TM 5-3810-306-10
Sheaves, guards, guides, drums, flanges and other
surfaces that come in contact with rope should be
inspected for conditions that could cause possible
damage to rope.
Inspect the boom nose and hook block sheaves for
wear. Damaged sheaves cause rapid deterioration of
wire rope.
USE ENOUGH PARTS OF LINE FOR HEAVY LIFTS
AND CHECK ALL LINES, SLINGS AND CHAINS FOR
CORRECT ATTACHMENT. To obtain maximum lifting
capacities, hook block must be set up with enough parts
of line. NO LESS THAN ONE LAYER of wire rope should
remain on hoist drum. When slings, ties, hooks, etc., are
used, make certain they are correctly positioned and
secured before raising or lowering the loads.
Ensure the wire rope is properly routed. If not properly
routed, notify Organizational Maintenance.
Two-blocking MUST BE AVOIDED to prevent damage to
the crane and to avoid creating a safety hazard. Two-
blocking occurs when the hook block, overhaul ball,
rigging, etc. contact the boom nose or auxiliary boom
nose. Two-blocking can damage the wire rope rigging,
reeving, and other crane components. These parts
become highly stressed and overloaded until the wire
rope fails allowing load, block, etc. to free fall.
WARNING
The crane is equipped with an anti-two-
block warning system. Ensure that anti-
two-block pins are removed prior to
operating the crane. Failure to follow this
procedure could result in personal injury
and equipment damage.
When lowering or extending the boom let out cable to
prevent two-blocking the boom nose and the hook block.
The closer the load is carried to the boom nose, the
more important it becomes to let out cable as the boom
is lowered. Keep hook block, etc. at least 12 inches
(30.48 cm) away from boom nose at all times.
ENSURING CRANE IS STABLE
Ensure crane is stable before lifting a load. Ensure
outriggers (or tires if lifting on rubber) are placed firmly
on solid ground. Ensure crane is level, brakes are set
and load is properly rigged and attached to the hook
block. Lift load slightly off the ground then recheck
stability before proceeding with the lift.
Wind and other factors such as boom length, boom
angle, size and weight of load being lifted, etc. can affect
crane stability. You should establish safe working loads
for each job depending on conditions that exist at the
time. Capacity reductions shall be made when
conditions indicate the crane could be damaged or
become unstable. Be cautious if the wind speed reaches
20 miles per hour.
KEEP THE BOOM SHORT Swinging loads with the
boom extended can cause boom damage and an
unstable crane.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Read and observe the WARNING plates posted in and
on the crane.
Crane operation is extremely dangerous when close to
an electrical power source.
Use extreme care when operating near an energized
power source or power lines. Assume all power sources
are hot.
When operating near power lines, have the power
company cut off the power and ground the lines.
2-37