Amkus AMK-24 Guide

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2020 LAS-001 June 22. 2020 Rev07
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 published in AMKUS Safety Manual LAA-001. Obtain safety information at
www.amkus.com/
AMK-24 SPREADER
User Information Manual
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS
amkus.com
4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383-4098 USA
800-592-6587 • 219-548-5000 • Fax [phone]
EN13204 Designation: AS33/609-17.0
©CopyrightAmkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2016 LAA-001April 15, 2016 Rev00
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. Obtain safety information at www.amkus.com/
This Safety Manual is intended to familiarize rescue workers and maintenance personnel with the safety messages of AMKUS
Rescue Systems, including powered rescue tools (rams, cutters, spreaders, combination tools), power units (electric or gasoline
driven), and powered rescue tool components (cable assemblies, hose assemblies, hose reels, etc.). The safety messages in this
publication supersede safety information appearing in AMKUS publications prior to April 2016.
This manual is intended for use with manuals published by manufacturers of prime movers (engines, electric motors, and pumps)
used in AMKUS power units.
This manual does NOT address operation or servicing of AMKUS 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.
SAFETY MANUAL for AMKUS
RESCUE SYSTEMS
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS
www.amkus.com
4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383-4098 USA
800-592-6587 • 219-548-5000 • Fax [phone]

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2020 LAS-001 June 22. 2020 Rev07
2
Table Of Contents
1.0 MEANING OF SAFETY SIGNAL WORDS
2.0 SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 PART IDENTIFICATION
3.0 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
4.0 TRAINING
5.0 SET-UP PROCEDURE
6.0 GETTING STARTED
7.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
8.0 TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
9.0 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
9.1 ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
9.2 SPREADER ARM MAINTENANCE
9.3 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR HOSES
9.4 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR COUPLINGS
9.5 MAINTENANCE RECORDS
10.0 INSPECTION, CLEANING, DECONTAMINATION AND STORAGE
11.0 PARTS, SERVICE AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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. Fireghting 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
Fireghting 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, Lynneld, MA 01940 • www.FEMSA.org

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2020 LAS-001 June 22. 2020 Rev07
3
1.0 MEANING OF SAFETY SIGNAL WORDS
A safety related message is identied 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, the denitions 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, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE NOTICE is used to address practices not related to physical injury.
2.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Length 29.7 in. (754 mm)
Width 14.0 in. (356 mm)
Depth 8.0 in. (203 mm)
Weight (ready to use)
(Ready-to-use with Standard couplings)
37.35 lbs. (17.0 kg)
Maximum Spreader Opening 24.0 in. (610 mm)
Maximum Spreader Travel Distance 23.9 in. (607 mm)
Spreader Opening Time 4 seconds
Spreader Closing Time 4 seconds
Rated Input Pressure 10,500 psi (724 bar)
Highest Spreading Force HSF 10,100 lbs. (44.8 kN)
Lowest Spreading Force LSF 9,145 lbs. (40.6 kN)
Highest Pulling Force HPF 6,218 lbs. (27.6 kN)
Lowest Pulling Force LPF 5,450 lbs. (24.2 kN)
Fluid Type AMKUS MV1 Mineral Base Hydraulic Fluid
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for AMKUS MV1 Hydraulic Fluid is available
at AMKUS.com and CHEMTREC.com
(For equipment stored and operated in environments below 32 deg. F (0 deg
C) contact Amkus Rescue Systems for recommendation.

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2020 LAS-001 June 22. 2020 Rev07
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4.0 TRAINING
This product is designed for use by emergency services personnel to facilitate the extrication of victims from entrapment. Its use
should be limited to trained personnel only. All personnel using this equipment are assumed to have completed a course of instruction
acknowledged as being educationally sound by the local authority having jurisdiction over such training. This document contains
basic operating and maintenance instructions only.
3.0 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Responsibility rests on the equipment’s operator to use and deploy appropriate protective clothing and equipment are used. Proper
clothing and equipment provide protection from hazards to which personnel are exposed or could be exposed while working with
this product.
2.1 PART IDENTIFICATION
Protective
Rack Cover
Handle
Tool Connection
Hose Valve Manifold
Control Valve
Handgrip
Removable Tip
Tip Release Button
Arm
Quick Connect
Coupling
4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383
1-800-592-6587 Fax: [phone]
Model: AMK-24 Spreader
Part Number: 320200001000
EN13204 Designation: AS33/609-17.0
Serial Number: XXXXXXXX
Date of Manufacture: 11/20/16
System Pressure: 10,500 psi (724 bar)
Fluid Type: AMKUS MV1

