighten. Use self-lock­ing hardware if replacing missing nuts or bolts.

3. Engine pre-operation check. See Maintenance
for maintenance intervals.

A. Oil: Use Honda 4-stroke oil, or equivalent
detergent, premium quality motor oil. SAE
10W/30 is recommended for general all-tempera­ture use.

- Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe clean.

- Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do

not screw it in.

- If oil level is low, fill to the top of the oil filler

neck with recommended oil.

B. Air Cleaner: Check the air cleaner elements to
be sure they are clean and in good condition.
Clean or replace the elements if necessary.

C. Fuel: Remove the f iller cap and check the fuel
level. Refill the tank if the fuel level is low. Do
not f ill above the shoulder of the fuel strainer.

Tape Application

1. Determine where the first skip or long line

starts by measuring from the last existing skip
or reference mark and the side of the road.
Offset the premarked chain at least 12 inches
(30 cm) from the center of where the new
markings will be applied.

2. Lay the guideline out and adjust the pointer to

the side of the applicator. Position the applica­tor even with the pre-marking chain, and posi­tion the pointer to the side as shown.

3. To star t application, position the right hand in

the center of the clamp handle when moving
the handle forward to aid in keeping the appli­cator moving in a straight line when star ting
tape application (See Figure 3). Slowly move
the clamp handle forward while squeezing the
clutch lever to move the applicator forward at
about the same speed. After tape application
has begun, immediately release the clamp han­dle to allow the tape to move freely. As the
tape applicator is moved forward, start the
pavement marking each time the pointer passes
over “A,” and cut the pavement marking each
time the pointer passes over “B.”

4. When the last mark on the guideline is reached,

start the next pavement marking, stop the
machine and again lay the guideline out in
front of the pointer.

Tape Cutting

Release the clutch bar and bring the applicator to a
complete stop over the proper marking. Back-up
1/2 inch (1.27 cm) before cutting the tape and
release the foot pedal slowly. Do not attempt to
cut the tape while moving. Cutting the tape in
motion will stretch and tear the tape, causing the
next line to start off center.

When cutting a single line or both lines of a dou­ble line, depress either the right or left foot pedal
to the lowest position (See Figure 4).

When cutting a single line while applying a double
line, depress the corresponding foot pedal.
Depressing the foot pedal too far will cut both
markings.

Figure 4