Amkus AMK-30CRT Series Guide

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2016 LAS-002 June 1, 2016 Rev01
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/
©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 quali¿ed to repair AMKUS equipment. This manual should be available to all personnel involved withAMKUS equipment.
SAFETY MANUAL for AMKUS
RESCUE SYSTEMS
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS
MADE IN USA • www.amkus.com 4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383-4098 USA
800-592-6587 • 630-515-1800 • Fax [phone]
AMK-30CRT SPREADER
User Information Manual
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS
MADE IN USA • www.amkus.com 4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383-4098 USA
800-592-6587 • 630-515-1800 • Fax [phone]
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
Thank you for choosingAMKUS Rescue Systems. Read this User
Information Manual thoroughly. If you have any questions, please
contact your local dealer or AMKUS Rescue Systems.
Please complete the tool registration form included with your
equipment and return it toAMKUS Rescue Systems. You may also
register your equipment on-line at www.amkus.com.
The serial number for your tool is identified on the product label
which is located on the front of the tool. Please have the serial
number available if you need to contact your local dealer or
AMKUS Rescue Systems.

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2016 LAS-002 June 1, 2016 Rev01
2
1.0 MEANING OF SAFETY SIGNAL WORDS
Asafety 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, could result in minor
or moderate injury.
NOTICE NOTICE is used to address practices not related to physical injury.

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2016 LAS-002 June 1, 2016 Rev01
3
2.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Length 30.1 in. (765 mm)
Width 12.0 in. (305 mm)
Depth 8.2 in. (208 mm)
Weight (ready to use)
(Ready-to-use with Standard couplings) 48.0 lbs. (21.75 kg)
Weight (ready to use)
(Ready-to-use with Mono couplings) 48.5 lbs. (22.0 kg)
Maximum Spreader Opening 32.0 in. (813 mm)
Rated Input Pressure 10,500 psi (724 bar)
Fluid Type AMKUS MV-1 Mineral Based Hydraulic Fluid
(for equipment stored and operated in environments below
freezing, use AMKUS MV-0 Mineral Based Hydraulic Fluid)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for AMKUS MV1 Hydraulic Fluid is available
at AMKUS.com and CHEMTREC.com
3.0 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.
4.0 TRAINING
This product is designed to be used 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
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.
CAUTION Read and understand the owner’s manual before operating this equipment. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or equipment damage!

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2016 LAS-002 June 1, 2016 Rev01
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5.0 PART IDENTIFICATION
Protective Rack Cover
Side Handle
Tool Connection Hose
Front Handle
Control Valve Handgrip
Valve Manifold

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2016 LAS-002 June 1, 2016 Rev01
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6.0 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
WARNING Avoid contact with escaping hydraulic fluid under pressure. If hydraulic fluid punc-
tures skin, seek medical treatment immediately. Contact with escaping hydraulic fluid
under pressure could result in serous injury or death.
Inspect all hose, hose fittings and couplings for leakage and damage (see routine maintenance for hoses and couplings).
Removal of the spreader arms is easily accomplished by opening the spreader arms to the near full open position. Remove the
protective rack cover. Remove the large socket head cap screws which secure the front handle to the spreader bracket. (Photo 1) Tap
out the pivot pins using care not to damage the interior threads. (Photo 2) Each arm will now lift out of the spreader bracket. (Photo 3)
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
Clean away any dirt or grease and inspect the spreader arms and rack for any signs of excess wear or damage. Clean and inspect
the exposed portion of the rod and the teeth of the spreader rack.
Now apply clean, fresh, white lithium grease to the teeth of the spreader rack, the teeth of the spreader arm, the pivot pin holes, and
the sides of the spreader arm adjacent to the teeth.
You are now ready to re-assemble the spreader. Be sure the arms engage evenly on both sides and re-insert the pivot pins.
Reposition the handle and reinstall the socket head cap screws. Tighten the bolts securely. Re-install the rack cover.
Periodically check the socket head cap screws which hold the control valve to the valve manifold and the valve manifold to the
hydraulic cylinder. These screws are installed securely at the factory but occasionally will loosen because of excess vibration while
being transported on moving vehicles.
6.1 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR COUPLINGS
Couplings should be kept free of dirt and contaminants. They may be most easily cleaned by immersing in, or scrubbing with, a
petroleum based solvent such as SAFE-SOL® 140. Couplings should then be lubricated with a non-water based lubricant such
as WD-40®. The rubber dust caps which are provided with the tools should also be cleaned periodically. Be aware that while the
couplings may be clean, the dust caps will accumulate dirt during use. Do not cover a clean coupling with a dirty dust cap.
6.2 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FOR HOSES
WARNING Damaged hoses should be replaced immediately. Damaged hoses could cause
hydraulic fluid to escape. Contact with escaping hydraulic fluid 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.
After each use, hoses should be wiped clean with a light cleaning solvent, such as Simple Green®. Inspect hoses for damage to the
rubber outer cover. Damage which exposes the wire braided reinforcement subjects the wire to corrosion and may weaken the hose.
Damaged hoses should be replaced.
6.3 MAINTENANCE RECORDS
It is a user’s responsibility to keep maintenance records for each component of the rescue system. Maintenance shall be performed
in accordance with the recommendations as outlined in this manual.
6.4 GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Always store the tool in a clean dry space.
2. Never store a tool under pressure.
3. Store spreaders with a slight gap between the tips.
After each use:
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, fittings and couplings clean (see routine maintenance for hoses and couplings).
3. Inspect the tool, hoses, fittings and couplings after each use for damage, leakage and excessive wear.
4. If damage or excessive wear is noticed, do not use the tool; contact your local dealer or AMKUS, Rescue Systems..

