Rev. 6/21/2019
WTJ-HITCH MANUAL
Copyright 2019 Vestil Manufacturing Co.
Page
7
of
9
Post angle adjustments:
The crane base can be rotated by up to
10° in either direction, which also changes
the position of the post. To change the
angle, first adjust the bolts in the top of the
tube bracket. When the desired angle is
achieved, tighten the bolts in the bottom of
the tube bracket.
Using the crane:
Proper operation is essential to reduce the likelihood of personal injury. Before using the crane,
ALWAYS
conduct the “Function Tests” described below. Compare items to the
following instructions call for an inspection/examination.
Function Tests:
Before using the crane, verify that it is in normal condition. If the crane fails any of the following tests do NOT use
it. Tag the crane “Out of Service”, remove it from service, and report the problem to authorized inspection and
maintenance personnel. DO NOT use the crane again until it is restored to normal operating condition.
1. Test the pivot action: confirm that the post pivots normally about the 8
1
/
2
in. bolt (item no. 22 on p. 4).
2. Test the winch: Lower and raise the load hook. Confirm that the cable unwinds and rewinds smoothly.
3. Inspect the cable: look for kinks, frayed or broken wires, bird-caging, etc. Replace the cable if it is significantly
worn or damaged.
4. Examine the hook: the hook must not twisted, cracked, elongated, etc. Replace the hook if it is damaged.
Proper loading:
Before using the crane, prepare the vehicle. Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake. If you
will use the crane on a pickup truck, it might be necessary to lower or remove the tailgate to accommodate the load.
Recall that the boom brace can be attached to the boom at either of 2 positions (see Step 5 on p. 6). Attaching the
Step 7: Install the cable pulley (15) at the end of the
boom. First, feed the load hook and cable through the
opening at the end of the boom (not shown); then
attach the two rollers (12; one on each side of pulley)
and the cable pulley using a
1
/
2
in. – 13 x 3
1
/
2
in. bolt (19)
and
1
/
2
in. – 13 hex nut (27) as shown in the diagram below.
Step 6: Attach the winch (7) to the boom using
3
/
8
in.
hardware (17, 23, 25, & 26).
3
/
8
in. flat
washer (23)
3
/
8
in. – 16 x 1in.
(17)
Winch (7)
10°
Adjust upper bolts first
After desired angle is achieved, tighten bottom bolts
against hitch tube
NOTE:
Lifting a load with the crane causes
the frame of the vehicle to shift. This shift
also causes the angle of the crane (relative
to vertical) to change. Adjust the crane angle
to account for the change that occurs under
load.
When properly adjusted, the post
should be vertical while the crane is
loaded
. Once loaded if the angle must be
adjusted, lower and disconnect the load
before making the adjustment.
Vertical line
Cable pulley
(15)
Roller (12)
1
/
2
in. – 13 x 3
1
/
2
in. bolt (19)
1
/
2
in. – 13 hex nut (27)
3
/
8
in. – 16
hex nut (26)
3
/
8
in. flat
washer (23)
3
/
8
in. lock
washer (25)