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2020 LAS-001 June 22. 2020 Rev07
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5.0 SET-UP PROCEDURE
AMKUS manufactures equipment of superior craftsmanship and quality. Amkus backs new products with a standard warranty
published on the AMKUS website, www.amkus.com
NOTICE
Only use AMKUS tools with AMKUS equipment. Mixing AMKUS tools with another manufacturer’s
equipment may cause operational problems, equipment failure, or denial of warranty claims.
NOTICE
Only use AMKUS mineral-base hydraulic fluid in AMKUS equipment. Using another manufacturer’s
hydraulic fluid in AMKUS equipment may cause operational problems, equipment failure, or
denial of warranty claims.
Normally, AMKUS dealers prepare and service equipment prior to delivery. If, however, you have decide to place the equipment into
service yourself, please review the following instructions carefully.
1. Remove equipment from the packing cartons and carefully inspect for damage. Damage occurring during shipment should be
reported immediately to the carrier.
2. Gather and review all safety and use documentation prior to operating any rescue tool.
3. Connect the tool connection hoses to the hose lines from the AMKUS hydraulic power unit.
a. Standard Couplings: Please note that the male and female couplings on the hose lines leading from the power unit should be
connected to the corresponding male and female couplings on the tool connection hoses. To connect the couplings, twist the
sleeve on the female coupling so that the notch in the sleeve lines up with the pin. Push the sleeve back so the pin ts into the
notch. While holding the sleeve back, push the male coupling into the female coupling. Release the sleeve; it will spring forward
into place. Twist the sleeve 1/4 turn so that the pin no longer lines up with the notch. Pull on the couplings to check that they
are securely connected.
b1. Mono Couplings: Please note that the female coupling on the hose lines leading from the power unit should be connected
to the corresponding male coupling on the tool connection hoses. To connect the couplings, place the male coupling into
the female coupling. Rotate clockwise until you feel the coupling latch. Pull on the couplings to check that they are securely
connected.
b2. In most cases, the Mono Couplings can be connected and disconnected while the hose line is under ow. It is usually not
necessary to place the directional control of the power unit in the neutral position before connecting and disconnecting.
However, certain circumstances such as back pressure in the return line and/or cold temperatures, may make connecting and
disconnecting under ow extremely di󰀩cult or impossible. If you are unable to connect and disconnect while the line is under
ow, place the directional control valve of the power unit in the neutral position and then disconnect or connect.
6.0 GETTING STARTED
Start the power unit (refer to power unit and engine manuals). Following the instructions in the power unit manual, operate the
selector valve to charge the hose line to which the tool is connected. Pick up the tool grip the handle with one hand and the control
valve handgrip with the other.
7.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
All AMKUS rescue tools are equipped with a twist grip control valve. To operate the valve, twist the control valve handgrip to the right
or left, appropriate to the direction of movement you desire from your rescue tool. Twisting the handgrip to the right will open the
spreader arms and twisting the handgrip to the left will close the spreader arms.
The control valve is equipped with a deadman safety feature. This feature causes the handgrip to return to the center (neutral)
position when it is released. The movement of the tool stops. The tool remains pressurized.
The spreader can be used for spreading, squeezing, pulling and lifting operations. When spreading, squeezing or lifting, make sure
the spreader tips are positioned to maintain maximum contact with the surfaces to be spread or gripped.
Use caution when lifting. Always stabilize the object being lifted. When operating the AMK-24 spreader, the tool may rotate as it meets
resistance. Take care to position yourself to the side of the spreader. If you feel this movement places you or others in jeopardy,
immediately release the control valve handgrip. Then seek another purchase point that does not cause the same problem.
The design of the AMK-24 spreader incorporates removable tips. To remove the spreader tip, use your thumb and nger to
simultaneously depress the spring loaded tip pins. To re-install the spreader tip, depress the spring loaded tip pins, and slide the tip
back into place. Be sure both pins return fully to their original positions. To shut down the power unit, follow the instructions in the
engine owner’s manual to stop the engine.
NOTICE
The minimum safe bend radius of the AMKUS hydraulic hoses is 4 inches (101.6 mm).

