Manitowoc GROVE RT890E Operator's Manual page 19

RT890E
Work Site
Prior to any operation, you must inspect the ENTIRE work
site, (including ground conditions) where the crane will travel
and operate. Be sure that the surfaces will support a load
greater than the crane's weight and maximum capacity.
Barricade the area where the crane is working and keep all
unnecessary personnel out of that area.
Use caution when operating in the vicinity of overhanging
banks and edges.
Be aware of all conditions that could adversely affect the
stability of the crane.
Wind can have a significant affect on loads that may be lifted
by a crane. Wind forces act differently on a crane depending
upon the direction from which the wind is blowing (e.g., wind
on the rear of the boom can result in decreased forward
stability, wind on the underside of the boom can result in
decreased backward stability, wind on the side of the boom
can result in structural damages, etc.). To assist you in
determining prevailing wind conditions, refer to the "WIND
VELOCITY CHART" on page 2-6.
Lifting Operations
If the boom extension, jib, or auxiliary boom nose is to be
used, ensure the electrical cable and the weight for the anti-
two-block switch are properly installed and the LMI is
programmed for the crane configuration. Refer to the LMI
handbook supplied with the crane.
Before lifting, position the crane on a firm surface, properly
extend and set the outriggers, and level the crane.
If the boom extension or auxiliary boom nose is to be used,
you must ensure that the cable for the LMI system is properly
connected at the junction box located on the boom nose.
Depending on the nature of the supporting surface,
adequate cribbing may be required to obtain a larger bearing
surface.
DO NOT OVERLOAD THE CRANE by exceeding the
capacities shown on the appropriate Load Chart. Death or
serious injury could result from the crane tipping over or
failing structurally from overload.
Do not rely on the crane's tipping to determine your lifting
capacity.
If you should encounter a tipping condition, immediately
lower the load with the hoist line and retract or elevate the
boom to decrease the load radius. Never lower or extend the
boom, this will aggravate the condition.
Be sure the load is properly rigged and attached. Always
determine the weight of the load before you attempt to lift it
and remember that all rigging (slings, etc.) and lifting devices
(hook block, jib, etc.) must be considered part of the load.
Measure the load radius before making a lift and stay within
approved lifting areas based on the range diagrams and
working area diagrams on the crane's load chart.
Verify the crane's capacity by checking the Load Chart
against the weight of the load. Then, lift the load slightly at
first to ensure stability before proceeding with the lift.
Always keep the load as near to the crane and as close to
the ground as possible.
The crane can tip over or fail structurally if:
• The load and crane's configuration is not within the
capacity as shown on the applicable load rating chart
and notes.
• The ground is soft and/or the surface conditions are
poor.
• Outriggers are not properly extended and set. On
models equipped with outriggers that can be pinned at
the mid-extend position, the outriggers must also be
pinned when operating from the mid-extend position.
• Cribbing under the outrigger pads is inadequate.
• The crane is improperly operated.
Wind forces can exert extreme dynamic loads. Grove
recommends that a lift not be made if the wind can cause
a loss of control in handling the load. Grove recommends
if the wind speed (velocity) is between 32 km/h (20 mph) to
48 km/h (30 mph), that the load capacities shall be reduced
to account for the size and shape of the load and the wind
direction in relation to the machine for all boom, boom
extension, and jib lengths. Further, operation of the crane in
wind velocities over 48 km/h (30 mph) is not recommended.
To assist you in determining prevailing wind conditions, refer
to the "WIND VELOCITY CHART" on page 2-6.
The crane cab is equipped with a sight level bubble that
should be used to determine whether the crane is level. The
load line can also be used to estimate the levelness of the
crane by checking to be sure it is in-line with the center of the
boom at all points on the swing circle.
Use tag lines whenever possible to help control the
movement of the load.
When lifting loads, the crane will lean toward the boom and
the load will swing out, increasing the load radius. Ensure the
load capacity chart is not exceeded when this occurs.
Be sure the hoist line is vertical before lifting. Do not subject
the crane to side loading. A side load can tip the crane or
cause it to fail structurally.
Do not strike any obstruction with the boom. If the boom
should accidentally contact an object, stop immediately.
Inspect the boom. Remove the crane from service if the
boom is damaged.
Never push or pull with the crane boom.
SAFETY INFORMATION
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