Snorkel MHP15/44 User manual

Engine Powered
Gasoline/Diesel
Battery Electric
Operator’s
Manual
P/N 12459A
May 2005

LIMITED WARRANTY
Snorkel warrants each new machine manufactured and sold by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year from date of delivery to a Customer or for one year after the machine has been placed in first service in a
Dealer rental fleet, whichever comes first. Any part or parts which, upon examination by the Snorkel Service Department, are
found to be defective, will be replaced or repaired, at the sole discretion of Snorkel, through its local Authorized Dealer at no
charge.
Snorkel further warrants the structural components; specifically, the mainframe chassis, turntable, booms and scissor arms,
of each new machine manufactured by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship for an additional period of four
(4) years. Any such part or parts which, upon examination by the Snorkel Service Department, are found to be defective will
be replaced or repaired by Snorkel through its local Authorized Dealer at no charge; however, any labor charges incurred as a
result of such replacement or repair will be the responsibility of the Customer or Dealer.
The Snorkel Service Department must be notified within forty-eight (48) hours of any possible warranty situation during the
applicable warranty period. Personnel performing warranty repair or replacement must obtain specific approval by Snorkel
Service Department prior to performing any warranty repair or replacement.
Customer and Dealer shall not be entitled to the benefits of this warranty and Snorkel shall have no obligations hereunder
unless the “Pre-Delivery and Inspection Report” has been properly completed and returned to the Snorkel Service
Department within ten (10) days after delivery of the Snorkel product to Customer or Dealer’s rental fleet. Snorkel must be
notified, in writing, within ten (10) days, of any machine sold to a Customer from a Dealer’s rental fleet during the warranty
period.
At the direction of the Snorkel Service Department, any component part(s) of Snorkel products to be replaced or repaired
under this warranty program must be returned freight prepaid to the Snorkel Service Department for inspection. All warranty
replacement parts will be shipped freight prepaid (standard ground) from the Snorkel Service Department or from Snorkel’s
Vendor to Dealer or Customer.
REPLACEMENT PARTS WARRANTY
Any replacement or service part made or sold by Snorkel is not subject to the preceding Limited Warranty beyond the
normal warranty period of the machine upon which the part was installed.
THIS WARRANTY EXCLUDES AND SNORKEL DOES NOT WARRANT:
1. Engines, motors, tires and batteries which are manufactured by suppliers to Snorkel, who furnish their own warranty.
Snorkel will, however, to the extent permitted, pass through any such warranty protection to the Customer or Dealer.
2. Any Snorkel product which has been modified or altered outside Snorkel’s factory without Snorkel’s written approval, if
such modification or alteration, in the sole judgment of Snorkel’s Engineering and/or Service Departments, adversely
affects the stability, reliability or service life of the Snorkel product or any component thereof.
3. Any Snorkel product which has been subject to misuse, improper maintenance or accident. “Misuse” includes but is
not limited to operation beyond the factory-rated load capacity and speeds. “Improper maintenance” includes but is not
limited to failure to follow the recommendations contained in the Snorkel Operation, Maintenance, Repair Parts
Manuals. Snorkel is not responsible for normal maintenance, service adjustments and replacements, including but not
limited to hydraulic fluid, filters and lubrication.
4. Normal wear of any Snorkel component part(s). Normal wear of component parts may vary with the type application or
type of environment in which the machine may be used; such as, but not limited to sandblasting applications.
5. Any Snorkel product that has come in direct contact with any chemical or abrasive material.
6. Incidental or consequential expenses, losses, or damages related to any part or equipment failure, including but not
limited to freight cost to transport the machine to a repair facility, downtime of the machine, lost time for workers, lost
orders, lost rental revenue, lost profits or increased cost.
This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties, representations or liabilities of Snorkel, either expressed or implied,
unless otherwise amended in writing by Snorkel’s President, Vice President-Engineering, Vice President-Sales or Vice
President-Marketing.
SNORKEL MAKES NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
SNORKEL MAKES NO IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY.
