General Crane Operation - Manitowoc Grove RT600E Operator's Manual

OPERATING CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Tipping Hazard!
Do not operate the crane if the axle oscillation lockout
system is not functioning properly.
Failure to comply with this warning may result in death or
serious injury.
If the axle oscillation lockout valve is functioning
properly, the crane will re-level itself; if the valve is not
working properly, the crane will not re-level itself. If the
rear axle does not lock or unlock properly, evaluate the
lockout system and repair as necessary.

General Crane Operation

Pump Drive
Pump No. 1 is a two section gear pump and is mounted on
the torque converter drive pad. Pump No. 2 is a single
section pump mounted on the right side of the engine. Pump
No. 3 is a single section pump mounted on the torque
converter drive pad. The pumps operate any time the engine
is running. (Pump No. 1 can be disconnected.)
Setting The Park Brake When Crane Is On Outriggers
When operating certain crane functions with the crane on
outriggers at high engine speeds, it may be necessary to set
the parking brake in order to keep the rear drive axle from
rotating. This rotating is caused by a small amount of drag in
the hydraulic clutch, resulting in rotation of the rear wheels.
When operating the crane on outriggers, the transmission
should be shifted into 4WD (four-wheel-drive) and the
parking brake set. When this procedure is correctly followed,
the wheels will not rotate with the crane on outriggers during
any crane function.
Control Lever Operation
The control lever operation for all crane functions is
standard, i.e. the closer the lever is to neutral (center), the
slower the system responds. The control lever should be
returned to neutral to hold the load. Never feather the hoist
control lever to hold the load.
NOTE: Always operate the control levers with slow, even
pressure.
Preload Check
After the crane has been readied for service, an operational
check of all crane functions (with no load applied) should be
performed. The Preload Check is as follows:
3-28
WARNING
Published 05-02-2018 Control # 088-10
RT600E OPERATOR MANUAL
CAUTION
Operate engine at or near governed rpm during preload
check of crane functions.
NOTE: Carefully read and become familiar with all crane
operating instructions before attempting a preload
check or operating the crane under load.
1. Extend and set outriggers.
2. Raise, lower, and swing the boom a minimum of 45°
right and left.
3. Telescope the boom in and out.
4. Raise and lower the cable a few times at various boom
lengths. Ensure there is no kinking.
Proper Leveling of the Crane
ASME B30.5 specifies that if a crane is not level within 1% of
grade, the allowable capacities must be reduced. Therefore,
whether lifting on rubber or outriggers, it is essential that the
crane is level to within 1% of grade. The bubble level that is
provided on the crane is calibrated to be accurate within 1%
of grade.
To properly level the crane, the boom must be positioned
over the front of the crane, fully lowered to horizontal and
fully retracted (for cranes fitted with a boom rest, the boom
shall be stowed onto the rest). Raise and level the crane
using the outriggers; refer to Setting The Outriggers, page 3-
30.
A working crane may settle during lifting operations.
Frequently check the crane for level. When rechecking the
crane for level, the boom must be positioned over the front of
the crane, fully lowered to horizontal and fully retracted (for
cranes fitted with a boom rest, the boom shall be stowed
onto the rest). If necessary, relevel the crane using the
procedures under Setting The Outriggers, page 3-30.
Bubble Level Adjustment
The bubble level adjustment should be checked periodically;
if it is suspected that the bubble level indicator is out of
adjustment, verify and adjust the bubble level as follows:
1. Position the crane on a firm, level surface.
2. Extend and set the outriggers. Level the crane, as
indicated by the bubble level indicator, using the
outriggers.
3. Place a miracle pointer level, carpenter level, or similar
type device on a machined surface such as the turntable
bearing or bearing mounting surfaces.
4. Using the outriggers, level the crane as indicated on the
leveling device used in step 3.