RT540E

Operating Procedures

Pre-Starting Checks

A complete walk-around visual inspection of the crane should always be made with special attention to structural damage, loose equipment, leaks, or other conditions that would require immediate correction for safe operation. Refer to Maintenance Checklist, page 6-1.

The following items are suggested to be checked to ensure the crane is prepared for starting the day’s work.

Fuel Supply

Fill the fuel tank and ensure the cap is on tight.

Engine Oil

Caution

of excessive deformation of the hook opening (including twist). Be sure the safety latch is free and aligned.

Seats and Mirrors

Adjust seat and mirrors for clear vision and safe driving.

Seat Belts

Seat Belt Maintenance

Seat belt assemblies are maintenance-free; however, they should be periodically inspected to ensure that they are not damaged and are in proper operating condition, especially if they have been subjected to severe stress.

Cleaning Seat Belt Webbing

Wash the seat belt webbing with any mild soap or detergent. Do not use commercial solvents. Also, bleaching or redyeing the webbing is not recommended because of possible loss of webbing strength.

Do not overfill.

Check the oil level in the crankcase and ensure it is between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick. Do not overfill.

Engine Coolant

Danger

Do not loosen radiator cap while engine and radiator are hot. Steam or hot coolant will cause severe burns.

Check the coolant level in the radiator and fill to the proper level. Do not overfill and ensure the radiator cap is secure.

Batteries

Check that the battery cables and clamps are tight and not corroded.

Hydraulic Reservoir and Filter

Check the hydraulic level sight gauge and filter condition indicator on the hydraulic tank. Hydraulic fluid should be at normal operating temperature, with both the boom and outriggers in a retracted position, and the boom level. Check breather for cleanliness and ensure it is secure.

Wire Rope

Inspect the wire rope in accordance with applicable Federal Regulations. Sheaves, guards, guides, drums, flanges, and any other surfaces that come in contact with the rope should be inspected for any condition that could cause possible damage to the rope.

Hook Block and Headache Ball

Inspect for nicks, gouges, cracks, and evidence of any other damage. Replace a hook that has cracks or shows evidence

Grove

Signal and Running Lights

Check all signal and running lights for proper operation. Replace burned out lamps with those of the same number, or equivalent.

Service and Parking Brakes

Check for proper operation.

Tires

Check for severe cuts, foreign objects embedded in treads, and for correct inflation pressures. A tire inflation chart, providing the correct air pressures, is located in the Load Chart Manual in the crane cab.

Wheels

Maintain proper torque on wheel lugs and check for proper wheel mounting. If equipped with steel or aluminum wheels, the wheels should be retorqued 80 to 160km (50 to 100mi) after initial installation or after any time the tires and wheels are removed. Doing this will reseat the lug nuts. Recheck the lug nuts for proper torque every 800km (500mi) thereafter.

Safety Equipment

Check all lights, windshield wipers, washers, washer liquid supply, horn, instruments, signaling devices, etc.

Daily Lubrication

Ensure all components requiring daily lubrication have been serviced. Refer to Lubrication, page 5-1.

Boom

Before extending the boom, ensure the large access cover on top of the boom base section is installed.