The Customer shall make all warranty claims through its local Authorized Dealer and should contact the Dealer from whom
the Snorkel product was purchased for warranty service. Or, if unable to contact the Dealer, contact the Snorkel Service
Department for further assistance.
Effective July 1995

MHP15/44 – 12459A page - i
Electrical Hazard
■Electrical Hazard Warning
THE MHP AERIAL WORK PLATFORM
IS NOT ELECTRICALLY INSULATED.
If the platform, booms, or any other conductive part of a MHP contacts a high-voltage electrical conductor,
the result can be SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH for persons on or near the machine.
GO NO CLOSER THAN THE MINIMUM SAFE APPROACH DISTANCES
(M.S.A.D) - AS OUTLINED IN TABLE 1. AND FIGURE 3.,
ON THE NEXT PAGE.
Be sure to allow for sag and sway in the wires and the work platform.
If a MHP comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, the entire machine can be charged.
If that happens, you should remain on the machine and not contact any other structure or object within
reach. That includes the ground, adjacent buildings, poles, and any object not a part of the MHP.
Such contact could make your body a conductor to the other object creating an electrical shock hazard re-
sulting in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.
DO NOT attempt to enter or leave the MHP until you are sure the electricity has been turned off.
If a MHP is in contact with a live conductor, the platform operator MUST warn others on the ground in the vi-
cinity of the MHP to STAY AWAY from the machine, since their bodies can also form a path for electricity to
ground thus creating an electrical shock hazard with possible ELECTROCUTION and DEATH.
DO NOT attempt to operate the MHP ground controls when the platform, booms, or any other conducting
part of a MHP is in contact with electrical wires or if there is an immediate danger of such contact.
Regard all conductors as energized.
Personnel working on or near a MHP must be continuously aware of electrical hazards, recognizing that
SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH can result if contact with an electrical wire does occur.
DANGER

page - ii MHP15/44 – 12459A
Electrical Hazard
■Minimum Safe Approach Distance
The MHP is an all metal boom, NOT ELECTRICALLY INSULATED, aerial work platform. DO NOT oper-
ate it near ELECTRICAL conductors. Regard all conductors as being energized. Use the table and illustra-
tion below to determine safe clearance from electrical conductors. (Table 1 and Figure 3, below, are from
ANSI/SIA A92.5–1992 Standard, reprinted with permission of Scaffold Industry Association.)
❑Table 1 - (M.S.A.D.)
Minimum Safe Approach Distance
to energized (exposed or insulated power lines)
Voltage range Minimum safe approach distance
(phase to phase) (Feet) (Meters)
0 to 300V Avoid contact
over 300v to 50kv 10 3.05
over 50kv to 200kv 15 4.60
over 200kv to 350kv 20 6.10
over 350kv to 500kv 25 7.62
over 500kv to 750kv 35 10.67
over 750kv to 1000kv 45 13.72
❑Figure 3 - (M.S.A.D.)
Denotes prohibited zone
Danger:
Caution:
- Do not allow machine personnel or conductive
materials inside prohibited zone.
- Maintain M.S.A.D. From all energised lines and parts
as well as those shown.
- Assume all electrical parts and wires are energised
unless known otherwise.
- Diagrams shown are only for purposes of illustrating
M.S.A.D. Work positions, not all work positions.

Introduction
The most important chapter in this manual is the
safety chapter - Chapter 1. Take time, now, to study
it closely. The information in Chapter 1, might save
your life, prevent serious injury, or damage to prop-
erty or the MHP15/44.
■Standard MHP15/44
The standard MHP15/44 includes the following
features:
●Proportional speed control
●Versatile jib boom
●Heavy duty tow coupling
●Heavy duty jockey wheel
●Hydraulic disc brakes
●High strength steel boom and base
construction
●Reliable gasoline engine
●Steel platform - 2 man capacity
●600V AC rated wire to platform
●Hour meter
●Lockable hinged covers
●Outrigger/boom interlocks
●Independently operated hydraulic outriggers
●Gravity gate
■Options
The following options are available for the
MHP15/44:
●360ocontinuous rotation turntable
●Flashing light
●110/240V AC GFCI power to platform
●Platform rotator
●Lifting lugs
●Automatic stabilisers
●Alternative power options
❍Diesel engine
❍24V DC battery power
❍110/240V AC motor and pump
❍Combinations of the above with gas or
diesel to give a bi-energy power source
●Sand blast protection kit
■Operation Manual
This manual provides information for safe and
proper operation of the aerial platform. Read and
understand the information in this Operator's man-
ual before operating this machine on a job site.