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2020 LAS-001 June 22. 2020 Rev07
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9.0 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Avoid contact with escaping hydraulic uid under pressure. If hydraulic uid punc-
tures skin, seek medical treatment immediately. Contact with escaping hydraulic uid
under pressure could result in serous injury or death.
Inspect all hose, hose ttings and couplings for leakage and damage (see 9.2 routine maintenance for couplings and 9.3 routine
maintenance for hoses).
Using a torque wrench, tighten the socket head cap screws which hold the control valve to the valve manifold and the valve manifold
to the hydraulic cylinder to 180 in/ lbs (20.3 Nm).
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN! These screws are installed securely at the factory but may loosen
because of vibration while being transported on moving vehicles.
9.1 ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
1. Annual maintenance shall be completed by an Authorized AMKUS dealer while the rescue tool is under warranty.
2. Contact the Amkus dealer or Amkus directly for replacement parts.
3. Always relieve the rescue tool of internal pressure prior to servicing.
9.2 SPREADER ARM MAINTENANCE
Annually at a minimum, or more often if necessary, removal of the spreader arms for cleaning and inspection shall be performed by
either an Amkus Level One Service Technician or a local Amkus dealer. Removal of the spreader arms is most easily accomplished
by opening the spreader arms to the near full open position (as shown below). Personnel doing this inspection shall wear safety
glasses.
1. Loosen and remove the socket head cap screw which secures the protective rack cover to the rod/rack. Next, remove the at
washer. Slide the protective rack cover up and o󰀨 of the rod/rack.
2. Using external retaining ring pliers, remove the retaining rings which secure the spreader arm pivot pins to the spreader bracket
(Photo 1). Discard the retaining rings. Tap out the pivot pins (Photo 2). Lift each arm out of the spreader bracket (Photo 3).
3. Clean away all dirt and grease. Inspect the spreader arms and the rod/rack for any signs of damage or excessive wear. Pay
particular attention to the gear teeth.
4. Apply a general purpose white lithium grease such as Lubriplate® NO. 630-AA to the teeth of the spreader rack, the teeth of each
spreader arm, inside the pivot pin holes of each arm, inside the pivot pin holes of the bracket and the surfaces of the spreader
arm that will contact the spreader bracket.
5. To reassemble the spreader. Be sure the gear teeth of the arms engage properly with the gear teeth of the rack. Lubricate and
insert the pivot pins. Install new retaining rings into the grooves at each end of both pivot pins.
6. Clean away all dirt and grease and inspect the protective rack cover for damage. Replace the protective rack cover if damaged.
Reinstall the protective rack cover by sliding it down over the rod/rack. Replace the at washer. Install and tighten the socket
head cap screw.
8.0 TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Any problem not resolved by these suggestions may require you to contact your local dealer or AMKUS Rescue Systems. for further
guidance.
PROBLEM SOLUTION
Arms do not move Check that hoses are properly connected.
Check hydraulic uid level in power unit reservoir.
Check that the power unit is running.
Check that the line is charged.
Rescue tool lacks power or speed Check hydraulic uid level in power unit reservoir.
Fluid leaks at ttings or hoses Check tightness of hose ttings.
Replace damaged hoses.

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2020 LAS-001 June 22. 2020 Rev07
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Photo 1
Rod Rack
Photo 2
Photo 3
9.3 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR HOSES
After each use, wipe clean hydraulic hoses with a light cleaning solvent such as Simple Green®. Inspect hydraulic hoses for damage
to the outer rubber cover. Damage exposing the wire braided reinforcement subjects the wire to corrosion and may weaken the
hydraulic hose. Remove damaged hydraulic hoses from service. Replace damaged hydraulic hoses immediately.
9.4 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR COUPLINGS
WARNING
Remove damaged hose couplings from service. Replace damaged hose couplings immediately.
Damaged hose couplings could cause hydraulic uid to escape under high pressure. Contact with
escaping hydraulic uid under pressure could result in serious injury or death. Loss of hydraulic
pressure prevents the rescue tool from operating properly and may result in serious injury or
death.
Keep hose couplings free of dirt and contaminants. Even with care, residual oils on the moving parts gradually accumulate dirt
and grit making hose connections difficult. To clean hose couplings, immerse in, or scrub with, an automotive type aerosol solvent
degreaser. Apply a light spray lube (automotive, lock, or gun type) to keep the collars moving easily. The rubber dust caps provided
with the tools should be cleaned periodically. Be aware, the hose couplings may be clean, yet the dust caps accumulate dirt during
use. Do not cover a clean hose coupling with a dirty dust cap.
9.5 MAINTENANCE RECORDS
It is the users responsibility to keep maintenance records for each component of the rescue system. Maintenance shall be performed
by qualified service technicians in accordance with the recommendations as outlined in this manual.

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2020 LAS-001 June 22. 2020 Rev07
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS
amkus.com
4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383-4098 USA
800-592-6587 • 219-548-5000 • Fax [phone]
10.0 INSPECTION, CLEANING, DECONTAMINATION, AND STORAGE
1. Always store the tool securely in a clean dry space.
2. Never store a tools or power unit hoses under pressure. Always relieve the pressure on hoses and tools after use.
BEFORE BEING PLACED BACK IN SERVICE, rescue tools must be inspected to this checklist;
1. Check to see that important tool markings are legible.
Contact your local dealer or AMKUS Rescue Systems for replacement labels.
2. Wipe tool, hoses, ttings and couplings clean (see routine maintenance for hoses and couplings).
3. Inspect the rescue tool, hoses, ttings and couplings after each use for damage, leakage and excessive wear.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.
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.