Manitowoc Published 08-06-19, Control # 237-09_v1 3-49
MLC165-1 OPERATOR MANUAL OPERATING CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Also see Cold Weather Heater Package on page 3-53.
Crane Limitations
The static load-carrying limitations of the steels used in
Manitowoc cranes are not affected by cold weather.
Manitowoc’s capacity charts are acceptable for use in cold
weather.
However, dynamic loads (impact and shock) can affect the
steels used in Manitowoc cranes when operating in cold
weather. Dynamic loads are created by traveling, sudden
application and release of load, and duty-cycle operations.
Wire Rope
Wire rope manufacturers state that wire rope will not become
brittle in temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C). However,
lubrication may be a problem during extreme cold weather
because normal wire rope lubricants may harden and chip
off, leaving rope without lubrication.
Consult your wire rope supplier for recommended cold–
weather lubricants.
Cold Weather Starting Aid
The engine has a heater (“grid heater”) in the air intake that
comes on during crane start-up.
To prevent overheating, the oil pan and coolant heaters
must be unplugged when the engine is running or when
the ambient temperature is above 30°F (–1°C).
Cooling System
The cooling system must be kept full and be protected from
freezing at the lowest expected ambient temperature. See
engine manual for antifreeze recommendations.
A mixture of 40% antifreeze and 60% water provides freeze
protection to -35°F (-37°C). A mixture of 60% antifreeze and
40% water provides freeze protection to approximately -60°F
(-51°C). 100% antifreeze will freeze at -10°F (-23°C).
Batteries
To provide maximum cranking power and to prevent the
batteries from freezing, they must be kept fully charged
(resting voltage 12.4V–12.6V) and warm when the crane is
idle during cold weather.
It is recommended that batteries be stored indoors or heated
with a battery heater when the crane is idle. Be aware that:
• A battery with a 50% charge freezes at -16°F (-27°C). A
battery with a 100% charge freezes at -70°F (-57°C).
• A battery with a 100% charge retains only 40% of its
cranking power at -0°F (-18°C). At -20°F (-29°C), the
same battery retains only 18% of its cranking power.
Engine Oil, Gear Oil, and Hydraulic Oil
For extreme cold, refer to Approved Lubricants for Operation
in Arctic Climate in the MLC165-1 Lubrication Guide.
DANGER
Injury and Equipment Failure Hazard
At low ambient temperatures, dynamic loads (impact and
shock) can result in structural failure leading to serious
injury or death.
When operating in ambient temperatures of:
–5 to –22°F (–20 to –30°C):
• Avoid impact or shock-loading of the crane and any
attachment.
• Conduct operations with regard to potential failure of
hydraulic components.
–23 to –40°F (–31 to –40°C):
• De-rate the crane by 40% for all lift operations.
Halting all lifts should be considered.
• Duty-cycle operation is prohibited.
Below –40°F (–40°C):
• All operation (lift and duty-cycle) is prohibited except
in extreme emergencies, and then only with approval
from a competent engineer who has de-rated the
crane accordingly.
CAUTION
Avoid Hydraulic Component Damage
Heat the hydraulic oil to at least 32°F (0°C) prior to start-
up. Tank heaters are available from Manitowoc.
Before operating any hydraulic components, always allow
the hydraulic system to warm up to 60°F (16°C). Crane
can be in standard or setup mode during warm up.
Do not activate any lower accessory functions until the
hydraulic system has obtained the minimum operating
temperature of 60°F (16°C).
WARNING
Engine Explosion Hazard
Do not use starting fluids with this crane’s engine. The
engine is equipped with an air intake heater. Use of
starting fluid can cause an explosion, fire, personal injury,
severe damage to the engine and damage to property.
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