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2016 LAS-002 June 1, 2016 Rev01
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7.0 SET-UP PROCEDURE
AMKUS equipment is manufactured with superior craftsmanship and quality backed by a factory warranty.
NOTICE Only useAMKUS tools withAMKUS equipment. MixingAMKUS tools with another manufacturer’s
equipment may cause operational problems, equipment failure, or denial of warranty claims.
NOTICE Only use AMKUS MV1 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 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.
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. Connect the tool connection hoses to the hose lines from the AMKUS hydraulic power unit.
a. If you have 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 fits
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. If you have 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 flow. 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 flow extremely difficult or impossible. If you are unable to connect and disconnect while the line is under
flow, place the directional control valve of the power unit in the neutral position and then disconnect or connect.
8.0 GETTING STARTED
WARNING Do not connect tools in series. Connecting tools in series could cause operational problems,
equipment failure, or catastrophic failure of the equipment resulting in serious injury or death.
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, noticing that the design of the AMK-30CRT
Spreader makes it natural to grip the handle with one hand and the control valve handgrip with the other.

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2016 LAS-002 June 1, 2016 Rev01
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9.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING This rescue tool is designed to be held by the provided handle and the control valve handgrip.
Never lift or hold a rescue tool by the arms, tips, cutting blades or other moving parts
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 movement you desire from your rescue tool. When holding the spreader in your hands, 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, which causes the handgrip to return to the center (neutral) position when it is released.
The movement of the tool will stop, and the tool will continue to contain the internal pressure that was present at the time the control
valve handgrip was released.
The spreader can be used for spreading, squeezing, pulling and lifting operations. When spreading, squeezing or lifting, you should
make sure that the spreader tips are positioned to maintain maximum contact with the surfaces which are to be spread or gripped.
Use caution when lifting, and always stabilize the object being lifted.
WARNING When operating the spreader, you should take care to position yourself to the side of the spreader.
Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
As the spreader arms meet resistance, the rescue tool may rotate. If you feel that this movement places you or others in jeopardy,
you should immediately release the control valve handgrip. The deadman safety feature of the control valve will immediately return
the handgrip to the center (neutral) position, and the movement of the arms will stop. You should then seek another purchase point
that does not cause the same problem.
The design of the AMK-30CRT Spreader incorporates removable tips. To remove the spreader tip, use your thumb and finger to
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 that both pins return fully to their original positions.

©Copyright Amkus Rescue Systems, Inc. 2010 - 2016 LAS-002 June 1, 2016 Rev01
AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS
MADE IN USA • www.amkus.com 4201 Montdale Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383-4098 USA
800-592-6587 • 630-515-1800 • Fax [phone]
11.0 PARTS, SERVICE AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Parts, service and technical information may be obtained from your localAMKUS dealer, or by contacting AMKUS Rescue Systems.
10.0 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 to see that hoses are properly connected.
Check hydraulic fluid level in power unit reservoir.
Check to see that the power unit is running.
Check to see that the line is charged.
Rescue tool lacks power or speed Check hydraulic fluid level in power unit reservoir.
Fluid leaks at fittings or hoses Check tightness of hose fittings.
Replace damaged hoses.