Amkus ARRS-1 Owner's manual

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2018-2020 LAA-002 March 10, 2020 Rev02
Instructions for safe installation, operation, and maintenance.
DANGER Understand manual before use. Operating AMKUS Rescue Systems without understanding
the manual, receiving proper training, and using appropriate personal protective equipment is
a misuse of AMKUS equipment. This manual does not fully address safety. Additional safety
information is available at www.amkus.com/resources/information.
Electrically driven capstan operated hoist system for rope rescue operations. The AMKUS Rope Rescue System may be paired with a
truck-mounted monopod, a bipod, or tripod. Refer to manuals for these devices when operating the ARSS-1 paired to these devices.
This manual does NOT address operation or servicing ofAMKUS Rope Rescue Systems. Only competent rescue tool repair technicians
are qualified to repair AMKUS equipment. This manual should be available to all personnel involved with AMKUS equipment.
MANUAL: AMKUS ROPE RESCUE
SYSTEM ARRS-1
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS
MADE IN USA • amkus.com
4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383-4098 USA
800-592-6587 • 219-548-5000 • Fax [phone]

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2018-2020 LAA-002 March 10, 2020 Rev02
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DANGER
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY CODE
The member companies of FEMSA that provide emergency response
equipment and services want responders to know and understand the
following:
1. Firefighting and Emergency Response are inherently dangerous activities
requiring proper training in their hazards and the use of extreme caution
at all times.
2. It is your responsibility to read and understand any user’s instructions,
including purpose and limitations, provided with any piece of equipment
you may be called upon to use.
3. It is your responsibility to know that you have been properly trained in
Firefighting and /or Emergency Response and in the use, precautions, and
care of any equipment you may be called upon to use.
4. It is your responsibility to be in proper physical condition and to maintain
the personal skill level required to operate any equipment you may be
called upon to use.
5. It is your responsibility to know that your equipment is in operable
condition and has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
6. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in death, burns or other
severe injury.
FEMSA
Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Service Association
P.O. Box 147, Lynnfield, MA 01940 • www.FEMSA.org
This manual does NOT address operation or servicing of AMKUS Rope Rescue Systems. Only competent rescue tool repair
technicians are qualified to repair AMKUS equipment. This manual should be available to all personnel involved with AMKUS
equipment.
This Safety Manual is not intended as a substitute for proper training in the use of rescue systems as taught from credible
sources such as the National fire Protection Association (NFPA), The International Fire Service Training Association
(IFSTA), or sources approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Examples of recent publications;
Standard for
Technical Rescuer Personnel
Professional Qualifications
2017
1006
NFPA®
• NFPA 1006 2017 Edition - Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications
• IFSTA Fire Service Technical Search and Rescue, 8th Edition, ISBN: 978-0-87939-580-3
• •NFPA 1983 2017 Edition - Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 MEANING OF SAFETY WORDS
2.0 WARNINGS
2.1 ELECTRICAL WARNING
2.2 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
3.0 SPECIFICATIONS
3.1 PARTS IDENTIFICATION
4.0 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
5.0 TRAINING
6.0 INSTALLATION
6.1 SET-UP PROCEDURE
6.2 ROPE SELECTION
7.0 ROPE SETUP AND GETTING STARTED
7.1 HOIST WRAPS
7.2 IMPACT FORCES
7.3 GETTING STARTED
8.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
8.1 CONTROLLING A LOAD
8.2 LOWERING A LOAD
8.3 RAISING A LOAD
8.4 TENDING PRUSIKS
8.5 ROPE WRAPS AND PREVENTING OVERLAP
9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
10.0 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
10.1 MAINTENANCE RECORDS
11.0 PARTS, SERVICE, AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
12.0 DECOMMISIONING
13.0 ROPE INSPECTION
14.0 INSPECTION, CLEANING, DECONTAMINATION, AND STORAGE

