2.1 Introduction - Vanguard CPW 125-4-S Series Operation And Maintenance Manual

Auto Crane products are designed to provide many years of safe, trouble-free, dependable service when properly used
and maintained.
To assist you in obtaining the best service from your crane and to avoid untimely crane and/or vehicle failure, this manual
provides the following operating and service instructions. It is specifically recommended that all operating and service
personnel consider this manual as mandatory material for reading and study before operating or servicing Auto Crane
products. It is highly recommended crane owners, equipment managers, and supervisors also read this manual.
Auto Crane has incorporated several safety features in the HC-12 crane for your protection.
For your convenience the overall dimensions of the HC-12 crane are included on the General Dimension Drawing.
Rotation and turning radius are also listed on that drawing.
Remember, the crane adds weight to the vehicle. Adding weight may change the driving and riding characteristics of the
vehicle unless the appropriate overload spring(s) are installed on the truck. The payload of the vehicle is reduced by the
weight of the crane. The operator should exercise care when loading the vehicle. Distributing the payload on the vehicle
evenly will greatly improve the driving and riding characteristics of the vehicle.
Auto Crane Company issues a limited warranty certificate with each unit sold. See last page for warranty.
The HC-12 cranes are attached to your 12-volt truck electrical system through the relay provided. The HC-12 is another
highly efficient Auto Crane product. The use of a maintenance-free battery is not recommended on any Auto Crane
product. The recommended alternator and battery that will give the longest life with the most useful duty cycle is a 60-amp
alternator with a 500 cold cranking amp battery. 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. It is
understandable that Auto Crane Company cannot assume responsibility of liability when it is obvious that our products
have been abused, misused, overloaded or otherwise damaged by inexperienced persons trying to operate the equipment
without reading the manual.
unit, or installation of component parts without authorization.
Auto Crane maintains a strong distributor network and a knowledgeable Customer Service Department. In most cases, an
equipment problem is solved via phone conversation with our customer service department. The customer service
department also has the ability to bring a local distributor, a regional sales manager, or a factory serviceman into the
solution of an equipment problem.
If, through no fault of Auto Crane Company, it is necessary to send an experienced factory serviceman on a field service
call the rates stated in the Auto Crane Distributor's Flat Rate Manual will apply.
Auto Crane Company's extensive Research and Development Program allow our customers to use the best equipment on
the market. Our Engineering Staff and our knowledgeable sales people are always available to our customers in solving
crane and winch-type application problems. When in doubt, call the Auto Crane factory.
Should you require any assistance not given in this manual, we recommend that you consult your nearest Auto Crane
Distributor. Our distributors sell authorized parts and have service departments that can solve almost any needed repair.
This manual does not cover all maintenance, operating, or repair instructions pertinent to all possible situations.
If you require additional information, please contact the Auto Crane Company at the following telephone number:
1-800-777-2760. The information contained in the manual is in effect at the time of this printing. Auto Crane Company
reserves the right to update this material without notice or obligation.

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Keep this manual with the crane at all times.
Auto Crane will not assume responsibility or liability for any modifications or changes made to
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