Operation; Introduction; General Functioning; Driving - Snorkel A38E Operator's Manual

3.0 Introduction

GENERAL FUNCTIONING

A W A R N I N G A
To understand the properties of the A38E Work
Platform it is recommended that you refer to the
Hydraulic and Electrical Schematics in Section
6. All the information within this Service & Parts
Manual should be read thoroughly and fully
understood. Before beginning to operate the
machine it is also a mandatory requirement to
read, fully understand and follow the Operators
Manual.
The A38E Lift and Steer functions are operated
by utilising a battery powered electric motor which
drives a hydraulic pump. The pump supplies oil
under pressure to the various platform functions.
The oil flow is directed to the different functions by
electrically activated solenoid valves. The control of
which solenoid valves activate and the rate at which
the hydraulic fluid flows is carried by the application
of the electrical circuit, and its components, to an
ECU.
The Drive function is operated by utilising two drive
motors which are controlled by a Electronic Traction
Motor Controller.
NOTE:
An Interlock Trigger Switch is an integral part of the
Joystick. This must be depressed for the functions
to operate. This will energise the Line Contactor and
enable electrical control. (This safety feature prevents
inadvertent activation of all powered functions, in the
case of accidental movement of the Joystick.)

DRIVING

Platform controls provide variable speeds for the
drive function through the use of a Joystick. This is
achieved using a motor control unit which varies the
speed of the two DC electric traction motors. To drive
the A38E there are a number of steps which need be
taken. First the operator should ensure that neither
of the Emergency Stop Buttons are pressed, then
the Keyswitch on the ground control panel should
be turned to the 'PLATFORM CONTROL' position.
Momentarily operate the drive function switch and
the A38E will be able to drive.
The machine will then drive at a speed proportional
to the angle of the Joy- stick from the neutral
A38E Work Platform

Operation

(centre) position, while the Joystick Interlock Switch
is depressed. The speed range within which the
machine will drive is determined by whether or not
the booms are raised. If a boom is raised off the
Boom Rest Limit Switch the current to the drive
motors will be reduced leading to a significantly
slower drive speed. This is a safety feature.
The drive wheels are driven by two DC electric
traction motors coupled to two braked gearboxes.
When the Joystick is in the neutral position the
brake chamber is free of oil and the internal spring
within the gearbox maintains the braking pressure.
Upon moving the Joystick the brake chambers will
receive a flow of pressurised oil which will release
the brakes.

STEERING

Platform controls also provide a steering function
through the use of 'Rocker' activated Steering
Switches in the Joystick. This is achieved by using
the P600 which varies the hydraulic flow by altering
the voltage to the pump. To steer the A38E there are
a number of steps which need be taken.
First the operator should ensure that neither of the
Emergency Stop Buttons are pressed, then the
Keyswitch ground control Panel should be turned to
'PLATFORM CONTROL' position.
Momentarily operate the drive function switch to
drive and the A38E will also be able to steer. To steer
the machine the Rocker should be pushed to the
left or the right, while the Joystick Interlock Switch
is depressed. Steering left or right will energise the
steering coils and allow oil to enter the full bore side
or annular side of the steering cylinder, thereby
turning the wheels in the chosen direction.
NOTE:
Steering is not self-centring. The wheels must be
returned to the straight ahead position by operating the
Steering Switch.

OPERATING THE BOOMS

Boom functions, including the telescopic and slewing
functions, can be operated either from the Platform
Controls or the Chassis Controls.
The Platform controls provide variable speeds for the
boom functions through the use of a Joystick. This
is achieved using an P600 which varies the speed
of the motor/pump unit and increases or decreases
the flow of oil to the different functions. This control
unit receives a control signal from the Joystick on the
upper controls, the speed of the motor will increase
as the Joystick is pushed further away from the
Section
3.0
Page 11