This document is the owner's manual for the Stellar EC Series Crane, providing comprehensive information on its operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The Stellar EC Series Cranes are designed for safe and dependable service across various operations, emphasizing the importance of proper use and maintenance for peak performance and longevity.
Function Description:
The Stellar EC Series Crane is a telescopic crane designed for lifting and positioning loads. It is operated via a radio remote control, allowing for precise and simultaneous control of multiple functions. The crane is intended for use in various job site applications, requiring the operator to have a firm understanding of safety practices and the equipment's capabilities. Key operational steps include disengaging the drive axle, setting the parking brake, turning on crane power, positioning stabilizers, operating the crane (including unstowing, lifting, moving, and stowing), and finally, stowing the stabilizers and releasing the parking brake.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual covers models EC2000, EC3200, EC4000, EC5000, and EC6000. While specific load capacities are not detailed in the provided pages, the manual repeatedly stresses the importance of adhering to manufacturer's load charts and ratings, which are based on the machine's hydraulic, mechanical, and structural design, as well as stability. The crane utilizes a hydraulic system, and specific hydraulic oil recommendations are provided based on ambient temperature: High VI, low pour, ISO 22, AW hydraulic oil for below -5°F; High VI, low pour, ISO 32, AW hydraulic oil for -5°F to 90°F; and ISO 46, AW hydraulic oil for above 90°F. The rotation gear bearing tilt test specifies a maximum dial indicator change of 0.060” (1.524 mm) for Stellar Models EC3200-EC6000. Backlash specifications for the worm gear are 0.005” (0.127 mm) total indicator movement, with a recheck range of 0.005" to 0.012” (0.127 to 0.3048 mm). Torque data for various bolt sizes (5/16-18 to 1 1/2-6) and grades (Grade 5, 8, and 9) are provided in foot-pounds for both plain and plated bolts.
Usage Features:
The crane features a radio remote control with an emergency stop button for immediate cessation of crane functionality. The remote control enters sleep mode after 15 seconds of inactivity and can be re-linked by activating a toggle switch. Battery replacement for the handheld transmitter uses AA Alkaline batteries. A backup cord is provided for manual operation if the radio function is unusable, connecting the transmitter handle to the control receiver on the crane mast. The remote control functions include Boom Up/Down, Extension In/Out, Winch Up/Down, and Rotate Clockwise/Counterclockwise. The manual emphasizes maintaining safe clearance from high voltage power lines, using wheel chocks on slopes, and ensuring stabilizers are positioned on stable, flat ground. It also warns against lifting personnel, exceeding load charts, and leaving loads suspended or unattended.
Maintenance Features:
The manual outlines a basic crane maintenance schedule, including daily checks for hydraulic reservoir oil level, weekly greasing of rotation gear inner race bearings, monthly greasing of rotation gear worm drive bearings, quarterly greasing of open gear teeth, cylinder pivot points, and lubricating extension booms. Winch gear grease level should be checked monthly, and hydraulic oil should be drained and replaced after 6,500 hours. Hydraulic lines should be tightened every 6 months. General maintenance guidelines include using only qualified service personnel, avoiding modifications without Stellar Industries' approval, positioning the crane safely, placing controls in the off position, and disconnecting power/relieving hydraulic pressure before maintenance. Specific instructions are given for hydraulic oil maintenance, recharging the auxiliary battery, and washing the crane (covering the radio remote receiver). Wire rope maintenance refers to ANSI B30.5, and winch maintenance refers to the winch manual. Extension boom lubrication uses Stellar PN 44512 aerosol lubricant. Detailed procedures are provided for rotation gear bearing maintenance, including lubricating the worm gear and open gear teeth with heavy Moly Lube grease (Stellar PN 4460), worm gear bearings and races with EP2 grease, and the inner gear bearing race with EP2 grease weekly at specific clock positions. Gear-bearing bolt maintenance requires replacing removed bolts with new ones of identical grade and size and using Red Loctite Threadlocker sealant. A specific thread tightening procedure for rotation gear bearing bolts is outlined, involving torquing in stages (40%, 75%, and final listed torque) following a specific sequence. Rotation gear bearing tilt tests and worm end play & backlash adjustments are also detailed. Lubrication recommendations include specific greases for various components: Lithium complex, NLGI 2 grease with moly for crane rotation gear; Lithium complex, synthetic based NLGI 00 grease for worm drive bearings and turntable bearing inner race; Lithium complex, NLGI 2 grease for crane pivot areas; and Synthetic lubricant containing Teflon® for extension booms. Compressor lubrication recommendations are also provided based on temperature and compressor type.