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1.0 MEANING OF SAFETY SIGNAL WORDS
A safety related message is identified by a safety alert symbol and a signal word to indicate the level of risk involved with a particular
hazard. Per ANSI standard Z535.6-2011, the definitions of the four signal words are as follows:
DANGER DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE NOTICE is used to address practices not related to personal injury.
2.0 WARNINGS
2.1 ELECTRICAL WARNING
WARNING When using electric motorized equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, injury, or death;
• Electric motor and controls are ignition sources. Flammable vapors heavier than air can
accumulate in low spots. Avoid selecting these locations when setting up the equipment. Use
detectors to verify safe site selection.
• Electric motor and wiring are not waterproof. Don’t submerge or douse electric motors or
their controls. Refer to manuals from motor manufacturer for specific details.
• Installation by qualified person – power componentry properly sized and installed to run the
tool are the responsibility of the purchaser. Qualified electricians should install the equipment
per applicable regulations (NEC, NFPA, OSHA, etc.) before the equipment can be used.
• Circuit breakers matched to the motor capacity are required. Don’t operate electric motors
without circuit breaker protection.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is required for this electric motor. Test
GFIC function before using the motor. Avoid operation of electric equipment in heavy rain or
standing water. Treat the GFCI as a backup safety device. The GFCI is subject to failure and
should not be used as a replacement for safe practices.
• This tool has a polarized plug to reduce risk of electric shock. The plug and requires the use
of a matched receptacle. The plug only fits the receptacle one way. If the plug does not fit
fully into the power connection, re-align the plug and try to reinsert the prongs into the plug
oriented differently. Don’t modify the prongs or force them into the receptacle.
• Type of power cord - cord type should be rated for outdoor use, such as SW, SOW, STW,
STOW, SJW, SJOW, SJTW, or SJTOW. (W service rating = outdoor and wet location)
• Use of power cords - Always use a cord heavy enough to carry the current the tool will draw.
Use of an undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating.
• Don’t abuse the cord – Make sure the power cord is in good condition before use. Never lift or
pull the equipment by the cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat,
oil, crushing, and sharp edges. Inspect cords for damage after each use. Replace damaged
cords before placing equipment in service.
• Don’ t abuse the plug – Make sure the plug is in good condition. Do not attempt to alter the
plug in any way. If plug is damaged replace connected cords before placing equipment in
service.
• Disconnect power –Disconnect the equipment from the power supply when not in use, before
cleaning, inspecting, or servicing electric motors and controls.
• Store motor in good conditions – When not in use, the equipment should be stored in an
indoor, clean, dry, and secure location.
• Keep covers and guards in place and in working order

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2.2 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
DANGER Always attach tandem Prusiks before performing any operation using the AMKUS rope rescue
system. Never operate the hoist without tandem Prusiks attached to the load side of the main line.
Failure to do so may result in loss of control of the load resulting in injury or death.
DANGER Never allow rope on capstan to overlap. Overlapped rope will not allow raising or lowering of a
load potentially causing injury or death. Be mindful not to overlap while tailing the rope.
WARNING Single points of failure in rope and hoist systems can cause injury or death of victims and rescue
workers by falling. Do not raise or lower a live load without setting appropriate edge protection,
belay lines, and separate anchor points. Always assure a second level of safety is established
when needed.
WARNING Avoid operating ARRS-1 under hazardous conditions. Some conditions are, but not limited to
areas that contain liquids, solids, gases, mists, or vapors of any chemical or other material that
are flammable or can deteriorate rope. Areas such as these greatly increase the potential for
serious injury or death. Always be aware of and avoid environmental hazards at rope rescue
sites.
WARNING Do not use components or supports in a rope rescue system unable to support impact forces
from maximum operating loads. Components or supports not able to support these forces may
fail and strike personnel causing severe injury or death. Evaluate the minimum breaking strength
of each component in the rope rescue system. Each component must be able to withstand the net
force applied to themselves by the impact force example listed in section 7.1.3.
WARNING Never allow personnel or yourself to stand directly under a vertical load. If a load were to fall, it
could potentially cause severe injury or death. Keep area under vertical load clear.
WARNING Do not use a rope with an under rated minimum breaking strength. Rope failure under tension
releases stored energy violently, potentially causing severe injury or death. Always use a rope
with a minimum breaking strength per NFPA 1983..
WARNING Do not use a rope that fails any part of the rope inspection listed in section 11.1. Rope that fails
under tension will release stored energy violently potentially causing severe injury or death.
Before any operation check the entire length of rope according to section 11.1.
WARNING Do not keep the rope stationary as the drum spins. This increases heat and wear on the rope
causing it to fail. Rope that fails under tension will release stored energy violently potentially
causing severe injury or death. Always keep rope moving as the drum spins. To keep rope
stationary, remove foot from operation pedal while retaining control of the rope.
WARNING Body parts can be crushed by entanglement with rope or rotating capstan.
• Avoid loose gloves, clothing, dangling straps, hair, and body parts which may be pulled into
the rotating capstan drum.
.• Stay clear of moving parts on the ARRS-1.
• Hold rope in a manner that can quickly be released
• Do not stand on or become wrapped in tailed rope.
• Avoid wrapping rope around any body part.
• Stop capstan immediately by releasing foot switch before entanglement becomes serious.
WARNING Tension may be lost from incorrectly rigged ropes resulting in injury or death. Reduce risk of
inadvertent loss of rope tension by rigging the rope correctly;
• All rope operations must be made with the motor & capstan oriented in a vertical alignment.
This assures the rope approach to the swivel plate and lead block from all angles.
• All rope operations must be made with the line running between both lead block sheaves.
This assure correct rope alignment on the capstan and avoids risk of rope unwrapping from
the capstan.
• Avoid using rope contaminated with sections of slick substances such as oil, ice, or water.
Rope tension may change suddenly when slick sections pass over the capstan. Consistent
rope properties assure consistent rope tension.
• Do not add or subtract wraps on a rotating capstan while bearing a live load. Stop the
capstan and lock the Prusiks before adding or subtracting wraps. When wraps are complete
resume tailing force, restart capstan rotation, and tend the Prusiks.
• Do not operate the hoist without the foot switch.
• Do not exceed maximum rated capacity.

