What are the precautions for operating the outriggers of a truck crane?
2 Answers
Here are the precautions for outrigger operation: 1. Precautions 1: Ensure sufficient surrounding space during operation to avoid injuring people or damaging the crane and other objects. 2. Precautions 2: Install the outrigger pads before operating the outriggers. 3. Precautions 3: Regularly check if the level gauge matches the actual level of the vehicle frame. If not, adjust the nuts below to align them. 4. Precautions 4: The fifth outrigger should only extend until the outrigger pad is 5mm—10mm off the ground. It is not allowed to extend the fifth outrigger too far, causing the two front outriggers to loosen and lose support.
Before operating the outriggers, the ground conditions must be confirmed. I walk around the vehicle to check if the ground is level and firm, avoiding soft soil or sloped areas. When extending the outriggers, it's crucial to ensure both sides are evenly extended—an imbalance can easily cause the crane to tip over. The level must read zero before lifting; even a slight deviation of one or two degrees can cause swaying when the load is off the ground. I always place thick steel plates under the outrigger pads to increase the load-bearing area, especially on construction sites with loose gravel. During operation, ensure the hydraulic rods move smoothly—stop and inspect if any unusual noise occurs. When retracting the outriggers, the vertical legs should be retracted last to prevent sudden sinking of the vehicle.