©2008-2017 McCoy Global
Manual № TM12012
80-0420-23 POWER TONG
Section 4
Page 4.4
Operation
4.0.4 Shifting Gears
Shifting between high and low gear is controlled remotely by means of a remote hydraulic shift cylinder.
Note that the high clutch gear or the low clutch gear may not be exactly aligned when shifting, so the operator
may need to “bump” the motor control handle slightly to turn the main clutch gear shaft and shifting collar into
alignment. This is most effective when applying a small amount of pressure on the gear shift lever in the direction
you want to shift the tong, ensuring the shifting collar will “catch” when the main clutch gear aligns with either the
high or low clutch gear.
4.0.5 Backing Pin Operation
The backing pin must be engaged in either the MAKE or BREAK position to make up or break out a connection.
The backing bin can only be engaged when the tong is rotated to the ‘open throat’ position and no rotating
components of the tong are in motion.
4.0.6 Pre-operational Checks
McCoy recommends that the following pre-operating tests be performed prior to releasing the tong assembly to
a operational environment:
1. Connect the tong to a hydraulic power source in a controlled environment. Ensure the power unit’s operating
parameters are within the specifications as identified on Page 2.7, and the hydraulic connections from the
power source are properly and securely made up see Page 3.12. Do not neglect to connect the motor drain
line.
2. Energize hydraulic power to the tool. Inspect all hydraulic connections. Be aware that a restriction in the
pressure supply hose will result in high pressure within the power unit hydraulic system, which may activate a
hydraulic governor in a stand-alone power unit and increase the engine speed to as high as maximum RPM.
A restriction in the return line will result in high pressure within both the power unit and the tong hydraulic
system, and may cause failure of the motor seal.
3. If using a stand-alone hydraulic power unit allow hydraulic system to warm by circulating fluid for about 10
minutes, then slowly close the bypass valve to allow hydraulic fluid to circulate through the hoses and tong.
Ensure circulating pressure does not exceed 200 PSI.
4. Inspect all hydraulic hoses and connections on the tong. Immediately correct any hydraulic fluid leaks.
5. Inspect all gauges. Replace leaking or cracked gauges, or any gauge not registering a reading.
6. Confirm that all load-bearing pins and R-clip retainers are installed and in good condition (rigid sling pins, lift
cylinder pins).
7. Confirm all hydraulic hoses (with the exception of the supply and return to the backup) are securely fastened
to the tong, and are not in contact with the cage plate or creating a snagging hazard.
A rotating tong potentially stores a large amount of kinetic energy in the gear train. Suddenly opening the tong
door to stop rotation will generate a shock load that could result in catastrophic equipment failure not covered
by the manufacturer’s warranty, and may present a hazard to personnel on the drill floor.
!
WARNING
SHIFTING TONG WHILE ROTATING THE MOTOR AND CAGE PLATE MAY RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC
GEAR TRAIN FAILURE.
!
WARNING
A CLEARLY IDENTIFIED REMOTE POWER PACK EMERGENCY STOP MUST BE INSTALLED IN THE
IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF THE TONG OPERATOR.
!
WARNING
SUDDENLY OPENING THE TONG DOOR TO STOP ROTATION WILL GENERATE A SHOCK LOAD THAT
COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC EQUIPMENT FAILURE NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER’S
WARRANTY, AND MAY PRESENT A HAZARD TO PERSONNEL ON THE DRILL FLOOR.
To Next Page