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3.0 SPECIFICATIONS
AMKUS ROPE RESCUE SYSTEM (ARRS-1) SPECIFICATIONS
Storage Dimensions
Length 21.25 in 540 mm
Width 14.0 in 360 mm
Depth 8.0 in 200 mm
Weight (Hoist Assembly) 55.0 lbs 25 kg
Total Weight
(includes foot switch and hitch extension)
70.0 lbs 32 kg
Working Capacity 1,000 lbs 454 kg
Operating Temperature Range -30F to 120F -34C to +49C
Power supply requirement 115 V.A.C./20 Amps
Full load draw 14 Amps 60 hz
Receiver hitch requirement 2” x 2”:
Minimum Class IV Rated
with a minimum capacity of
10,000 lbs 4535 kg
Rope Requirement (rescue rope) 1/2” to 5/8” 12.7 mm to 15.88 mm
Rope Minimum Breaking Strength Per NFPA 1983
Maximum rope Speed 40 feet per minute
up to full load
12 m/min
up to full load
3.1 PART IDENTIFICATION
Capstan
Upper Sheave
Lead Block
Hoist Motor
Swivel Plate
Wraps
Hoist Assembly
Hitch Pin With Keeper
Hitch Extension
Tail Line
Foot Switch
Power Cord
Lower Sheave
Main Line
Tandem Prussiks
Carabiner
Holes For
Securing Prussiks
R
o
t
a
t
i
o
n
Figure 3.1

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2018-2020 LAA-002 March 10, 2020 Rev02
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4.0 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
It is the responsibility of the user to insure that appropriate protective clothing and equipment are used to provide protection from
those hazards to which personnel are exposed or could be exposed while working with this product.
5.0 TRAINING
This product is designed to be used by trained emergency services personnel. Technical rope rescue and rope rescue training are
inherently dangerous activities. Its use should be limited to trained personnel only. All personnel using this equipment are assumed
to have completed a course of instruction that is acknowledged as being educationally sound by the local authority having jurisdiction
over such training. This document contains basic operating and maintenance instructions only.
6.0 INSTALLATION
6.1 SET-UP PROCEDURE
AMKUS equipment is manufactured with superior craftsmanship and quality that is backed by the standard warranty which is
published at http://www.amkus.com/resources/information. Normally, AMKUS equipment is prepared and serviced by your dealer
prior to delivery. If, however, you have decided to place the equipment into service yourself, please review the following instructions
carefully.
The ARRS1 is delivered with the following components:
Capstan hoist assembly
Foot switch
Hitch extension
Hitch pins (2)
1. Remove equipment from the packing cartons and carefully inspect for damage. Damage that occurs during shipment should be
reported immediately to the carrier.
2. Receiver hitch requirement 2” x 2”: Minimum Class IV Rated.
3. Ensure all components used with rope rescue system can maintain a 10:1 safety factor at max impact force. See section 7.2 for
more information.
DANGER Receiver hitches rated less than 10,000 lbs (4535 kg) may not withstand a rope impact load while
operating the ARSS-1 at its maximum rated force. A hitch failure may result in injury or death.
Always mount ARRS-1 to a receiver rated to a minimum capacity of 10,000 lbs (4535 kg).
4. Ensure an adequate electrical power supply (115 V.A.C. / 20 Amps). Notice: If the ARRS-1 is operated from an inadequate power
supply, damage to the motor can occur. (Full load draw is 14 Amps)
6.2 ROPE SELECTION
When using customer supplied rope, the rope must meet the following requirements and pass the inspections listed in section 13.
• Nylon Construction
• Rope Diameter between ½” and ⅝” (12.7 mm and 15.88 mm)
• NFPA 1983 certified Low Stretch Life Safety Rope

