At the time of publishing this manual is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Auto Crane reserves the right to change any or all items, components and parts, necessary for any reason. This right does not obligate Auto Crane to immediately update the manual.
The boom can fail far below its rated capacity. WARNING Do not weld, modify, or use unauthorized components on any Auto Crane unit as failure of the crane may occur. This will void any warranty or liability.
These specifications should be considered minimum. It has always been Auto Crane Company policy to handle all warranty claims we receive as promptly as possible. If a warranty claim involves discrepant material or workmanship, Auto Crane will take immediate corrective action.
General Specifications Dimensions • Width: 25.5 in. (0.64 m) • Height: 36.75 in. (0.93 m) • Length: 15 ft 3/8 in. (4.58 m), stored length. • Weight: 1,870 lb (848 kg) Rating • Crane Capacity: 7,000 lb Double Line: 7,000 lb maximum Single Line: 3,500 lbs maximum •...
Load Chart ATTENTION! All load ratings are based on crane capacity, not vehicle stability. When lifting WARNING a heavy load, the weight can create enough tipping moment to overturn the vehicle. DO NOT USE the overload shutdown device to determine maximum rated loads.
C. Demonstrate to the employer the ability to operate the specific type of equipment. D. Be familiar with the applicable safety regulations. E. Understand the operating procedures as outlined by the Auto Crane. F. Be thoroughly familiar with the crane and its control functions.
However, personnel are permitted to ride in an Auto Crane authorized, boom-mounted, personnel platform when used in accordance with the requirements of ASME B30.23 and Auto Crane’s instructions. The crane shall not be used for other purposes while HC-7X NEXSTAR...
Qualifications and Operating Practices handling personnel (Refer to ASME B30.23). Hook attached suspended work platforms (baskets) shall not be used with Auto Crane cranes. F. The operator should avoid carrying loads over people. 5. When the crane is so equipped, the stabilizers shall be fully extended and set. Blocking under stabilizers shall meet the requirements as follows: A.
Qualifications and Operating Practices 1. Do not place any part of the crane or load inside the Danger Zone. Exceptions: A. The Danger Zone may be entered after confirmation by an appointed person the electrical distribution and transmission lines are de-energized and visibly grounded at the point work. B.
Page 14
B. Leave the ignition on with the transmission in park (or neutral for manual transmissions). C. Activate any crane power switches. 7. For Auto Crane units using electric and hydraulic operation: A. Engage the emergency brake. B. Place the transmission in park (automatic trans.) or neutral (manual trans.).
Qualifications and Operating Practices During Operation 1. Always boom up before rotating so the boom will clear the boom support. 2. Always maintain clearance between the boom crown and the traveling block or hook hoist during boom extension. 3. Always observe all relevant safe policies and procedures during crane operation. 4.
NexStar Operation This section describes the general operation for cranes with the NEXSTAR control system. WARNING Before operating the remote control, read and understand all safety information in this manual, any manual supplements, and any applicable local, state, or federal rules and regulations. WARNING Never drive with a load suspended from the crane.
NexStar Operation Remote Control Layout 1. Emergency Stop - Push to activate, pull to release, then cycle remote power to reset. When activated, E-Stop stops all outputs from receiver. 2. Link LED - Off during normal operation. Solid yellow if offline, slow flash if remote battery is low. 3.
NexStar Operation Display Screen Layout 1. Load Ribbon - Displays current crane load as a percentage of total capacity. Ribbon will be green between 0% and 90% capacity. The value displayed when the crane is unloaded may be higher than 0% due to the weight of the boom.
2. Maximum Speed Setting - Displays the current maximum speed setting. 3. Joystick Mode - Displays the current mode selected. 4. Personnel Basket – For use when Auto Crane Personnel Basket is attached to crane. Reference Personnel Basket Mode section in NexStar Operation.
NexStar Operation Speed and Control Mode Speed Selection Highlight “Speed Range” in the menu screen with the Left Joystick. Depress the trigger to cycle through the maximum speed settings of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Once the desired speed is displayed, back out of the menu using by pressing the Engine Start/Stop switch down to Engine Stop.
NexStar Operation Counterbalance Override Procedures If, in an emergency situation, it becomes necessary to lower the boom without hydraulic flow available, the counterbalance valve located on the lift cylinder can be used to carefully perform this action. 1. Ensure the boom will lower onto a proper support. 2.