Additional copies of this manual may be ordered
from Snorkel. Supply the model and manual part
number from the front cover to assure that the
correct manual will be supplied.
All information in this manual is based on the latest
product information at the time of publication. Snor-
kel reserves the right to make product changes at
any time without obligation.
■Safety Alerts
A safety alert symbol is used throughout this man-
ual to indicate danger, warning and caution instruc-
tions. Follow these instructions to reduce the
likelihood of personal injury, property damage or
damage to the machine.
The terms danger, warning, and caution indicate
varying degrees of personal injury or property dam-
age that can result if the instruction is not followed.
Denotes an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
Denotes a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Denotes a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
It may also be used to alert against unsafe
practices or action which may result in
damage to the MHP.
Notes
Notes are used to provide special information or
helpful hints to assist in aerial platform operation,
but do not indicate a hazardous situation.
■Operation
The MHP aerial platform has built in safety features
and has been factory tested for compliance with
Snorkel specifications and industry standards.
However, any personnel lifting device can be po-
tentially dangerous in the hands of untrained or
careless operators.
Training is vitally important and must be performed
under the direction of a QUALIFIED person. You
must display proficiency in knowledge and actual
operation of the MHP before using it on a job site.
MHP15/44 – 12459A page - iii
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION

Before operation of the MHP you must read and un-
derstand the operating instructions in this manual
as well as the decals, warnings, and instructions on
the machine itself.
Before operating the MHP you must be
AUTHORIZED by the person in charge to do so
and the operation of the MHP must be within the
scope of the machine specifications.
The potential for an accident increases when
the aerial platform is operated by personnel
who are not trained and authorised. Death or
serious injury can result from such
accidents. read and understand the
information in this manual and on the
placards and decals on the machine before
operating the MHP on the job site.
■Maintenance
Every person who maintains, inspects, tests, or re-
pairs these machines, and every person supervis-
ing any of these functions, must be properly trained
and qualified to do so.
This Operator’s Manual provides a daily inspection
procedure that will help you keep your MHP in good
operating condition.
Do not perform other maintenance unless you are a
trained mechanic, qualified to work on the MHP.
Call qualified maintenance personnel if you find
problems or malfunctions.
Do not modify this machine without written ap-
proval from the Engineering Department of Snor-
kel. Modification may void the warranty, adversely
affect stability, or affect the operational character-
istics of the MHP.
■Responsibilities of parties
It is imperative that all owners and users of the
MHP read, understand, and conform to all applica-
ble regulations. Ultimate compliance to OSHA reg-
ulations is the responsibility of the user and their
employer.
ANSI Standard A92.2-2001clearly identifies
requirements of all parties who might be
involved with Boom-Supported Elevating
Work Platforms.
AUSTRALIAN / NZ STANDARD 2550-10 1994
Also identifies the requirements of all
parties who might be involved with
Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms.
A reprint of the “Manual of Responsibilities for
Dealers, Owners, Users, Operators, Lessors and
Lessees of ANSI/SIA A92.5-1992 Boom Sup-
ported Elevating Work Platforms” is available from
Snorkel dealers or from the factory upon request.
Copies are also available from:
Scaffold Industry Association, Inc.,
P.O. Box 1160
Phoenix, AZ 85036-0574 USA
■In summary
●Only trained and authorised operators should
be permitted to operate the equipment.
●All manufacturer’s operating instructions and
safety rules and all employers’ safety rules
and all OSHA and other government safety
rules should be strictly adhered to.
●Repairs and adjustments should be made
only by qualified and trained maintenance
personnel.
