Carwell® Rust Inhibitor; Protecting Cranes From Rusting; Cleaning Procedures - Manitowoc Grove 5540F Service Manual

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
CARWELL RUST INHIBITOR
®

Protecting Cranes From Rusting

Manitowoc Crane Group's cranes are manufactured to high
quality standards, including the type of paint finish
demanded by today's industry. In partnership with our paint
supplier, we are also doing our part to help prevent
premature corrosion of cranes.
Grove cranes will be treated with a rust inhibitor called
Carwell T32-CP-90. While a rust inhibitor cannot guarantee
that a machine will never rust, this product will help protect
against corrosion on Grove cranes that are treated with this
product.
Carwell is a treatment, not a coating. It contains no silicones,
solvents, CFCs or anything that would be classified as
hazardous under OSHA Regulation 29CRF-19-10.1200.
The product is a liquid blend of petroleum derivatives, rust
inhibitors, water-repelling and water-displacing agents.
Special equipment is used to spray a light film onto the entire
undercarriage and various other areas of each new crane
prior to shipment. When applied the product has a red tint to
allow applicators to view coverage during application. This
red tint will turn clear on its own within approximately 24
hours after application.
Once applied, treatment can appear to leave a slightly "oily"
residue on painted surfaces and until the red tinting fades
could initially be mistaken for a hydraulic oil leak. While the
product is not harmful to painted surfaces, glass, plastic or
rubber, it must be removed using standard steam-cleaning
techniques.
This treatment works in various ways: (1) it eliminates the
moisture containing salt, dirt and other pollutants by lifting
and removing them from the metal surface; (2) the film
creates a barrier to repel further moisture from coming in
contact with the metal; and (3) it penetrates crevices.
In addition to the factory-applied treatment, Grove crane
owners must provide proper maintenance and care to help
ensure long-term protection of their crane against corrosion.
This procedure provides information and guidelines to help
maintain the paint finish on Grove cranes.
The most common causes of corrosion include the following:
• Road salts, chemicals, dirt, and moisture trapped in the
hard-to-reach areas;
• Chipping or wear of paint, cased by minor incidents or
moving components;
• Damage caused by personal abuse, such as using the
decks to transport rigging gear, tools, or cribbing; and
• Exposure to harsh environmental hazards such as
alkaline, acids, or other chemicals that can attack the
crane's paint finish.
5-32
While the surfaces of the crane that are easily seen have the
biggest impact on the appearance of the crane, particular
attention should be given to the undercarriage of the crane to
minimize the harmful effects of corrosion.
Exercise special care and increase the frequency of
cleanings if the crane is operated:
• on roads where large quantities of salt or calcium are
applied to treat icy and snowy road surfaces;
• in areas that use dust control chemicals;
• anywhere there are increased levels of wetness -
especially near salt water;
• during prolonged periods of exposure to damp
conditions (e.g., moisture held in mud), where certain
crane parts may become corroded even though other
parts remain dry; or
• in high humidity, or when temperatures are just above
the freezing point.

Cleaning Procedures

To help protect against corrosion of Grove cranes,
Manitowoc Crane Care recommends washing the crane at
least monthly to remove all foreign matter. More frequent
cleanings may be needed when operating in harsh
environmental conditions. To clean the crane, follow these
guidelines:
• High pressure water or steam is effective for cleaning
the crane's undercarriage and wheel housings. Keeping
these areas clean will not only help retard the effects of
corrosion, but will also improve the ability to identify
potential issues before they grow into larger problems.
High pressure water can be forced into spaces and
infiltrate beyond seals. Avoid pressure washing in the
vicinity of electrical controls, panels, wiring, sensors,
hydraulic hoses and fittings, or anything that can be
damaged by high pressure cleaning/spraying.
• Rinse the dirt and dust off before washing the crane.
Dirt can scratch the crane's finish during washing/
cleaning.
• Hard to clean spots caused by road tar or bugs should
be treated and cleaned after rinsing and prior to
washing. Do not use solvents or gasoline.
• Wash using only soaps and detergents recommended
for automotive paint finishes.
Published 10-21-2010, Control# 198-04
5540F/YB5515 SERVICE MANUAL
CAUTION