Chapter 9 - Operation; Cold Weather Start-Up; Manually Warming The Hydraulic System; Preparing For Operation - Snorkel AB46JE Operator's Manual

The aerial platform may be operated from either the lower
or upper controls.
A
Danger
The aerial platform is not electrically insulated. Death
or serious injury will result from contact with, or in-
adequate clearance from, an energized conductor.
Do not go closer than the minimum safe approach
distance as defined by ANSI.
Pinch points may exist between moving components.
Death or serious injury will result from becoming
trapped between components, buildings, structures,
or other obstacles. Make sure there is sufficient clear-
ance around the machine before moving the chassis,
booms, or platform. Allow sufficient room and time
to stop movement to avoid contact with structures
or other hazards.
The aerial platform can tip over if it becomes unstable.
Death or serious injury will result from a tip-over ac-
cident. Operate the aerial platform on a firm, flat, level
surface. Avoid travel speeds and/or rough terrain that
could cause sudden changes in platform position. Do
not drive or position the aerial platform for elevated
use near any drop-off, hole, slope, soft or uneven
ground, or other tip-over hazard.
The platform rated work load is the total weight of the
personnel and equipment that may be lifted in the plat-
form.
The work loads are stated on the platform rating placard
at the:
• rear of the platform
•

lower controls

• upper controls
A
Danger
The aerial platform can tip over if it becomes unstable.
Death or serious injury will result from a tip-over ac-
cident. Do not exceed the capacity values indicated
on the platform rating placard.
Capacity values indicate the rated lifting capacity and do
not indicate aerial platform stability.
The operator bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring
that the aerial platform is properly set up for the particular
conditions encountered.

Cold Weather Start-Up

If the ambient temperature is 32°F (0°C) or below, the
hydraulic system oil may need to be warmed before
operation.
AB46JE – 0260072
Chapter 9 – Operation
Cold, thick hydraulic oil does not flow well and may cause
delay in response to control movement. Cold hydraulic oil
may also cause cavitation and pump damage.

Manually Warming the Hydraulic System

The hydraulic oil may be warmed by bottoming out the
boom extension cylinder. Raise the main boom so it is
horizontal and operate the boom retract function while the
machine is stowed. With the cylinder bottomed out the oil
flow will produce heat to warm the hydraulic oil.
Not all hydraulic fluid is suitable to use in the hydrau-
lic system. Some have poor lubricating character-
istics and may increase component wear. Only use
hydraulic fluid as recommended.
Use cold weather hydraulic oil as recommended in the
machine General Specifications in temperatures of
(-12°C) or below.

Preparing for Operation

Before operating the aerial platform, make certain the
batteries are charged and the charger is unplugged.
Use the following procedure to prepare the aerial platform
for operation.
1. Perform a prestart inspection as described in Chapter
8.
2. Place the battery disconnect switch in the on posi-
tion.
3. Close and latch the battery trays and cowling cov-
ers.
Lower Controls
The lower controls override the upper controls. This
means that the lower controls can always be used to
operate the platform regardless of the position of the
upper control emergency stop button.
Boom, turntable, and platform functions may be operated
from the lower controls. The lower controls may be used
for initial set up of the aerial platform, and for testing and
inspection.
Use the following procedure to operate boom, turntable,
or platform functions using the lower controls.
1. Place the emergency stop switch in the on position
and place the controls switch in the ground position
(refer to Figure 9.1).
A
Caution
10°F
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