●No modification should be made to the
equipment without prior written consent of
the Snorkel Engineering Department.
●Make a pre-start inspection of the MHP at
the beginning of each shift. A malfunctioning
machine must not be used.
●Make an inspection of the work place to
locate possible hazards before operating the
MHP.
■Additional information
For additional information, contact your local
dealer or Snorkel at:
Snorkel International
2/26 Redfern Street
Wetherill Park NSW 2164
Australia
Snorkel International
PO Box 1041
Levin 5500
New Zealand
page - iv MHP15/44 – 12459A
Introduction
WARNING
WARNING

Table of Contents
Electrical Hazard
Electrical Hazard Warning ..................i
Minimum Safe Approach Distance ...........ii
Table 1 - (M.S.A.D.) .....................ii
Figure 3 - (M.S.A.D.) ....................ii
Introduction
Standard MHP15/44......................iii
Options................................iii
Operation Manual........................iii
Safety Alerts............................iii
Operation ..............................iii
Maintenance ...........................iv
Responsibilities of parties .................iv
In summary ............................iv
Additional information ....................iv
1. Safety
Safe Operation ........................1-1
Electrocution Hazards ...................1-1
Minimum safe approach distance .........1-1
Pre-start Inspection .....................1-1
Work Place Inspection and Practices .......1-1
Operation.............................1-2
Tipover and Falling Hazards ..............1-3
General Safety Precautions ..............1-3
Hydraulic System Precautions ............1-3
Fire Prevention ........................1-3
Engine and Fuel Handling Precautions......1-4
Batteries .............................1-4
Safety Decals and Placards ..............1-4
2. Safety Devices
Safety Device Information ................2-1
Emergency Stop Switches ...............2-1
At ground control box ..................2-1
At platform control box .................2-1
Other Safety Devices ...................2-1
Lanyard anchor points .................2-1
Gravity gate..........................2-2
Guardrails ...........................2-2
Foot switch ..........................2-2
Bubble level .........................2-2
RCD/ELCB AC outlet ..................2-3
Flashing light.........................2-3
3. Specifications
General Specifications ..................3-1
Engine Data...........................3-2
Overall Dimensions - MPH15/44...........3-3
Working Envelope - MHP15/44............3-4
Booms identification ...................3-5
Nomenclature And Serial Numbers.........3-5
Right side view of machine ..............3-5
Left side view of machine ...............3-6
4. Gauges
Hourmeter ............................4-1
Level Bubble ..........................4-1
Hydraulic Oil Level .....................4-1
5. Automatic Shut-offs and Circuit Breakers
RCD/ELCB Outlet (option) ...............5-1
Main Circuit Breaker ....................5-1
Outriggers ............................5-1
6. Controls
Controls Description ....................6-1
Controls and Control Decals Locations ....6-1
Ground Control Box.....................6-2
Lower controls: .......................6-2
Ground Control Box Controls ............6-2
Platform Control Box ....................6-3
Upper controls: .......................6-3
Stabiliser Controls ......................6-4
Self Levelling Stabilisers (Option) ..........6-4
7. Daily Inspection and Maintenance
Daily Inspection and Maintenance Table ....7-1
Engine Fuel Level ......................7-2
Fuel Tank Cap.........................7-2
Fuel Leaks............................7-2
Engine Oil Level .......................7-2
Operator's Manual ......................7-2
Wiring Harnesses ......................7-2
Battery Terminals ......................7-3
Battery Fluid Level......................7-3
Hydraulic Oil Level .....................7-3
Hydraulic Oil Leaks .....................7-3
Bolts and Fasteners ....................7-4
Wheels and Tyres ......................7-4
Structural Damage and Welds ............7-4
Lanyard Anchor Points ..................7-5
Platform Gravity Gate ...................7-5
Platform Guardrails .....................7-5
Flashing Light (option)...................7-5
Ground Control Switches ................7-6
Emergency Lower ......................7-6
Lower control box .....................7-6
Upper control box .....................7-6
Platform Control Switches ...............7-6
