November 2004  

Method Statement for Guidance in

 using the Klaas Lifting Arm.  

1.                  Responsibilities:

Oktopus will deliver to site the Klaas Lifting Arm and undertake to demonstrate the requisite tasks effectively and safely.

Training of the Client’s operators, in the safe and correct use and understanding of the machine, will be included as part of and following the demonstration.

The machine is supplied with the documentation necessary for compliance with the Inspection and Testing Certificates, Inspection and Examination Certificates and an Operating Manual.

The Machine also carries the CE Marking. 

2.        Machine Description:
The machine is Trailer Mounted, and comprises a base frame carrying a slew mounted derrick jib with folded extension arm.  An on-board diesel engine driven hydraulic pump unit is incorporated within the base to provide fluid power for:-

            i. two main derrick jib lift cylinders,  

            ii.  the slew control motor,   

            iii. stabiliser deployment and control,

            iv. the winch for lifting and lowering the lifting hook,

            v. the winch to extend and retract the telescopic jib elements.

The deployment of the stabiliser arms and legs is controlled from separate consoles positioned adjacent to the stabiliser mountings on the machine base frame. 

These consoles enable independent operation and control for each stabiliser, facilitating horizontal extension and retraction of each arm and deployment of each vertical support prop cylinder. 

‘Level’ status is determined visually, by centering a simple, concentric, ‘Bubble (Spirit) Level ‘.  Signal lights are also activated as each leg is deployed and red marker strips are revealed on the legs as warning indicators, to avoid over extension.   

All other machine operating functions are normally controlled from a remote, hand held, radio transmitter unit.

The main lift derrick carries a telescopic extension arm, hydraulically folded beneath the jib.  The complete assembly aligns axially along the trailer and is retained in situ by a clamping frame, for stowage and transportation. The lifting hook is engaged within the end of the structure, in a non-slack condition, to ensure retention during transport.       

2a.      Safety Considerations.

Correct sequencing of the Operating Procedures is important to maintain the Safety and Stability of the machine at all times.

For Emergency Use, in the event of Failure of the radio transmitter control unit, an independent, fixed slave console, mounted on the chassis frame, facilitates the controlled return of the machine to a ‘Start’ condition with slewed, retracted and lowered jib, closed extensions and rewound load hook.

2b.       Machine Data:

            Towing dimensions:            8M long x 2.1M wide x 2.45M high

            Towing weight:                     3.5 Tonnes Gross

            Static Footprint:                    8M long x 4.5M wide (Stabilizers deployed)

            Static ground pressure

            under stabilizer feet:            18 N/cm² Minimum

            Operation: Set up                  Fixed console on platform.

Operation: Working              Hand held coded radio transmitter unit

Operation: Emergency         Fixed Console on platform.

            Power source:                       Diesel Engine with Hydraulic Pump unit

            Hydraulic pressure:             160 bar

            Lift system:                            Wire rope winch

            Lifting capacity:                     1.3 T Max @ 5M reach x 16M boom height

                                                            250 Kg @ 19M reach x 18M boom height 

3.                  Working Schedule:

The operator should be familiar with all the procedures scheduled in the Operating Manual, to ensure Safe working with this piece of equipment.

A clear area on firm, even ground, close to the place of work, is desirable, in order to avoid employing an unnecessarily large boom radius.  Ground pressure should satisfy the requirement, indicated in Section 2b (Machine Data), based on the table of ground pressures in accordance with DIN 1054, shown in Annex A of the Operating Manual.   If Timber spreader/support blocks are used, it is necessary that they are arranged crosswise.  

With the clamp frame and load hook released, the derrick jib must be raised and slewed to allow the jib extension to be unfolded.  The derrick can then be lowered to allow manual deployment of the extension sections, as required.  The lowering and raising of the load hook must only be carried out in co-ordination with the extension or retraction of the main jib.

The limit switch functions of both the machine jib extension/retraction and the lift movement should be checked before work is begun.

For Safe operation of the remote radio transmitter unit, the operating instructions must not be compromised in any way.  The unit will be destroyed if the transmitter is operated without the antenna. 

4.                  Routine Maintenance:

A list of Daily checks accompanies the machine and the emphasis for the need to follow the procedures to ensure the continuance of the safe working practice is stressed during the operator’s instruction.   

5.                 Scope and Capability:
Compact and highly maneuverable.

Self contained, safe, quick and  simple setting up.