5. Special attention must be given to the hydraulic oil
during very cold weather.
NEVER ENGAGE THE HYDRAULIC PUMP AND AC-
TUATE THE HYDRUALIC SYSTEM BEFORE THE
HYDRAULIC OIL IS WARM. Cold, sluggish oil can
cause pump cavitation. If the crane is not equipped
with a reservoir immersion heater and running the oil
over relief will not warm it sufficiently to prevent pump
cavitation with the engine running very slowly, cease
attempts to engage the pump until an external heat
source can be obtained.
Once the reservoir is warm to the touch, actuate the
hydraulic system by engaging the hydraulic pump.
Continue warming the oil and slowly cycle all crane
functions, actuating all cylinders in turn, swinging the
upper and operating the winches in both directions.
The hydraulic oil may be run over relief to aid in the
warm-up process. To do this, actuate a func- tion, al-
low the cylinders involved to reach the limits of their
travel and hold the control in the engaged position for
a few seconds.
When running hydraulic oil over relief to warm it, be
sure to restrict the flow to as slow a speed as possible
by moderating pressure on the controls being engaged
and running the engine at low speed.
6. At the end of the work period, or whenever the crane
is to be left idle for extended periods, prevent it from
being frozen to the ground by parking it on a wood,
concrete, asphalt or mat surface.
EXTREME HEAT Like extreme cold, requires that pre-
cautions be taken with respect to the cooling system,
the battery and lubrication. Protect the crane by per-
forming the following recommended procedures:
1. High temperatures necessitate the use of lubri-
cants which are both more viscous and which resist
deterioration at higher operating temperatures. Re-
fer to the Lubrication Chart and lubricate the crane
using the lubricants recommended for the expected
temperatures.
Crankcase oil is particularly important because it helps
dissipate heat. Check the oil level frequently and add
oil as necessary to maintain required level. Too little oil
will hinder heat dissipation.
2. To ensure proper coolant circulation, drain and flush
the cooling system, clean any foreign matter from
the radiator cooling fins and through core air pas-
sages, replace defective hoses, tighten hose
clamps, tension the water pump drive belt properly,
eliminate any leaks detected and fill the system with
a 50% solution of ethylene glycol. A corrosion inhib-
itor is recommended.
Engine overheating due to loss of coolant will most of-
ten be corrected by SLOWLY adding coolant while the
engine is running at FAST IDLE. Should this fail to cor-
rect the problem, drain and flush the system and refill
with fresh coolant (50% solution of ethylene glycol) and
a corrosion inhibitor.
Allow the engine to cool before draining and flushing
the cooling system.
Water containing more than small concentrations of
salt or minerals should not be used in the cooling sys-
tem. Salt facilitates corrosion and minerals deposited
on the coolant passage walls. Both processes inhibit
proper cooling.
3. Air circulation around the engine and battery must
not be restricted. Keep air intake and exhaust open-
ings clear of leaves, paper or other foreign matter
which may restrict air flow.
4. Keep the engine clean of dirt, grease and other sub-
stances which inhibit heat dissipation.
5. Use sound judgment in operating the engine. Avoid
the two extremes of racing and lugging.
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Revised: October 20053 - 21RT700