Preparation For Cold Weather; Crane Limitations; Wire Rope; Cold Weather Starting Aid - Manitowoc 18000 Operator's Manual

OPERATING CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

PREPARATION FOR COLD WEATHER

Crane Limitations

The static load carrying limitations of the steels used in
Manitowoc cranes is not affected by cold weather. Therefore,
Manitowoc's standard capacity charts are acceptable for use
in cold weather.
Dynamic loads (impact and shock) can affect the steels used
in Manitowoc cranes when operating in cold weather.
Dynamic loads are created by traveling, sudden application
and release of load, and duty-cycle operations (dragline,
clamshell, magnet, container handling, concrete bucket
placement).
To prevent possible damage to the crane and its attachment
w h e n o p e r a t i n g d u r i n g c o l d w e a t h e r M a n i t o w o c
recommends:
-5F° (-21°C) to -22°F (-30°C)
Avoid impact or shock loading of crane and attachment.
Operations involving hydraulic cranes should be conducted
with due regard to potential failure of hydraulic components.
-23F° (-31°C) to -40°F (-40°C)
Derate crane by 40% for all lift operations. Halting all lifts
should be considered. Duty-cycle operation is prohibited.
Below -40F° (-40°C)
All operation (lift and duty-cycle) is prohibited except in
extreme emergencies, and then only with approval from a
competent engineer who has derated the crane accordingly.

Wire Rope

The wire rope manufacturers indicate that wire rope will not
become brittle in temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C).
Lubrication may be a problem, however. During extreme cold
weather, normal wire rope lubricants may harden and chip off
leaving the rope unlubricated.
Consult your wire rope supplier for recommended cold–
weather lubricants.

Cold Weather Starting Aid

Engine startup at temperatures below 40°F (4°C) requires
the use of a cold weather starting aid.
Ether
Follow the engine manufacturer's recommendations and
precautions for use of ether when starting the engine.
3-86
Some engines are equipped with an air intake pre-heater.
If engine on your crane has an air intake pre-heater, do
not spray any combustible starting aid (ether) into air
intake.
Pre-heater will ignite ether resulting in a severe explosion
and/or burns.
Coolant and Oil Pan Heaters
120 V coolant and oil pan heaters can be installed in the
engine. The heaters utilize an electric heating element to
heat the coolant and oil inside the engine when the crane is
idle. Each heater is equipped with an extension cord for
connection to an owner furnished electric power supply. The
coolant heater must be capable of maintaining the engine's
coolant and oil temperatures between 40°F to 50°F (4°C to
10°C). Contact the nearest engine dealer for availability and
installation of the heaters.
Engine heaters must be unplugged when engine is
running to prevent cooling system from overheating.

Cooling System

The cooling system must be kept full and be protected from
freezing at the lowest expected ambient temperature. See
the engine manual for antifreeze recommendations.
Be aware that a mixture of 40% antifreeze and 60% water
will provide freeze protection to -35°F (-37°C). A mixture of
60% antifreeze and 40% water will provide freeze protection
to approximately -60°F (-51°C). 100% antifreeze will freeze
at -10°F (-23°C).

Battery

To provide maximum cranking power and to prevent the
battery from freezing, it must be kept fully charged (1.26 to
1.28 specific gravity) and warm when the crane is idle during
cold weather.
It is recommended that the battery be stored indoors or
heated with a battery heater when the crane is idle.
Be aware that:
• A battery with a 50% charge freezes at -16°F (- 27°C);
on the other hand, a battery with a 100% charge freezes
at -70°F (-57°C).
• A battery with a 100% charge retains only 40% of its
cranking power at 0°F (-18°C). At -20°F (-29°C), the
same battery retains only 18% of its cranking power.
Published 12-05-17, Control # 032-23
18000 OPERATOR MANUAL
DANGER
Engine Explosion Hazard!