SD Series
Operating & Safety Instructions
USA 03/12
31
4.7
TRANSPORTING, TOWING, CRANEAGE, STORAGE AND SETTING TO WORK
4.7.1
TRANSPORTING
If a Niftylift is to be moved over a longer distance, whether the machine is trailer mounted, vehicle
mounted, self propelled or tracked, the following procedure should be read before restraints are
attached to the machine. Cross loading is most frequently the cause of problems, as the method of
loading is no longer in sight of our own personnel. The recommendations made herein should be
passed on to subsequent carriers, such that the entire journey is carried out without incident.
•
Always ensure the truck or trailer you are loading or towing the Niftylift with can carry it legally.
•
If loading by crane the use of shackles and an adequately rated spreader beam, with four leg slings,
is
MANDATORY.
•
When loading or un-loading from the side of the vehicle, the use of the forklift pockets to retain one
of the forks is recommended. (If fitted). Spread the forks to their widest capacity, with due regard
to the components fitted to the machine. Never forklift or crane an entire machine under the
booms, always lift beneath the spine or under the ends of the axle mountings in the case of a self-
propelled unit. Ensure forklift is adequately rated for the load to be carried.
•
Once positioned on the transport carrier ratchet straps should be used to secure the machine. The
machine should be positioned to allow easy access around the machine in transit, and to ensure
that ‘creepage’ during transport does not permit the machine to come into contact with other goods
being shipped, or the container itself. Some movement of the machine structure might occur during
transit, which could lead to fretting or other damage.
•
If the machine is equipped with a transit device such as a boom clamp etc, this should be securely
applied.
•
Strap booms carefully to constrain them from sideways movement. When using straps or chains,
adequate packing should be applied to stop any damage to the structure and paintwork. Due regard
of the movement of the straps or chains must be taken into account.
•
Where a machine has designated points for strapping, lifting or forking, these can be used for tie-
down duty. When they are absent, the major structure of the basket can be used, giving due
consideration to the design and function of the area chosen. Where possible, use the spine of the
machine or axle mounts over which to apply the holding down forces. Using a single plate, such as
an outrigger or stabiliser support plate might be unsuitable. If the component was clearly not
designed to accommodate a side load, one should not be applied.
•
Under no circumstances should straps or chains be applied over booms or through the basket
support structure or the basket itself. The relative strength of the carrying structure is not conducive
to the massive forces capable of being applied through ratchet chains or slings. Severe damage to
the steelwork can be caused, as well as deformation to sensitive mechanisms such as basket
weigh assemblies, which would render them useless. Such catastrophic damage to say, an
electronic load cell would require the component to be replaced before the machine would function.
