Westco 16-25, Product Manual, Page: 15 / 49

Section 3 Page 2
Initial Operations
After the tong is transported to the job site, hoisted into operating position, and the backup
line attached, leveled and connected with power unit as described in the installation section,
proceed as follows:
1. Be sure shifting lever and throttle handle are in neutral position.
2. Start hydraulic power unit.
3. Perform an operational check and make any required adjustments before continuing.
4. Place reversing pin in the make-up hole for make-up operation or in the breakout hole
for breakout operation. (See Figure 3-3)
Figure 3-3: Reversing pin
Positioning Tong and Enclosing Casing
After performing the initial operations, position the tong for the make-up or breakout work to be done.
Position the tong at the proper height for gripping casing as follows:
1. If the tong is installed with a counterbalanced system, lift or lower the tong to the
desired position.
2. If a lift cylinder is used, operate the lift cylinder control lever (located to the right of tong
control lever) to position the tong.
Place the tong on the casing section positioned for make-up or breakout. Close the doors.
Then operate the tong as follows:
Operating the Tong
WARNING: Be sure no part of the body or clothing is in tong rotary area and no cables or
Equipment other than casing are enclosed in the tong. Operator and all other
Objects must be clear of backup line and traveling path of tong while in operation.
Initially select high-speed operation by moving the shifting lever up and the motor selector
to the right.
To begin turning the casing clockwise for make-up operation, push the throttle handle forward.
To begin turning the casing counterclockwise for breakout operation, pull the throttle handle back.
CAUTION: Initial gripping action must not occur while plunger is in the cam pocket:
damage to the tong may result. If gripping occurs immediately upon initiation
of rotary motor (before the plunger is depressed) check jaw roller for proper
size (Section 7, p.1) and/or rotate in opposite direction before gripping so that
plunger is in depressed position before gripping occurs.
Once the tong stalls out, release the throttle handle and move the shifting lever and motor
selector to the low-speed position.
Operate the throttle handle to complete the torquing operation.