Introduction & Specifications; Introduction; Purpose; Scope - Snorkel A38E Parts & Service Manual

1.0 Introduction

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Service & Parts Manual is to
provide instructions and illustrations for the operation
and maintenance of the AB38 Work Platform
manufactured by Ui, Ireland. (See Figure 1-1).
For US Domestic Machines this Work Platform is more
correctly referred to as the AB38N Work Platform. There
is however little difference between these machines, as
regards electrical or hydraulic operation, and from
herein the Work Platform will be simply referred to as
the AB38 Work Platform.

SCOPE

The manual includes the procedures and
responsibilities which must be strictly adhered to for
proper operation, maintenance, adjustment, and
repair of this product. The Maintenance Section
further covers preventative maintenance and trouble
shooting.

1.1 General Information

The AB38 is a quickly deployable self propelled aerial
work platform, designed to raise two operators with
hand tools to a work height of up to 13.45 m (44.12
ft.) i.e. a platform floor height of 11.45 m (37.56 ft.). It
is designed to provide mobility with the Platform in the
raised or lowered position, although travel with the
Platform raised is limited to a low speed. The boom
assembly and telescope functions are operated by a
hydraulic pump driven by a DC electric motor. Two
DC electric traction motors coupled to two braked
gearboxes regulate the drive function.

PLATFORM

The platform is large enough for two operators and
has a free-draining perforated floor with 150 mm (5.9
inches) toeboards. Hand rails are constructed from
aluminium tubing and a safety drop-bar is provided at
the entrance. Safety harness anchor points are also
fitted in the floor of the platform. The primary Control
Box is fitted permanently within this platform.
WARNING
DO NOT begin using the machine until the
platform entrance drop bar is in the fully
lowered position.
AB38 Work Platform
Introduction & Specifications

CONTROL BOX

The control box is permanently fitted at the front
centre of the platform. It features a Joystick which
will provide proportional control for raising or
lowering either of the two booms, extending or
retracting the Telescopic Boom, rotating (slewing)
the entire Booms & Posts Assembly or driving.
A safety feature which is incorporated into the
Joystick's operation is the Interlock Switch. This
must be activated at all times while operation is
required. This allows for one-handed operation. A
complete explanation of control functions can be
found in Section 3.

ELEVATING ASSEMBLY

The platform is raised and lowered by a combination
of two steel lift booms and one telescopic boom,
each of which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder
which in turn is actuated by hydraulic power from the
motor driven pump. Solenoid operated valves control
to which cylinder the hydraulic oil is directed. Each
cylinder features an integral holding valve to prevent
uncontrolled descent in the case of a hose burst.

ROTATION GEAR

The Booms & Posts Assembly can be rotated to
provide up to 5.6 m (18.4 ft.) of side outreach,
measured from the centreline of rotation to the front
of the Platform. This is done by means of an integral
hydraulic motor driving a Worm Drive Unit, around a
large diameter Slew Gear.
2
7
1. Platform
2. Elevating Assembly
3. Chassis
4. Power Module
5. Control Module
6. Platform Control Box
7. Lower Control Box
Figure 1-1: AB38 Work Platform
Section
6
5
4
3
1.0
1
1-1