NexStar Operation Tether Connection If a tether connection is wanted (or necessary), connect one end of the cable that is supplied (Part Number: 366823427) to the crane tether connection (located in either the crane box, or on the crane itself), and the other to the tether connection located on the top of the remote. If the tether connection is properly established, a cable icon will replace the transmitter icon on the main screen.
NexStar Operation Low Remote Battery The NexStar remote uses a rechargeable, internal lithium-ion battery which is usually charged when the remote is placed in the docking station that is powered by +12VDC. In the event that the remote battery has been sufficiently drained, the remote can be recharged by placing it in the docking station, tethering it to the crane, or using the auxiliary battery pack.
NexStar Operation Auto Deploy Auto Deploy allows the operator to move the boom from the home position (usually the cradle) to a predefined position without having to manually move the boom. From the starting position, the boom will elevate to a preset angle, rotate to the deployed position, raise to the final angle, then pay out hoist cable, releasing the hoist block from the stow hook.
NexStar Operation Auto Stow Auto Stow allows the operator to move the boom to the home position (usually the cradle) without having to manually move the boom. From the starting position, the boom will elevate to a preset angle, swing over to the home position, and lower down into the final position, a predefined angle above the home position.
Page 26
NexStar Operation Release the trigger, then depress and hold the trigger again to select Auto Stow. The display will return to the main screen and will display “AUTO STOW ACTIVE” in a blue Info-Box. If “AUTO STOW ACTIVE” does not display, try releasing the trigger, the depressing and holding it again. If Auto Stow still does not initiate, check to ensure the initial conditions are met.
NexStar Operation Setting Home Position To set home position: 1. Position the boom at the desired home position (usually the cradle). 2. Enter the menu screen by fully depressing and holding the trigger, then pressing the Engine Start/Stop switch down to Engine Stop and then release trigger. 3.
Page 28
NexStar Operation 5. Carefully read the Caution note on the screen, and if the conditions are met, select “CONFIRM” and depress the trigger. This will set the current rotation position to zero and save the current boom angle as the home position. HC-7X NEXSTAR...
NexStar Operation Personnel Basket Mode Personnel Basket Mode is used when an Auto Crane Personnel Basket is attached to the crane. When Personnel Basket Mode is activated the following occurs: 1. Boom speeds are reduced by 50% 2. Hoist up/down function is deactivated To initiate Personnel Basket Mode: 1.
Page 30
NexStar Operation The remote will display “Personnel Basket Active.” To end Personnel Basket Mode: 1. Cycle electrical power to the crane. 2. Cycle remote power. NOTICE While in Personnel Basket Mode, remote can be turned off without disengaging Personnel Basket Mode. Only cycling crane power will end Personnel Basket Mode.
NexStar Operation Remote Layout DIRECTION FUNCTION GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION Engine Start Sends a 12 VDC+ signal to start vehicle Down Engine Stop Sends a 12 VDC+ signal to stop vehicle Moving the joystick up activates boom up Boom Up function Moving the joystick down activates boom down Down Boom Down function...
Page 32
NexStar Operation Remote Layout DIRECTION FUNCTION GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION Emergency Stop Activates Emergency Stop Activated Emergency Stop Deactivated Emergency Stop Deactivated Momentarily activates an audible signal and red Horn/Link light HC-7X NEXSTAR...
NexStar Troubleshooting NexStar Remote Troubleshooting Table CRANE DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY IS THERE AN GO TO ERROR CODE ERROR CODE? REFERENCE TABLE GO TO HYDRAULIC TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION DOES THE DOES IT CRANE MOVE STOP MOVING GO TO ELECTRICAL UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN WHEN YOU UNPLUG THE TROUBLESHOOTING A FUNCTION IS...
Page 34
NexStar Troubleshooting NexStar Remote Troubleshooting Table PROBLEM POSSIBLE REASON ACTION Remote control Emergency Stop Ensure the Emergency Stop switch is engaged. switch is pulled out. Internal battery has discharged Attach backup alkaline battery Remote control will not turn on below operating level. pack or tether cable.
NexStar Troubleshooting NexStar Error Code Table INFO BOX CAUSE EFFECT SOLUTION BOOM PSI LOW Boom pressure is Disables all functions Hoist down (if applicable) and raise boom off below 80 PSI except boom up and any supports. Alarm will clear once pressure in hoist down.
