Unusual Operating Conditions
Special problems in maintenance and operation are caused by unusual conditions such as
extremes in heat, cold and humidity, high altitude, salt water, and dusty or sandy work
sites. When operating under such conditions, special precautions must be taken to prevent
damage, minimize wear, and avoid component deterioration.
EXTREME COLD
In periods of extreme cold, the problems of freeze damage, adequate lubrication and
battery failure may become particularly troublesome. With the onset of very cold weather, it
is advisable to “winterize” the crane by servicing the cooling system and switching to the
lubricants recommended for cold weather usage. Follow the recommendations in this
manual when the crane must be operated in very cold conditions.
1.
To prevent freeze damage to the cooling system and cracking of the engine block or
head, drain and flush the cooling system. Clean the radiator exterior, making certain
the air passages through the core and the cooling fins are free of foreign matter.
Refill the cooling system, adding an anti-freeze solution recommended by the engine
manufacturer in an amount and strength appropriate to the anticipated temperatures.
A corrosion inhibitor is recommended.
Never use a chromate base corrosion inhibitor when the coolant contains
ethylene glycol. Use only non-chromate base inhibitors. Chromate base inhibitors
reacting with ethylene glycol can produce chromium hydroxide, commonly
known as “green slime”. This substance reduces the heat transfer rate and can
cause serious engine overheating.
Inspect the thermostat, clamps, radiator hoses and radiator core for proper condition.
Replace or repair any cooling system component found to be defective.
2.
Condensation in the fuel tank contaminates the fuel supply with water, which can
freeze in the fuel lines and block the fuel flow to the engine. To minimize this
possibility, keep the tank as full as is practical during cold weather. This may entail
refilling the tank more frequently than usual, but the inconvenience is small compared
to clearing a blocked fuel line.
If water should be noticed in the fuel supply, drain the tank and refill it with
uncontaminated fuel.
3.
Lubricate the crane with the lubricants recommended for cold weather operation on
the Lubrication Chart. If necessary, change the engine oil and other lubricants in order
to conform to the recommendations.
4.
The battery is more likely to sustain freeze damage if not kept fully charged because
its electrolyte will freeze at a higher temperature than that in a fully charged battery. Be
certain the battery is charging when the engine is running and use an external charger
to restore full charge when the crane is not being operated.
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P/N 12261-319 REVISED: August 2012
Summary of Contents for RT200-1
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