Construction Robotics MULE 135 User manual

Owner’s Manual
MULE 135
Please read the Owner’s Manual carefully
and make sure you understand the
instructions before using the machine.

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Release No.
Date
Revision Description
Rev. A
5/23/18
Initial Manual Release
NOTE
All assembly and operation instructions located on the MULE units and
accessories take precedence over information contained in this
manual. Should there be any discrepancies discovered throughout any
published documentation issued by Construction Robotics or its
authorized affiliates, the following order of precedence shall prevail:
1. Written documents issued by the Construction Robotics
Engineering Department
2. Recall instructions
3. Assembly or operation instructions displayed in the MULE or
MULE accessory manual
4. Owner’s Manual
Any use of a MULE unit, in a configuration or manner as not explicitly described
in this manual is not recommended without the prior written permission of
Construction Robotics, LLC.
CAUTION! Please read the operator’s manual carefully and make sure you
understand the instructions before using the machine.
WARNING! You must use approved personal protective equipment whenever
you use the machine. Personal protective equipment cannot eliminate the risk of
injury but it will reduce the degree of injury if an accident does happen. Ask your
dealer for help in choosing the right equipment.

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Table of Contents
AINTRODUCTION
1Thank You.................................................................1
2System Overview...................................................... 1
3Product Registration and Warranty..........................1
Warranty Period................................................1
Warranty Policy ................................................1
Equipment ........................................................1
4User Responsibility...................................................1
5Safety Overview........................................................2
6Owner’s Manual Use ................................................3
7Acronyms and Abbreviations ...................................3
BSYSTEM SUMMARY
1Meet MULE...............................................................4
2Standard System Components ................................4
Component Names ..........................................4
Weights............................................................. 5
3Optional MULE Accessories.....................................5
Wheel Set .........................................................5
Hydro Mobile Mast Adapters ...........................5
Fork Tubes Adapter Plate ................................6
One-Button Handle ..........................................6
Two-Button Handle ..........................................6
Cord Reel..........................................................6
4System Dimensions .................................................. 7
5Safety Features.........................................................9
6Basic Requirements ...............................................10
7Your Machine .........................................................10
CSYSTEM SETUP
1Owner’s Manual Limitations ...................................11
2Powering MULE......................................................11
Power Requirements ......................................11
Generator Power ............................................11
Using Additional Extension Cords .................11
3Setup Process ........................................................12
Base Distance from Wall ................................12
Outrigger Position ..........................................13
Base Leveling .................................................13
Handle Installation..........................................14
Gripper Installation .........................................14
Fork Tube Disassembly..................................15
4Maximum Freestanding Height ..............................15
Ground Base .................................................. 15
Mounted to Wheel Set....................................16
Fork Tubes......................................................17
5Working with Mast Ties ..........................................17
6Assembling the Mast and Installing MULE ............18
7Raising MULE Height (Adding Mast Sections).......21
8Moving MULE on a Jobsite ....................................22
General Location Requirements for MULE ....22
Free Standing Ground Base...........................22
Wheel Set .......................................................23
System with Wall Ties ....................................23
9MULE Dismantling and Packing for Transport.......24
DSYSTEM SETUP ON MAST CLIMBING
PLATFORM
1Introduction ............................................................25
2Fixed Position Deck Mount ....................................25
Overview.........................................................25
Installation ......................................................25
Leveling the Base ...........................................25
Adding Masts and MULE ...............................25
Moving MULE and Mount ..............................25
3Strap-over Deck Mount ..........................................26
Overview.........................................................26
Installation ......................................................26
Leveling the Base ...........................................26
Adding Masts and MULE ...............................26
Moving MULE and Mount ..............................26
4On Existing Hydro Mobile Mast Tower ..................27
E. SYSTEM OPERATION
1Controller Buttons .................................................. 28
RUN STOP ..................................................... 28
Manual/Calibrate Up/Down ........................... 28
Speed............................................................. 28
Float ............................................................... 28
Auto Retract ................................................... 28
Retract Height ................................................ 28
2External Buttons - Gripper and Handle ................. 28
Grip ................................................................ 28
Set.................................................................. 29
3Typical Use Cycle .................................................. 29
Common User Errors ..................................... 29
4Primary Arm Rotation Lock.................................... 30
F. TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
1Shipping Position ................................................... 31
Tie Down Locations ....................................... 31
Orientation on Open Trailer............................ 31
2Controller Transport ............................................... 31
G. SETTINGS AND TROUBLESHOOTING
1Key Access Areas .................................................. 32
2Friction Brake Adjustment...................................... 32
Primary Arm ................................................... 32
Secondary Arm .............................................. 33
3Virtual Limits........................................................... 34
4Controller Menu ..................................................... 34
Virtual Limits (V-limits).................................... 34
Switch Speed Menu....................................... 34
Negative Tare Menu (SET Weight)................. 34
Anti-Drop Tool Weight ................................... 34
Diagnostics .................................................... 34
Software Flowchart........................................ 35
5Pneumatic System ................................................. 38
Air Compressor .............................................. 38
Pneumatic Connection Diagram.................... 38
6Electrical Information ............................................. 39
Transformer Adjustments .............................. 39
Electrical Connection Diagram ...................... 40
7Primary Arm Rotation Lock.................................... 41
8Additional Features ................................................ 41
Air Hose Quick Connect ................................ 41
Cord Reel (If Equipped).................................. 41
9Troubleshooting ..................................................... 42
Common Issues ............................................. 42
Error Codes.................................................... 43
10 Shut Down.............................................................. 43
H. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND
BASIC SERVICE
1Maintenance Summary .......................................... 44
Daily ............................................................... 44
Weekly............................................................ 44
Monthly .......................................................... 44
2Wire Rope............................................................... 44
Inspection....................................................... 44
Lubrication ..................................................... 45
Required Replacement Criteria...................... 45
Slack Detection.............................................. 45
Replacement .................................................. 47
3Pneumatic System ................................................. 50
Air Compressor .............................................. 50
Water Separator............................................. 50
4Structural Inspection .............................................. 50
5Power Cord ............................................................ 50
Daily Inspection.............................................. 50
Monthly Inspection ........................................ 50
6Rollers on Arm........................................................ 51
Primary Arm Rollers ....................................... 51
Secondary Arm Roller.................................... 51
7Fan Filter ................................................................ 51
8Inclinometers.......................................................... 51