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2018-2020 LAA-002 March 10, 2020 Rev02
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7.0 ROPE SETUP AND GETTING STARTED
7.1 HOIST WRAPS
The ARRS1 is a force multiplying system. With a small amount of tailing force, force exerted by the user, becomes a much larger
force exerted by the hoist. This multiplication comes from the coefficient of friction between the rope and drum as it spins. The amount
of force generated is proportional to the amount of wraps around the drum. As a rule, it is appropriate to keep about 20 lbs.(89N)
tailing force for any load. Pulling force generated by the hoist can be calculated using the formula below.
Pulling Force (lbf or N) = Tailing force*e^(0.175*μ* turns) (rad)
Tailing Force (lbf or N)
Data calculated with coefficient of friction μ= 0.125.
User Tailing
Force
Number of
Rope Wraps
Estimated
Pulling force
20 lbs (89 N)
2 96 lbs (193 N)
3 214 lbs (952 N)
4 469 lbs (2086 N)
5 1031 lbs (4586 N)
7.2 IMPACT FORCES
Tension in the rope is created by the load being lifted. Rope tension can be magnified significantly times if the load is allowed to drop
freely before being arrested by the rope. This is referred to as the impact force. The amount of magnification depends on the load,
the properties of the rope, the length of rope, and the drop distance. Generally:
The stiffer the rope, the greater the magnification.
The shorter the rope, the greater the magnification.
The farther the drop, the greater the magnification.
A typical Life Safety rope with a moderate load can experience more than a doubling of tension if the load is allowed to drop even a
few inches.
Always use dual tandem Prusiks to minimize any free fall distance.
7.3 GETTING STARTED
1. Slide the hitch extension into the vehicle mounted hitch receiver. Align the holes in the hitch extension with the holes through the
receiver. Slide one of the hitch pins through the receiver and extension. Install the hitch pin keeper.
2. Slide the ARRS-1 hoist assembly onto the extension to the stop. (Slide the ARRS-1 hoist assembly onto the extension to the stop
with the capstan and motor vertical.) Place the other hitch pin through the hole. Install the hitch pin keeper.
3. Plug the ARRS-1 into the foot switch, then plug the foot switch into the electrical power source.
4. Remove the upper sheave of the lead block assembly. Place the main line through the lead block assembly. Replace the upper
sheave and wrap the main line around the capstan.
5. Attach triple wrapped, appropriately sized, tandem Prusiks to the main line and the swivel plate on the hoist assembly using
carabiners.
6. Test the operation of the hoist prior to connecting the load.
7. Connect the separate belay lines.
8. Connect the main line to the load.
9. You are now ready to raise or lower.
Note* The speed at which the load is raised is directly dependent upon the speed with which the operator tails the rope, and not the
speed of the capstan.

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8.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
8.1 CONTROLLING A LOAD
In order to control a load, it is necessary to have a feel for the rope. Each rope has a different coefficient of friction and generates
a different pulling force. Test the amount of pulling force per two wraps. After estimating the force exerted and before performing a
rescue have a qualified technician estimate the number of wraps necessary for the specific rescue load.
WARNING Test the number of wraps to determine their ability to develop tension under capstan rotation.
Wraps should not be added or subtracted from a rotating capstan while bearing a live load. If the
tension must be adjusted during an operation;
• Stop the capstan and lock the Prusiks before adding or subtracting wraps.
• When wraps are complete resume tailing force, restart capstan rotation, and tend the Prusiks.
8.2 LOWERING A LOAD
To lower a load, the operator allows the tail of the rope to feed out slowly around the capstan. Another rescuer “tends” the Prusiks.
(see section 8.4) After the load is lowered, the Prusiks are locked off. Release the foot switch.
8.3 RAISING A LOAD
To raise a load, first step on the foot switch. Once the capstan is rotating, apply pulling force to the tail or fall line of the rope. Continue
to pull the tail line until the load is raised to the desired position. Release the foot switch.
8.4 TENDING PRUSIKS
Tending the Prusiks is an important part of operating the ARRS-1. Depending on how well the Prusiks are tended free fall distances
can be between a fraction of an inch up to 12 inches. Keep all body parts away from pulleys and moving parts on ARRS1. Keep
Prusik locking knots close to end stops. In the event that the user is operating the tailing side without assistance, do not tend the
Prusiks close to the pulleys on the ARRS-1. Instead, prior to the rescue, tie the locking knots on the Prusiks 12” away from the
pulleys.
8.5 ROPE WRAPS AND PREVENTING OVERLAP
As stated in section 7.1, the number of wraps is proportional to the tailing and pulling force of the ARRS-1. However, it is important to
keep the wraps between two and five. Less than two wraps can lead to too little friction. A loop slipping without having another left on
the drum can cause a loss of control over the load. Too many wraps can cause excessive heat from friction and rope overlap. Rope
overlap occurs when the tailing rope crosses over the previous layer preventing the rope from slipping on the drum, preventing both
lowering and raising operations. If an overlap begins to develop, relax the rope so that the load will lower past the previous layer.