AC Outlet RCD/ELCB (option) ............7-7
Placards and Decals ....................7-7
Standard placards and decals ...........7-7
Inspection drawing ....................7-8
MHP15/44 – 12459A page - v

8. Operation
Operating Procedures ...................8-1
Control Stations........................8-1
Emergency Stopping
Lower Control Box......................8-1
Emergency Stopping
Upper Control Box......................8-1
Operation Considerations ................8-2
Starting From Ground Control Box .........8-2
Stabilizer Operation.....................8-2
Self Levelling Stabilizers (Option) ..........8-2
Setting the stabilizers manually ..........8-3
Starting From Platform Control Box ........8-3
Moving The Platform ....................8-4
From Ground Control Box...............8-4
From Platform Control Box ..............8-5
Securing for Day .......................8-5
9. Emergency Operation
Emergency Operation Procedures .........9-1
Operation From Platform Control Box......9-1
Operation From Ground Control Box ......9-2
10. Stowing and Transporting
Stowing .............................10-1
The correct stowed position is shown here. 10-1
Transporting .........................10-1
Trailering ...........................10-1
Securing to a Transport Vehicle .........10-2
Towing..............................10-2
Forklift points........................10-2
11. Options
Air Line To Platform....................11-1
Dual Fuel ............................11-1
24V DC Battery Power .................11-1
Bi-Energy............................11-1
Work Lights ..........................11-1
Flashing Light ........................11-1
RCD/ELCB AC Outlet ..................11-1
Sandblast Protection Kit ................11-1
Platform Rotator ......................11-1
12. Fire Fighting and Chemical Containment
Hazardous Components ................12-1
Battery, Lead/Acid (UN 2794) ...........12-1
Gasoline (UN 1203) ..................12-2
Hydraulic Oil (UN 1270) ...............12-3
Motor Oil (UN 1270) ..................12-3
13. Operator's Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting.......................13-1
Operator Troubleshooting Chart .........13-1
page - vi MHP15/44 – 12459A
Table of Contents

1. Safety
■Safe Operation
Knowledge of the information in this manual, and
proper training, provide a basis for safely operating
the MHP15/44. Know the location of all the controls
and how they operate to act quickly and responsi-
bly in an emergency.
Safety devices reduce the likelihood of an acci-
dent. Never disable, modify, or ignore any safety
device. Safety alerts in this manual indicate situa-
tions where accidents may occur.
If any malfunction, hazard or potentially unsafe
condition relating to capacity, intended use, or safe
operation is suspected, stop the operation of the
MHP and seek assistance.
The operator bears ultimate responsibility for fol-
lowing all manufacturers instructions and warn-
ings, regulations and safety rules of their employer
and/or any country or regional law.
■Electrocution Hazards
The MHP is an all metal boom aerial work platform
and is not electrically insulated. Do not operate it
near electrical conductors. Regard all conductors
as being energized. Do not operate outside during
a thunderstorm.
❑Minimum safe approach distance
Minimum safe approach distances to energised
power lines and their associated parts must be ob-
served wile operating the MHP.
Figure 1. - Minimum Safe Approach Distance
The MHP is not electrically insulated. Death
or serious injury can result from contact
with, or inadequate clearance from, an
energised conductor. Do not go closer than
the minimum safe approach distance as
defined by ANSI.
ANSI publications define minimum distances that
must be observed when working near bus bars and
energised power lines. Figure 1 and Table 1 are re-
printed courtesy of the Scaffold industry Associa-
tion, ANSI/SIA A92.5.
Table 1. - Minimum Safe Approach Distance
■Pre-start Inspection
At the start of each work shift, the MHP15/44 shall
be given a visual inspection and function test. See
the “Daily Inspection and Maintenance” chapter 7,
in this manual for a list of items to inspect and test.
DO NOT operate the MHP15/44 unless you
are trained and authorized, understand the
operation characteristics of the MHP15/44,
and have inspected and tested all functions
to be sure they are in proper working order.
■Work Place Inspection and Practices
Do not use the MHP15/44 as a ground for welding.