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Page 1
SECTION A – INTRODUCTION
A INTRODUCTION
1 Thank You
Thank you for choosing a MULE 135. This Owner’s Manual is a valuable document. Make sure it is always on
hand at the job site.
2 System Overview
MULE is a work area tool used to assist in the lifting and placement of units and material up to 135lb over an
11’ vertical distance.
Grippers and hook devices are developed for many specific applications. Specialized gripper or attachment
devices can be developed upon requests. Please contact Construction Robotics (CR) for more information.
3 Product Registration and Warranty
Please visit http://www.construction-robotics.com/mulecentral/ for:
•Product registration
•Downloading the latest documentation
•Available accessories
Warranty Period
Refer to your purchase agreement for the warranty period of your MULE.
Warranty Policy
All warranty claims will be determined after inspection at a designated facility. A Returned Goods
Authorization (RGA) is required for all warranty claims. Contact Construction Robotics Customer Service
Department at 585-742-2004 for a RGA. The customer must prepay the freight and absorb any labor expense
required to return or replace a product submitted for warranty consideration.
Equipment
Equipment manufactured by Construction Robotics is warranted to be free from manufacturing defects in
normal service for a period of twelve (12) months from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser.
See the warranty details that you received with your purchase documentation or call 844-476-2684 for more
information.
4 User Responsibility
It is the owner’s/employer’s responsibility that the operator has sufficient knowledge about how to use the
machine safely. Supervisors and operators must have read and understood the Owner’s Manual. They must be
aware of:
•The machine’s safety instructions
•The machine’s application and limitations
•How to use and maintain the machine
Federal, state and local legislation could regulate the use of this machine. Find out what legislation is
applicable in the place where you work before you start using the machine.

Page 2
SECTION A – INTRODUCTION
5 Safety Overview
There is no one single factor that is more important for minimizing the possibility of personal injury to the
operator and those working in the area, or damage to property, equipment, or material than being familiar with
the equipment and using Safe Operating Practices.
MULE is designed for lifting and transporting of material only. Under no circumstances, either during initial
installation or in any other use, should the hoist be used for lifting or transporting personnel.
No operator should be permitted to use the equipment that is not familiar with its operation, is not physically or
mentally fit, or has not been schooled in safe operating practices. The misuse of MULE can lead to certain
hazards which cannot be protected against by mechanical means; hazards which can only be avoided by the
exercise of intelligence, care, and common sense.
Safe Operating Practices also involve a program of periodic inspection and preventative maintenance (covered
in a separate section). Part of the operator’s training should be an awareness of potential
malfunctions/hazards requiring adjustments or repairs, and bringing these to the attention of supervision for
corrective action.
Supervision and management also have an important role to play in any safety program by ensuring that a
maintenance schedule is adhered to, and that the equipment provided for the operators is suitable for the job
intended without violation of one or more of the rules covering safe operating practices and good common
sense.
Do’s and Don’ts (Safe Operation of MULE)
The following are Do’s and Don’ts for safe operation of MULE. A few minutes spent reading these rules can
make an operator aware of dangerous practices to avoid and precautions to take for their own safety and the
safety of others. Frequent examinations and periodic inspections of the equipment as well as a conscientious
observance of safety rules may save lives as well as time and money.
DON’TS:
•Never lift or transport a load until all personnel are clear and do not transport the load over personnel.
•Do not allow any unqualified personnel to operate hoist.
•Never pick up a load beyond the capacity rating appearing on the MULE. Overloading can be caused by
jerking as well as by static overload.
•Never carry personnel on the gripper, the hook or the load.
•Do not operate MULE if you are not physically fit.
•Do not operate MULE to extreme limits of travel of cable without first checking for proper limit switch
action.
•Do not tamper with or adjust any parts of the MULE unless specifically authorized to do so.
•Never use the wire rope as a sling.
•Do not divert attention from load while operating hoist.
•Never leave a suspended load unattended.
•Never operate a MULE that has an inherent or suspected mechanical or electrical defect.
•Do not jog controls unnecessarily.
•Do not operate MULE if cable is twisted, kinked, or damaged.
•Do not remove or obscure label.
DO’s:
•Read and follow manufacturer’s instruction, installation, and maintenance manuals. When repairing or
maintaining a MULE, use only manufacturer’s recommended parts and materials.
•Read and follow all instruction and warning information on or attached to the MULE.
•Remove the MULE from service and thoroughly inspect and repair, as necessary, if unusual
performance or visual defects (such as peculiar noise, jerky operations, travel in improper direction, or
obviously damaged parts) are noticed.
•Establish a regular schedule of inspection and maintain records for all MULEs with special attention
given to hooks, grippers, wire rope, brakes, and limit switches.
•Check operation of brakes for excessive drift.
•Never lift loads over people, etc.
1. All operators should read the Operators Manual before operating the Unit
2. Check the wire rope for improper seating, twisting, kinking, wear, or defects before
operating.
3. The installation and operation of MULE is subject to hazards that can be avoided only
by using extreme care and common sense. It is essential that the competent person
be appropriately trained in the installation, dismantlement, proper use and safe
operation of the work area jib hoist and its accessories.

