Rev. 6/21/2019
WTJ-HITCH MANUAL
Copyright 2019 Vestil Manufacturing Co.
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brace to position A will allow you to raise loads as high as possible. Attachment to position B optimizes boom reach
(horizontal distance) but does not allow loads to be lifted as high. Select the appropriate attachment point for the
brace and then proceed to the next step.
Next, bring the load to the vehicle. Rotate the boom away from the vehicle and position the load directly below the
load hook. Attach necessary rigging to the load; then attach the load hook to the rigging.
Slowly raise the load off of the ground with the winch. Observe both the crane and the load as the load rises. Make
sure that the load does not swing, because the post will tilt slightly under the weight of a load. Observe the crane post
and make sure that it is substantially vertical while the load is applied. When the load is adequately elevated, slowly
push the load into the vehicle and lower it until it is fully supported by the vehicle. Next, disconnect the load hook from
the rigging and turn the winch until the hook is fully retracted.
Do not drive while the crane is attached to the vehicle. Either disconnect the entire crane assembly by pulling the
hitch tube out of the receiver, OR remove the 8
1
/
2
in. bolt (22) that fastens the upper assembly (post, boom, and brace)
to the base frame.
Lowering the tailgate:
The tailgate of some trucks cannot be lowered without contacting the boom brace.
The crane is designed to address this issue without having to disconnect hardware:
•
First, retract the load cable;
•
Then, grasp the bottom of the boom brace and lift it off of the supporting bolt. The
bottom of the brace is slotted to facilitate quick disengagement from the bolt.
•
Carefully rotate the boom up and over the top of the post (as shown in the diagram
to the right) until it rests on the top of the post.
Avoid the pinch point between the brace and boom (dashed circle).
Record of Normal Condition:
Before putting the crane into service, create a record of its original condition. Thoroughly photograph the
assembled and installed crane from multiple vantage points. Closely photograph all pivot points, connections, and
fasteners. Photograph all labels. Describe the appearance of the crane including locations of all labels. Also
describe the operation of the winch mechanism by using the crane to lift a test load. Add your notes to the record
file. This record establishes normal condition of the crane.
Inspections and Maintenance:
Crane owners and operators should regularly inspect this crane to confirm that it is in normal working
condition. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) crane inspection procedures appear in 29 CFR
1910.179 (visit http://www.osha.gov/ and navigate to “Regulations” section 1910.179; relevant portions of those
procedures appear in paraphrase below). Compare your observations to the
Record of Normal Condition
.
Replace all items that are not in normal condition before returning the crane to service.
1.
Initial inspection
— before using a new crane for the first time, inspect it to insure normal condition.
After the first use, conduct the following inspections:
2.
Frequent inspection
— inspect the following items for defects at the intervals indicated, including
observation
during operation
for any defects which might appear between inspections. All deficiencies such
as those listed shall be carefully examined to determine whether they constitute a safety hazard:
•
All functional operating mechanisms (pulley, cable, winch, post): inspect daily for maladjustment interfering
with proper operation. Verify that the winch rotates normally in both directions and locks automatically
when not rotating. The pulley should rotate freely as the cable extends and retracts. The post should rotate
smoothly and easily.
•
Load Hook: visually inspect the load hook before each use. Also
inspect the hook once per month and
record the results of the inspection. Examine the hook for deformation or cracks. Immediately discard the
hook if it is cracked or if the throat opening is more than 15 percent in excess of normal throat opening.
Discard the hook if it is twisted more than 10° from the plane of the unbent hook.
•
All frame pieces (hitch tube, base frame, post, boom and boom brace) and all fasteners (bolts, nuts, pins):
Inspect weekly for damage: excessive wear, warps, and cracks. Replace all parts that are damaged before
using the crane again. All frame pieces should be square, rigid and free of rust and corrosion. Remove any
rust was a steel wool or a metal bristle brush and apply touch-up paint designed for coating metal and for
outdoor use.
•
Cable:
Inspect weekly for reeving, kinks, frays, elongations, bird-caging, etc. Replace the cable if it is
damaged.
•
Pivot points: inspect all pivot points at least once per month, especially the connections between the base
frame and the post, for significant wear. Apply grease to the pivot points.
Lift slotted
end of brace
