Full Product Manual

Rev. 1/24/2018 WTJ-4, MANUAL
Copyright 2018 Vestil Manufacturing Corp. Page 9 of 11
5. Attach the load rigging to the selected hook (fixed or winch).
a. Fixed hook: Lower the boom sufficiently to attach it to the load rigging.
b. Winch hook: Turn the winch handle counterclockwise until the hook is low enough to attach the rigging.
6. Tighten the locking bolt tightly against the turntable. Turn the winch handle clockwise to raise the load just above
the vehicle bed/floor.
7. Loosen the locking bolt. Rotate the boom slowly and direct the load to the desired location. Lower the load until it is
entirely supported by the vehicle.
8. Put the crane into transport configuration--short boom with boom fully lowered.
a. Pin the booms together at point A (short configuration).
b. Use the pump handle to turn the relief valve counterclockwise. Lower the boom completely to relieve
hydraulic pressure.
Inspections:
After assembling the unit and before using it for the first time, make a written record that describes the appearance
and operation of each part. Pay particular attention to junctions (areas where sections bolt together) and pivot points.
Turn the winch handle to raise and lower the winch hook. Record your observations about how the unit looks and
sounds as the hook rises and lowers. Measure the throat opening of both hooks and record the measurements. Use
the pump to raise and lower the boom. Describe how the piston extends and retracts, the sound of the pump as it
operates, and the force required to move the handle back-and-forth. This record establishes “normal condition”.
During future inspections, compare your observations with the recorded information to determine whether a
component is in normal condition or requires repair or replacement.
Inspect and maintain the unit as described (below). If problems are discovered during an inspection, restore the
unit to normal condition before returning it to service. If the unit cannot be restored to normal condition, permanently
remove the crane from service.
The unit must be tested at 125% of its rated capacity anytime the crane is repaired. Put the boom in short
configuration (see p. 2 & 3) and lift a 2,500 lb. test load with the fixed hook.
At least once per month inspect:
1. Winch and pulleys: raise and lower the winch hook. Confirm that the cable smoothly winds off of and onto the
winch spool. The winch should lock automatically whenever the handle is not rotating. This automatic locking
feature prevents the hook from lowering on its own. The large and small pulleys should not be loose or severely
worn and should rotate freely as the cable passes over them.
2. Winch cable: check for reeving, fraying, thinning, bird-caging, and elongating regions. If the cable is damaged,
replace it.
3. Frame elements and hardware:
a. Frame elements: examine the mast receiver, turntable, mast, boom, and telescoping boom for
damage, deformation, corrosion, cracked welds, and severe wear. Inspect pivot points for severe
wear. All frame members should be square, rigid, and free of significant rusting and corrosion.
Remove rust with steel wool or a metal bristle brush and apply touchup paint to the affected areas.
b. Fasteners: inspect all bolts, pins, washers, nuts, etc. Tighten loose connections.
4. Mast bearing: Rotate the boom in both directions. Make sure that it rotates smoothly. Listen for unusual noises. If
the crane wobbles or is unusually noisy as it rotates, remove the mast and grease the bearing at the bottom. If
lubrication does not resolve the problem, the bearing might need to be replaced. Contact the factory to discuss
the problem.
5. Hooks: visually inspect both hooks. Look for deformations and cracks. Immediately discard a hook if it is cracked
or if the throat opening is more than 15% in excess of the original throat opening. Discard a hook if it is twisted
more than 10° from the plane of the hook. Confirm normal operation and operation of the safety latch of both
hooks.
6. Vehicle: inspect the vehicle where the crane is mounted. Closely examine the area around the mounting plate.
Look for rust, corrosion, and metal fatigue. Check the mounting plate (base of the mast), the anchoring
hardware, and the vehicle bed/floor, particularly around the anchor bolts. Make sure that the receiver is securely
anchored (i.e. does not wobble). Confirm that anchoring hardware is in normal condition.
7. Labels: confirm that all labels are in good condition and in place as shown in the “Labeling Diagram” on p. 10.
Every 6 months:
Conduct a load test. Lift a test weight with the fixed hook equal to 125% of the capacity. After the test, examine
the crane and the vehicle where the crane is mounted. Look for deformations, cracks, and metal fatigue. Do not
continue to use the crane unless both it and the supporting vehicle (or surface) are in normal condition.