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9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM SOLUTION
Hoist motor will not operate Check to ensure that hoist is properly connected to electric
power source.
Check the circuit breaker.
Check to ensure foot switch is functioning by plugging any
electrical device such as a lamp or radio into it and determine if
the foot switch will turn the device on and off.
If motor still will not operate, contact your local AMKUS Rescue
Systems dealer.
Foot switch will not operate Check to ensure foot switch is plugged in correctly.
Contact your local AMKUS Rescue Systems dealer. for
replacement switch.
Hoist lacks power or slows
during operation
Ensure the load does not exceed the hoist’s working capacity of
1,000 lbs, (453 kg)
Hoist motor operates but
capstan does not turn
Discontinue use and contact your local AMKUS Rescue Systems
dealer.

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10.0 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
10.1 MAINTENANCE RECORDS
A record of testing and repairs must be maintained from the time the rope rescue system is purchased until it is discarded.
The following information, if applicable, must be included on the test record for each rope rescue system:
1. Assigned identification number
2. Manufacturer
3. Product or model designation
4. Vendor
5. Warranty
6. Date received and date put in service
7. Date of each service test and service test results
8. Damage and repairs, including who made the repairs and the cost of repair parts
9. Reason removed from service

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2018-2020 LAA-002 March 10, 2020 Rev02
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS
MADE IN USA • amkus.com
4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383-4098 USA
800-592-6587 • 219-548-5000 • Fax [phone]
11.0 PARTS, SERVICE, AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Parts, service and technical information may be obtained from your local AMKUS dealer, or by contacting AMKUS Rescue Systems.
12.0 DECOMMISSIONING
When decommissioning any AMKUS Rescue Systems Tool or power supply local regulations shall be followed. For proper disposal
information contact your local AMKUS Rescue Systems dealer.
13.0 ROPE INSPECTION
There are several aspects of a rope to inspect prior to returning it to service. If the inspected rope matches any of the following
conditions, it will be necessary to either contact AMKUS Rescue Systems to purchase a replacement rope or replace it with a NFPA
1983 certified life safety rope.
• Rope shows visible signs of damage.
• Rope has been exposed to heat, direct flame impingement, or abrasion.
• Rope has been subjected to an impact load.
• Rope has been exposed to liquids, solids, gases, mists, or vapors of any chemical or other material that can deteriorate rope.
14.0 INSPECTION, CLEANING, DECONTAMINATION, AND STORAGE
• Always store the tool securely in a clean, dry space.
• Disconnect power source.
BEFORE BEING PLACED BACK IN SERVICE, the rescue tool must be inspected to this list:
• Check to see that all rescue tool markings are legible.
o Contact your local dealer or AMKUS Rescue Systems for replacement labels
• Wipe the tool clean using fresh water.
• If the rescue tool becomes contaminated, determine the nature of the contamination. IE: biological, chemical, radioactive. The
authority having jurisdiction may follow internal decontamination guidelines or request technical advice from AMKUS Rescue
Systems.
• Visually inspect the rescue tool for damage and excessive wear.
• If rescue tool damage or excessive wear is noticed, remove the rescue tool from service immediately; contact your local dealer or
AMKUS Rescue Systems for service.
• Power cords and plugs are not damaged.
• Both hitch pins are secured in the hitch extension.
• Worn lead block pulleys, pins, and Prusik lines have been replaced.
• Capstan, motor, and mounting block connections remain firm.
WARNING Any rescue tool failing any part of the checklist is unsafe for use and must have the problem
corrected before use or being placed back into service. Operating a rescue tool that has failed
the checklist is a misuse of this equipment. Contact your local dealer or Amkus Rescue Systems.