Pierce Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower, Manual, Page: 120 / 132

MAINTENANCE
5-14 / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower
© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
5-9. Extreme Environment Maintenance Precautions
The type of service and regional area could be detrimental to the operation and longevity of this device. Both
temperature and environmental conditions are significant.
5-9.1 General Temperature Concerns
The recommended start-up temperatures for the hydraulic system depends on the viscosity grade of hydraulic oil
installed in your aerial. A label located on the hydraulic oil reservoir indicates the grade of oil installed in your unit.
5-9.2 Extreme High-Temperature Concerns
• During high-temperature periods, monitor the hydraulic oil temperature and avoid any unnecessary use of the
aerial. Continued use above the maximum recommended operating range may reduce the life of some aerial
components. (Refer to
Table 5-2
,
“Hydraulic Oil Recommendations”
on
page 5-7
to determine the temperature
range of hydraulic oils used in Pierce aerial units.)
• In high-temperature climates where low temperatures are unlikely, use grease with a high melting point for the
rotation gear/pinion to provide extended coverage of these areas.
5-9.3 Extreme Low-Temperature Concerns
Maintain only a thin film of low melting point grease on the ladder section guide pad areas and on the rotation gear/
pinion. Allowing a buildup of heavy grease will degrade the aerial operation.
5-9.4 Extreme Wind-Swept Sand and Dirt Concerns
In environments where wind swept sand and dirt find their way into all areas of the aerial, more frequent cleaning is
required.
•
Remove contaminated grime from the telescopic waterway tubes. They should be clean at all times. A light coat
of very thin oil will improve the lubricity; however, too much oil will only attract more contamination.
• The wire rope cables should be clean. DO NOT use solvents on the cables. Using solvent on the cables will
remove the internal lubrication from the cables. Use only a “penetrating” cable lubricant when lubricating the
cables.
• Clean and remove contaminated grease from the rotation bearing gear and pinion gear. These should have only
a light coating of clean grease.
5-9.5 Salt-Air Environment Concerns
• Touch up painted areas showing signs of rust to prevent further corrosion.
• Clean and lubricate unpainted areas such as pins and cables. Use only a “penetrating” cable lubricant when
lubricating the cables.