Page 36
INFO BOX CAUSE EFFECT SOLUTION DIRTY FILTER Filter is dirty if oil Operates normally. Replace filter. Auto Crane part number is temperature is at least 366823910. 100 °F ADDRESS TAG Crane does not All outputs are disabled. Check connection at address tag. Check for...
Page 37
NexStar Troubleshooting NexStar Error Code Table INFO BOX CAUSE EFFECT SOLUTION CWW ROT INTO Crane wint into Disables counter- Rotate clockwise to return to Zone A or reduce overload while rotating clockwise rotation, boom load to clear alarm. counter-clockwise from down, and hoist up.
Turn off crane. Leave off for 2 minutes locked up disconnect base station then turn power back on. If the from harness to see if problem persists contact Auto Crane movement stops. technical support. Controller locked Disconnect controller to see Turn off crane.
Page 39
NexStar Troubleshooting Electrical Troubleshooting Table POSSIBLE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS SOLUTION CAUSE The following functions are Low boom Check screen for error code. Hoist down (if applicable) and raise inoperable extend, retract, pressure It would read “BOOM PSI boom off any supports. Alarm will clear hoist up, boom up, rotate LOW”...
Replace valve cartridge. valve. If unable to move stem, cartridge is jammed. Counterbalance valve set Adjust the Contact Auto Crane too low (boom up and counterbalance out to for proper adjustment boom down) see if movement stops. and setting of Crane moves counterbalance valve.
Maintenance Inspection Requirements NOTICE Reference ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1910.180 for complete inspection requirements. WARNING All inspections shall be performed by designated personnel only. Inspection Classification 1. Initial Inspection A. Prior to initial use, all new, altered, modified, or extensively repaired cranes shall be inspected by a designated person to ensure compliance with provisions of this standard.
Maintenance D. Use care when inspecting sections of rapid deterioration around flange points, crossover points, and repetitive pickup points on drums. E. Inspect number, distribution, and type of visible broken wires. NOTICE Continued use of rope depends upon good judgment by a designated person in evaluating remaining strength in a used rope after allowance for deterioration disclosed by inspection.
Maintenance F. Loose or deformed rod eyes or connecting joints. 13. Inspect hydraulic filters for evidence of rubber particles on the filter elements indicating possible hose, O-ring, or other rubber component deterioration. Metal chips or pieces on the filter may denote failure in pumps, motors, or cylinders.
Maintenance General Repairs and Maintenance NOTICE Reference ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1910.180 for complete maintenance and repair requirements. WARNING All repairs and maintenance shall be performed by designated personnel only. Establish a preventative maintenance program based on this section. Obtain all replacement parts from your local authorized distributor.
NOTICE Replacement rope shall have a strength rating at least as great as the original rope furnished or recommended by Auto Crane. A rope manufacturer, Auto Crane, or a qualified person shall specify any deviation from the original size, grade, or construction.
During periods when the truck is exposed to salt or other corrosive chemicals, wash Auto Crane products weekly. Inspect the paint finish monthly or when washed. Immediately repair any exposed bare metal or rust. Repair damaged paint on Auto Crane products with the following procedure: 1.
Maintenance Lubrication and Maintenance Schedule Service Performed Instructions Daily Weekly Yearly Months Inspect hook and latch for Load Hook deformation, cracks, and corrosion Ensure cable is wound evenly on Cable Drum drum Check for flattening, kinks, broken Hoist Cable strands Hyd.
Maintenance Lubrication Points Use only authorized parts/lubrication. Any damage or malfunction caused by the use of unauthorized parts is not covered by Warranty or Product Liability. HC-7X NEXSTAR...
Maintenance NexStar Control Valve Cartridge Maintenance Verify movement in ports while manually overriding cartridge Use the following procedure to inspect the cartridge for proper operation: 1. Clean the area around the valve spool before it is removed from the valve bank. 2.
Maintenance Rotation Bearing Replacement All bearings wear over time, including the main rotation bearing of the crane. There are no precise rules for replacing the main rotation bearing because of many variable factors. There are common symptoms during crane operation that may indicate rotation bearing wear. These include: 1.
Maintenance Hoist Operation NOTICE The uneven spooling of cable, while pulling a load, is not a problem unless there is a cable pileup on one end of drum. If this happens, reverse the winch to relieve the load and move your anchor point further to the center of the vehicle. After the job is done you can unspool and rewind for a neat lay of the cable.
