OPERATION ON SIDE SLOPES
Mobile Cranes are primarily designed to be used on firm, flat, level ground (to
within 1% gradient), according to AS 1418.5, any deviation from this requires that
the Rated Capacity shall be reduced accordingly. As per AS 2550.5 – negotiation
of slopes by mobile cranes travelling with Freely Suspended Loads should be
avoided. The following precautions should be taken when operating on side slopes
of up to 5 (8.75% gradient) – REMEMBER surface depressions and potholes will
create the same effect as a side slope.
Ensure the tyres are correctly INFLATED as per the rated capacity manual.
Ensure the ground condition is FIRM enough to support the axle loads.
REDUCE the Rated Capacity of the crane by the percentage value for the crane as
shown in figure 1 for operating on side slopes up to 5 (8.75% gradient) -
REMEMBER the crane’s load moment indicator will NOT automatically derate the
Rated Capacity.
Use the crane’s side slope inclinometer as a guide only, it is most accurate when
the crane’s Articulation is straight ahead without suspending a load. All Articulated
chassis cranes will show some degree of side tilt, when Articulated with a load –
this should not be confused with the ground’s side slope.
Use the MINIMUM boom length and Loaded Boom Angle practical to keep the
boom tip as close to the ground as possible.
Keep the load as CLOSE to the ground as possible.
Use the MINIMUM Articulation angle practical - REMEMBER the crane will side tilt
and hence the hook will move towards the direction of Articulation whilst steering.
Keep the load on the UPHILL side of the crane where possible, especially when
Articulated – REMEMBER the working Load Radius will increase if the load is
suspended in the downhill position.
Load swing greatly reduces stability – REMEMBER to tagline loads to prevent
pendulum motion of the load. Travel and crane motions should be applied gently
to minimise this effect.
Sudden acceleration or deceleration of suspended load can also reduce stability –
REMEMBER to travel gently to reduce load swing.
8 MXC1347B
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