NTC55 OPERATOR MANUAL CONTROLS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES
National Crane Published 9-26-2018 Control # 646-02 3-19
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 the 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 the engine
speed to provide adequate lubrication to the bearings
and to allow the 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 the neutral gear or
• driving with an unloaded crane 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).
Warm-up Procedures:
1. Without operating the hoist function, warm the hydraulic
oil (see Hydraulic Oil System, page 3-19).
2. Once the hydraulic system is warm, operate the
unloaded hoist, in both directions, at low speeds several
times to prime all hydraulic lines with warm hydraulic oil
and to circulate gear lubricant through the planetary
gear sets.
Swing Drive and Turntable Bearing
Warm-up Procedures for Temperatures Above -7°C
(20°F):
1. Setup the crane on fully extended outriggers, with the
boom fully retracted and near maximum lift angle with no
load applied.
2. Rotate the superstructure at a speed of less than one
RPM for at least one complete revolution in one
direction, then rotate the superstructure at a speed of
less than one RPM for at least one complete revolution
in the opposite direction.
Warm-up Procedures for Temperatures Below -7°C
(20°F):
1. Ensure the boom is fully retracted and near maximum lift
angle with no load applied.
2. Rotate the superstructure at a speed of less than one-
half RPM for at least two complete revolutions in one
direction, then rotate the superstructure at a speed of
less than one-half RPM for at least two complete
revolutions in the opposite direction.
Axles
NOTE: For National Crane axle warm-up procedures, refer
to chassis manufacturer’s manual.
Hydraulic Oil System
Operating Limits and Warm-up Procedures:
• From 4°C to -10°C (40°F to 15°F): Crane operation
without
a load is allowed with medium engine RPM and
medium function speed (joystick position) until the fluid
reaches at least 10°C (50°F). It is then recommended
that all crane functions be cycled to remove cold fluid
from all components and cylinders of the hydraulic
system. If there is any unusual sound coming from the
crane’s hydraulic pumps or motors, stop the operation
and engine immediately and contact a National Crane
distributor.
• From 10°C to 4°C (50°F to 40°F): Crane operation with
a load is allowed with medium engine RPM and medium
function speed (joystick position) until the fluid reaches
at least 10°C (50°F).
• From 95°C to 10°C (200°F to 50°F): Crane operation
with a load is allowed with no restrictions.
• Above 95°C (200°F): No crane operation is allowed. Let
the crane’s hydraulic oil cool by running the engine at
idle with no functions actuated.
CAUTION
Crane Damage Hazard!
Operating the crane with the incorrect lubricants and
fluids for the 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 National Crane recommended lubricants and
fluids for the 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.
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