01/11
rev. 3/6/2017
LM, MANUAL
Copyright 2016 Vestil Manufacturing Co.
Page 25 of 28
Test the stability of the load in the rigging
. Raise the forks
slowly
to minimize load movement. Raise the forks until
the load is entirely suspended from the boom. Watch the load and boom closely for
either
of the following issues: 1)
Load sliding in rigging; or 2) Boom sliding towards tips of forks. If you notice either issue, immediately lower the forks
and adjust the rigging. Retest the stability of the load in the rigging
While transporting a load with the boom, the load should only be 6-8 inches above the ground. Adjust load height
to avoid obstacles along the travel path.
DO NOT exceed approximately 1.5mph (2.4kph) while transporting a load with the boom.
Travel ONLY on smooth, level surfaces. Turn slowly and smoothly.
If the load is unstable while suspended, DO NOT use the boom.
5. Attach the load to the boom by connecting the load to appropriate rigging. Attach the rigging to the end hook or to
both the end hook and the stabilizing hook (see diagram below).
a. Verify that the load attachment is stable;
b. Raise the load until it is elevated no more than 6-8 inches above the ground (entirely suspended from the
boom).
c. Slowly transport the load to the desired unloading location;
d. Slowly lower the load until it is entirely supported by the ground and there is slack in all rigging.
e. Disconnect the rigging from the hooks;
f. Adjust the fork position until no more than 6-8 inches above the ground;
g. Return the boom to its storage location.
NOTE:
Return OBT and OBNT model booms to the fully lowered (horizontal) position by reversing Step 4 on
p. 24 BEFORE backing out of the fork pockets.
Inspections:
Immobilize the boom before conducting inspections and performing maintenance.
If an inspection
reveals problems, restore the boom to normal operating condition BEFORE using it again.
DO NOT use a
boom that is structurally damaged in any way. Structural damage includes, but is not limited to, cracked welds,
warping or deformation of the fork pockets, support leg, frame members, boom, or boom sleeve.
Inspect the boom regularly. An example of an inspection procedure appears in
1. Regular inspection — before using the boom (including its first use) inspect the following components for
conditions that might interfere with normal operation:
Frame and fork pockets: fork pockets should be square and solid. Each pocket should be rigidly welded to the
frame. Excessive wear or damage (or indications of metal fatigue) to any portion of the fork pockets, support
frame, boom or boom sleeve.
Boom: check all welds. The boom should be straight and undamaged, i.e. no cracks, punctures, warps, etc.
Telescoping models should slide without binding inside the receiver/sleeve.
Safety chain: all links of the chain should be intact and of equal dimensions. The chains should be securely
attached to the frame by means of a lap link. The snap hook at the end of the chain should close completely
and automatically.
Hooks and shackles: examine both the end hook and the stabilizing hook. Record the measurement of the
throat opening of each hook and compare the measurements with those taken during the very first inspection.
Replace a hook if its throat opening is more than 15 percent wider than the original throat opening
measurement, or if the hook is twisted more than 10° from the plane of the unbent hook. Discard the damaged
hook. The latch of the end hook should close automatically. Shackles should be securely attached to the
underside of the boom. Examine all pins that attach shackles to the boom for cracks and warps.
Locking bolt (telescoping models only): confirm that the locking bolt securely engages the top of the boom.
Support leg: inspect the support leg. It should be straight, undamaged (no cracks or deformations), and
securely attached to the underside of the boom.
End hook
Stabilizing
hook
Shackle
Shackle
Support
leg
