The Stellar AutoTarper is a hydraulic tarping system designed for various operations, providing safe and dependable service. This owner's manual outlines the installation, operation, and maintenance procedures for the AutoTarper system.
Function Description:
The Stellar AutoTarper is a hydraulic system that facilitates the covering and uncovering of loads on trucks or containers with a tarp. It utilizes hydraulic cylinders to manipulate a gantry and arm assembly, which in turn deploys and retracts the tarp. The system is designed to streamline the tarping process, enhancing efficiency and safety for operators. The manual details steps for assembling the gantry, slide arm, and roller components, as well as installing the hydraulic kit and fittings. Operation involves specific sequences for rephasing cylinders, moving the gantry and arms, and deploying/retracting the tarp.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual provides detailed assembly drawings and parts lists for various components of the AutoTarper system, including:
- Mounting Assembly (PN 79444): Includes slide weldments, tubes, gantry brackets, gussets, plates, and various fasteners (cap screws, washers, nuts). Key components like the Slide Weldment SIAT SS I Beam and Tube 3.00X3.00X0.25WX35.59 W/HOLES are listed.
- Slide Arm Assembly (PN 79445): Features tubes for the torsion bar and upper/lower arms, slide weldments, a tarp roller assembly, cylinder mounts, wear pads, and various pins, snap rings, and fasteners. Specific cylinders mentioned are 2.00X42.00 and 2.00X30.00. Seal Kit PN 81299 is specified for lift and slide cylinders.
- Gantry Assembly (PN 79446): Comprises gantry guide and slide tube weldments, a gantry rack, heavy tarp tubes, gantry brackets, pins, cotter pins, and fasteners. The gantry cylinder is specified as 2.00X48.00 KPPT, using Seal Kit PN 59511.
- Hydraulic Kit Components: Includes a priority flow divider (3.0 GPM), various hydraulic fittings (MJ-MAORB 90, MJ-MORB STRAIGHT, MFS-FFSS-MFS RUN TEE, MFS-MORB STRAIGHT, F5OLO-S, MFS-FFSS 90, MORB-FORB STRAIGHT REDUCER), hose clamps, and a valve bank assembly. The valve bank includes a handle and knob (PN 26130), lever control box (PN 54944), spool spring kit (PN 67261), and valve bank spool seal kit (PN 68276). A gauge oil LF 2.5" 0-500 BM is also listed.
- Hose Kits (PN 80269 for Low Pressure System - SI60/S175 Cable Models; PN 81641 for High Pressure System - AFM Cable/Hooklift Models; PN 81909 for High Pressure System - Hooklift Models): These kits include various hydraulic hoses with specific lengths and fittings (e.g., 0.25(3000PSI)-6FJS SHORT-6FJS 90, 0.50(4500PSI)-8FFSS SHORT-8FFSS).
- Torque Data Chart: Provides recommended torque values in foot-pounds for different bolt sizes and grades (Grade 5, 8, 9), for both plain and plated bolts. It also specifies adjustments for lubricated bolts and plastic insert/crimped steel-type lock nuts.
- Reflective Tape (PN 49546): Locations and lengths of reflective tape (36", 12", 48", 6") are provided for vehicle conspicuity, adhering to ANSI Standard Z245.1-1999 Z.2.16.
- Serial Plate (PN C5942): Location on the passenger side is indicated.
- System Pressure: The hydraulic system pressure is specified as 3000 P.S.I.
Usage Features:
- General Operation: Emphasizes the importance of a qualified operator, well-maintained equipment, and proper use. Operators must understand all decals, the owner's manual, and safety regulations.
- Pre-Operation Inspection: Daily checks include hydraulic reservoir oil level, hose condition, safety covers, decals, structural weldments, pins and keepers, presence of the manual, and tarp condition.
- Job Site Setup: Requires planning the lift, ensuring the operating area is clear of personnel and obstacles (minimum 10-foot clearance), maintaining safe clearance from high voltage power lines, and avoiding operation during electrical storms.
- Cylinder Rephase Procedure: Daily rephasing of arm and slide cylinders is recommended to synchronize oil flow. This involves fully retracting or extending each pair of cylinders and holding the control handle down for 5 seconds.
- Tarping Steps:
- Rephase cylinders.
- Move arms up and slide forward to clear the front corner of the container.
- Raise the gantry so the tarp attach point is level with the top of the container.
- Rotate arms to the rear of the load (within 1 foot of the top) and slide back to position the roll on the rear corner.
- Lower tarp by rotating arms down and moving the gantry down slightly to tension the tarp at the front.
- Untarping Steps:
- Raise gantry and arms to lift the tarp roll off the container and release tension.
- Move tarp roll to the front of the container, stopping slowly.
- Lower gantry to its lowest (storage/travel) position.
- Set tarp roll on gantry using arm and slide controls.
- Tarp Roller Spring Pre-load: Involves rotating the roller clockwise 20-25 turns, ensuring even tarp rolling, and then securing with a bolt and lock nut. Maximum 30 turns for tension.
- Hydraulic Relief Pressure: Set at 3,000 PSI.
Maintenance Features:
- Basic AutoTarper Inspection Schedule: A daily and monthly checklist for various components:
- Daily: Hydraulic reservoir oil level, hose/tubing damage, safety covers, decals, structural weldments, pins/keepers, manual presence.
- Monthly: All pins, bushings, shafts, and gears for wear/cracks/distortion; cylinder movement due to leakage; controls for malfunction/adjustment; hydraulic system pressure; cylinders for damaged rods/barrels/leaks; PTO and pump for leaks; frame bolt tightness (first month, then quarterly); electrical wires/connections; lubrication of moving parts.
- General Maintenance Guidelines:
- Maintenance to be performed only by qualified service personnel.
- Autotarper must be in the fully stowed position during maintenance.
- All controls in the off position.
- All system cylinders fully retracted when checking hydraulic oil.
- Grease zerk locations are provided in the Installation, Assembly Drawings, Parts Manual.
- Disengage PTO and shut off engine before service/repair.
- Disconnect power source before electrical maintenance.
- Relieve hydraulic oil pressure before hydraulic component maintenance.
- Use Stellar® approved parts only.
- Keep the autotarper clean.
- Label/tag parts during disassembly.
- Repair inadequate components immediately.
- Hydraulic Oil/Filter Maintenance: First filter change after 250 hours, then every 1,000 hours. Hydraulic oil can last up to 6,500 hours under normal parameters. Check filter gauge often in less favorable conditions.
- PTO and Pump Maintenance: Lubricate splines every six months using Chelsea Lubricant #379831 or Stellar PN 42042/20885.
- Choice Lubricants for DX Bearings: Provides a list of recommended greases (e.g., Stabilized, Anti-Oxidant Lithium Base; Calcium Based with EP Additives) and greases not recommended (e.g., Light Service Calcium or Sodium Based Grease; Greases with More than 10% Graphite).
- Face Seal/O-Ring Size Chart: Provides part numbers for face seals and O-rings for various hose and fitting sizes (1/4" to 1").
The manual emphasizes safety throughout, with clear warnings and notices regarding potential hazards and proper procedures to prevent injury or damage. It also provides contact information for technical questions, parts, and warranty support.
To Next Page
Need help?
General