Ground to the work piece.
Before the MHP15/44 is used, and during use,
check the area in which the MHP15/44 is to be used
for possible hazards such as, but not limited to:
●Drop-offs or holes.
●Side slopes.
MHP15/44 – 12459A page 1- 1
WARNING
DANGER
Denotes prohibited zone
Caution: - Diagrams shown are only for purposes of illustrating
M.S.A.D. Work positions, not all work positions.
Voltage Range
(Phase to Phase
Minimum Safe Approach
Distance
Feet Metres
0 to 300V Avoid Contact
Over 300V to 50kV 10 3.05
Over 50kV to 200kV 15 4.60
Over 200kV to 350kV 20 6.10
Over 350kV to 500kV 25 7.62
Over 500kV to 750kV 35 10.7
Over 750kV to 1000kV 45 13.72

●Bumps and floor obstructions.
●Debris.
●Overhead obstructions and electrical
conductors.
●Hazardous locations.
●Inadequate surface and support to withstand
all load forces imposed by the aerial platform
in all operating configurations.
●Wind and weather conditions.
●Presence of unauthorized persons.
●Other possible unsafe conditions.
Before the MHP15/44 is used, determine the hazard
classification of any particular atmosphere or loca-
tion according to ANSI/NFPA 505-1987.
Any MHP15/44 operated in a hazardous location
must be approved and of the type required by
ANSI/NFPA 505-1987.
While operating the MHP a recommended safety
practice is to have trained and qualified personnel
in the immediate work area of the MHP15/44 to:
●Help in case of an emergency.
●Operate emergency controls as required.
●Watch for loss of control by platform
operator.
●Warn the operator of any obstructions or
hazards that may not be obvious to them.
●Watch for soft terrain, sloping surfaces,
drop-offs, etc., where stability could be
jeopardized.
●Watch for bystanders and never allow
anyone to be under, or to reach through the
booms while operating the aerial platform.
Pinch points may exist between moving
components. Death or serious injury can
result from becoming trapped between
components, buildings, structures, or other
obstacles. Make sure there is sufficient
clearance around the machine before
moving the chassis, booms, or platform.
Allow sufficient room and time to stop
movement to avoid contact with structures
or other hazards.
Keep ground personnel from under the platform
when the platform is raised.
Secure all accessories, containers, tools, and
other materials in the platform to prevent them from
accidentally falling or being kicked off the platform.
Always look in the direction of travel. Drive with
care and at speeds compatible with the work-place
conditions. Use caution when driving over rough
ground, on slopes, and when turning.
Do not engage in any form of “horseplay” or “stunt
driving” while operating the MHP15/44.
Do not permit riders on the machine anyplace other
than on the platform.
Remove all loose objects stored in or on the ma-
chine, particularly in the platform. Remove all ob-
jects which do not belong in or on the machine.
Never steady the platform by positioning it against
another platform.
Do not operate an MHP15/44 that is damaged or
not functioning properly. Do not use the MHP until
the machine has been repaired by a qualified main-
tenance person.
Do not operate a MHP15/44 that does not have all
its decals and placards attached and legible.
Watch for bystanders and never allow anyone to be
under, or to reach through, the machine and its
equipment while operating.
Use the recommended transport device when
loading the machine.
■Operation
If you encounter any suspected malfunction of the
aerial platform, or any hazard or potentially unsafe
condition relating to capacity, intended use, or safe
operation, cease operation immediately and seek
assistance from management.
Use three points of support when getting on or off
the platform (two hands and one foot or a similar set
of points). Keep the platform clean.
Maintain a firm footing on the platform floor. Oper-
ate the controls slowly and deliberately to avoid
jerky and erratic operation. Always stop the con-
trols in neutral before going in the opposite direc-
tion.
Do not dismount while the platform is in motion or
jump off the machine.
Do not start until all personnel are clearly away
from the machine.
Never cover the floor grating or otherwise obstruct
your view below. Make sure the area below the
platform is free of personnel before lowering.
page 1- 2 MHP15/44 – 12459A
1. Safety
DANGER