Page 3
SECTION A – INTRODUCTION
•Check for damaged hooks, grippers and wire rope.
•Keep wire rope clean and well maintained.
•Check the wire rope for improper seating, twisting, kinking, wear, or other defects before operating the
MULE.
•Make sure a load clears neighboring stockpiles, machinery, or other obstructions when raising, lowering,
or traveling the load.
•Avoid swinging of load or load gripper when traveling the MULE.
•Be sure the load attachment is properly seated in the saddle of the gripper or hook. Balance load
properly before handling. Avoid gripper tip loading.
6 Owner’s Manual Use
This manual is for use with the following Construction Robotics model numbers, for any other models contact
CR for documentation:
•CR003340 – MULE 135 (which includes sub-assemblies CR003341, CR003342 and CR003344)
•CR003068 – Ground Base
•CR003419 – MCWP Mast Adapter - Hydro Mobile (M2 & P)
•CR003086 & CR003484 – Wheel Set
•CR003611, CR003612, CR003613, CR003616 & CR003617 – CR Mast Assemblies
This manual provides instructions for operating within the typical uses of MULE. This manual covers systems
used in the following manner.
•Mast height not to exceed 41 ft
If the desired setup exceeds any of the requirements above or other limits described throughout this manual,
contact Construction Robotics with specific details for non-standard engineering approval.Additional
engineering charges may apply.
If any uncertainties with the contents of this manual arise or clarifications are required, contact Construction
Robotics immediately.
7 Acronyms and Abbreviations
CMU: Concrete Masonry Unit MULE: Material Unit Lift Enhancer
CR: Construction Robotics MCWP: Mast Climbing Work Platform
GFCI: Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters RGA: Returned Goods Authorization
HM: Hydro Mobile

Page 4
SECTION B – SYSTEM SUMMARY
B SYSTEM SUMMARY
1 Meet MULE
MULE is a smart material handling tool designed for construction that does the heavy lifting for you.
Features and benefits:
•MULE makes any material weightless up to 135 pounds
•Eliminates the fatigue and physical wear and tear associated with repetitive heavy lifting
•Designed for efficiency and comfort in the construction working environment
•Simple control and operation
•Increased productivity
•Flexible deployment, multiple base configurations, works from the ground, traditional scaffold or
mast climbing work platforms
•Can free stand up to 20+ feet
•Runs off 120V AC power
2 Standard System Components
Component Names
Powerpack – Houses power management and
distribution devices, air compressor and Lifting
Cable actuator.
Primary Arm – 1st Boom element closest to the
mast. The Powerpack is attached to the Primary
Arm and rotates around the rotation mast.
Ground Base – The Ground Base is the platform
MULE is built on. It can be picked in all 4 directions
for easy transport. Its slim size allows for it to fit
through 36” openings while the incorporated
outriggers and jacks provide for a level and stable
footprint.
Controller– The main operational interface for
MULE where most of the functions are located. The
Controller attaches to the working end of the Wire
Rope.
Fork Tubes – The Fork Tubes is attached to the
bottom of the rotation mast and is used to pick,
transport, and lift MULE. Cross pockets allow the
Fork Tubes to be picked from all four sides. System
can rest on level ground on the Fork Tubes. The Fork
Tubes can be disconnected to decrease weight or
remove obstacle
Grippers – The gripper or hook type device attaches
to the Handle through a U-Joint connection. Different
grippers allow for grabbing of different materials and
the incorporated U-Joint allow for the tilt of the load
to be precisely controlled during placement.
Secondary Arm – 2nd Boom element. Rotates around
the end of the Primary Arm. Data coil cord, coil airline
and Wire Rope come down from the end of the
Secondary Arm.
Gripper
Handle
Controller
Secondary Arm
Primary Arm Powerpack
Fork Tubes
Ground Base
Mast
Power Cord