The MaxxHaul Hydraulic Hitch Mounted Pickup Truck Crane, Model 70238, is a portable lifting device designed for use with pickup trucks equipped with a 2" x 2" Class III or Class IV receiver hitch. Its primary function is to assist in lifting and maneuvering heavy cargo into and out of a truck bed.
Function Description:
The crane operates hydraulically, utilizing a long ram jack to raise and lower its boom. It is designed to be positioned outside the truck bed, attaching to the vehicle's receiver hitch. The boom can be adjusted to different positions to accommodate various lifting capacities: 500 Lbs., 750 Lbs., and 1,000 Lbs. The crane allows for a lift range from 30 inches off the ground to 84 inches high, and its boom can swivel 360 degrees, providing flexibility in cargo placement. Once cargo is lifted, the post can be pivoted to move the load over the truck bed, and then slowly lowered. The device is not intended for supporting loads for extended periods; immediate support with jack stands or equivalent is recommended if unloading is not possible. When not in use, the crane can be disassembled, folded, and secured with storage straps for transport or storage.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Boom Positions and Weight Capacities: 500, 750, and 1,000 Lbs.
- Lift Range: From 30" off ground to 84" high.
- For Use With: 2" x 2" Class III and IV Receiver Hitch.
- Crane Swivel: 360 Degrees.
- Maximum Boom Capacity: 1,000 Lbs.
- Hydraulic System: Long Ram Jack.
Usage Features:
- Receiver Hitch Attachment: The crane must be securely attached to a 2" x 2" Class III or Class IV receiver hitch, which should be properly installed by a qualified service technician. The straight tube section of the Base Assembly must be parallel with the ground surface and at the same height as the vehicle's receiver hitch for proper setup.
- Adjustable Boom: The boom (1) features multiple attachment points for the Hook with Chain (8), allowing users to select the appropriate maximum weight setting (500, 750, or 1,000 Lbs.) based on the cargo's weight.
- Hydraulic Operation: The long ram jack (3) is operated using a jack handle (15). To raise the boom, the hydraulic release valve must be closed (turned clockwise completely), and the handle pumped. To lower the boom, the release valve is slowly turned counterclockwise.
- Pivoting Post: The post (2) allows the raised cargo to be pivoted into the truck bed, enhancing maneuverability.
- Safety Features: The Hook with Chain (8) includes a safety latch that must be closed to ensure secure attachment of couplings. Stop pins (18, 19, 20) are used to limit the boom's swivel range.
- Portability and Storage: The crane is designed for easy assembly and disassembly. Components like the legs (6) can be folded, and storage straps (38, 39) are provided to hold folded components in place when not in use. The crane should be removed from the vehicle's receiver hitch when not in use.
- Work Area Considerations: Before setting up the crane, ensure the pickup truck is off the highway, in a clear location away from oncoming traffic. The truck's engine should be OFF, with automatic transmission in PARK (manual transmission vehicles in gear), and all wheels chocked for safety. The position of the vehicle's exhaust pipes should be noted to prevent flammable goods from coming into contact with hot pipes.
- Dynamic Loading Awareness: Users must be aware of dynamic loading, where sudden tugs or weight gains can momentarily exceed the crane's capacity, potentially causing damage or injury.
- Personnel Safety: Only individuals physically able to handle the strenuous and dangerous tasks of setting up and maneuvering heavy cargo should operate the crane. Children and spectators must be kept clear of the work area and the load being lifted. The crane is strictly for lifting cargo, not people or animals.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Inspection: The crane, long ram jack, chain, and hook should be inspected before each use for damage, corrosion, or any condition that might affect safe performance. All hardware and clips must be tightly secured.
- Hydraulic System Bleeding: If the long ram jack's efficiency decreases due to trapped air, the hydraulic system needs to be bled. This involves opening the air release valve, removing the oil fill plug, rapidly pumping the jack handle for several cycles, closing the release valve, and replacing the oil fill plug.
- Hydraulic Oil Replacement: Hydraulic oil should be replaced at least once per year, or more frequently with heavy use. To change the oil, the jack must be removed from the crane, its ram fully lowered, the oil fill plug removed, and the old oil drained. The system is then refilled with new, high-quality hydraulic oil to the lower edge of the fill hole, bled of air, and topped off before replacing the plug. Only good quality hydraulic oil should be used, and different brands should not be mixed.
- Cleaning and Lubrication: The crane should be kept clean, and moving parts should be periodically lubricated.
- Professional Servicing: Any service or repairs to the crane, especially those involving replacing parts, should only be performed by a qualified service technician.
The MaxxHaul Hydraulic Hitch Mounted Pickup Truck Crane is a robust tool designed to simplify heavy lifting tasks for pickup truck owners, provided it is used and maintained according to the safety guidelines and instructions outlined in the manual.
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