National Crane 3-29-2018 Control # 610-00 4-15
NBT40-1 SERIES OPERATOR MANUAL OPERATING CONTROLS - CRANE
• any signs of damage or improper maintenance.
• tires are inflated to proper pressure.
• level of hydraulic reservoir.
• operation of the “stop” and horn circuits.
• missing and loose bolts.
• damaged structural members and welds.
• all rope guides and cable keepers.
• all sheaves for free turning.
• hoist rope for kinks, broken strands or other damage in
accordance with instructions on Inspection And
Maintenance, page 9-1.
• hydraulic hoses and fittings are in good condition and
show no signs of leaking.Hoses should be free from cuts
and abrasions and there should be no evidence of
binding. Any damage or leakage should be repaired
immediately.
• RCL and anti-two-block system for proper operation.
• electrical wiring connecting various parts of system for
physical damage.
NOTE: Consult chassis manufacturer’s manual for vehicle
checks.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Following recommendations are for operating National
Cranes in very low (i.e., sub-zero) temperatures.
Crane should have appropriate hydraulic oil, lubricants, and
other auxiliary items required for operation in very cold
temperatures. Operate individual crane functions to ensure
they are sufficiently warmed prior to performing a lift.
Operation of crane at full rated capacities in temperatures
between -9°C (15°F) and -29°C (-20°F) and -40°C (-40°F) or
lower should be accomplished only by competent operators
who possess the skill, experience, and dexterity to ensure
smooth operation. Shock loading shall be avoided.
NOTE: Aerial Lift operation below -29°C (-20°F) is not
recommended.
Operation Below -40°F
For crane operation below -40°F, capacities shall be derated
2 percent of the rated load shown on the capacity charts for
each degree below -40°F.
CRANE WARM-UP PROCEDURES
Following procedures detail the actions that must be taken to
properly warm different crane components before operating
crane.
NOTE: For temperatures below -9°C (15°F) refer to arctic
lubricants and conditions in the Operator and
Service Manuals.
Before starting crane, ensure appropriate lubricants are used
to provide lubrication for prevailing ambient temperatures in
which crane will operate in (a list of lubricants and their
temperature ranges can be found in Lubrication section of
your equipment’s Operator Manual, by contacting your local
National Crane distributor, or by contacting Manitowoc
Crane Care directly).
Engine
NOTE: For National Crane engine warm-up procedures,
refer to chassis manufacturer’s manual.
Warm-up Procedures for All Temperature Ranges:
1. Upon startup, allow engine to idle for 3 to 5 minutes
before operating with a load.
2. Cold Engine Startup: After allowing the engine to warm
by idling it for 3 to 5 minutes, slowly increase engine
speed to provide adequate lubrication to bearings and to
allow oil pressure to stabilize.
Transmission
NOTE: For National Crane transmission warm-up
procedures, refer to chassis manufacturer’s
manual.
Operating the transmission with a sump temperature below
normal operating temperature is limited to:
• operating in neutral gear or
• driving with an unloaded equipment while not exceeding
1500 engine RPM and not exceeding half throttle.
Hoist
Performing a warm-up procedure is recommended at every
startup and is required at ambient temperatures below 4°C
(40°F).
CAUTION
Crane Damage Hazard!
Operating the crane with the incorrect lubricants and
fluids for prevailing ambient temperature and/or failing to
adequately warm the crane prior to cold weather
operation can lead to a failure of a crane component or
system.
Always use Manitowoc recommended lubricants and
fluids for prevailing ambient temperature and properly
start and warm the crane using the cold weather
procedures found in this Operator Manual and
supplement before operating the crane at full load.