3. Ensure the mounting surface is properly reinforced to withstand the capacity loading of the crane. Ensure the outriggers are used to provide total stability for the truck. 4. If not using an Auto Crane body, cut the proper sized hole in the mounting location (centered with mounting bolts) for access to hydraulic connections.
Page 55
SHIPPING TOTE, 15 GAL, BLACK / RACER RED 715064001 DECAL, BOOM STOW, CALIFORNIA Please check to make sure the above items have been supplied with your crane. If any items are missing, please notify your dealer, or contact Auto Crane. HC-7X NEXSTAR...
Installation General electrical hookup GROUND (BK) BOOM TIP LIGHT (GN/BK) CRN POWR (RD) BOOM TIP AUX (GN) LIGHT SWITCH CRANE ENG START (BU) ENG STOP (OR) HIGH IDLE (WT) E-STOP OUT (RD/BK) CRANE ACTIVE (OR/BK) ENGINE CRANE ENGINE ENGINE FAST POWER POWER START...
Page 59
16. Ensure the Owner’s Manual is delivered to the customer. 17. For additional help, call Auto Crane Technical Service at 1-800-777-2760 IMPORTANT: Follow all federal laws pertaining to final stage manufacturers and crane stability requirements. Reference the Safety Tips and Precautions section for specifics.
Terminal 2 is used only as a signal and should not be used with any type of load. Auto Crane offers a cradle kit, P/N 366823460, that includes a chime that indicates that the remote has not been returned to its cradle when not in use.
When utilizing outrigger control valves provided by Auto Crane: Auto Crane hydraulic powered outriggers utilize a control valve which contains an integral hydraulic relief valve that is preset at the factory. This preset is NOT the final setting and MUST be adjusted to account for hydraulic system backpressure once the installation is complete.
This decal is to alert the user of the available crane capacities around the vehicle. 479824002 decal will be installed on an Auto Crane body that was outfitted with an Auto Crane crane and Auto Crane outriggers. Auto Crane has designed the body, crane and outrigger to have stability based on...
Page 63
Installation 479824003 decal will be installed on an Auto Crane body that was not outfitted with an Auto Crane crane and Auto Crane outriggers. The stability chart provides lines to write in the tested stability percentage at each section below:...
Installation Large Crane Serial Number Location The serial number is stamped into the left top side plate of the pedestal as well as the decal on left side plate as shown below. SERIAL NUMBER STAMP SERIAL NUMBER DECAL HC-7X NEXSTAR...
Installation Recommended Operating Temperature 1. In applications where low oil temperatures may exist (below -20° F), an external heating system may be required. 2. A symptom of excessively low oil temperatures is hydraulic pump/PTO operation but no fluid flow from tank.
General Assembly - P/N 477000003 RETRACT 'RET' PORT EXTEND 'EXT' PORT 9 6 6 7 8 20 17 18 19 11 12 12 24 23 22 24 22 SLAVE MASTER UNIT UNIT DETAIL B SECTION A-A DETAIL C USE ZIP TIES TO TIE DOWN LED LIGHT WIRES SECTION D-D HC-7X NEXSTAR...
Page 69
General Assembly - P/N 477000003 ITEM PART DESCRIPTION NUMBER 477200102 PEDESTAL ASSEMBLY, HC-7X, NEXSTAR 477624050 DECAL LAYOUT, HC-7X, NEXSTAR 479200101 BOOM ASSEMBLY, 30’, 49K MAXIMUM MOMENT 477200106 SHIP KIT, HC-7X, NEXSTAR 479200179 PIN, PIVOT 021600000 WASHER FL 1/2 021500000 WASHER, SP LK 1/2 017701000 NUT HX 1/2-13UNC 011608000 SCREW HX HD 1/2-13UNC X 2 LG 360677000 PIN, 1/4 COTTERLESS RING...
LIMITED WARRANTY 1 YEAR PURCHASED REPLACEMENT PARTS Auto Crane will warranty to the consumer for a period of (1) year from the date that a new Auto Crane replacement part was purchased from an authorized Auto Crane distributor. Each new Auto Crane part they sell will be free under normal use and service from defects in material and workmanship.
Page 87
2 YEAR PARTS AND LABOR Auto Crane will warranty to the consumer for a period of (2) years parts and labor from the date of purchase. Each new Auto Crane unit they sell will be free under normal use and service from defects in material and workmanship.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the NEXSTAR HC-7X and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers