Vestil WTJ-HITCH Series User manual

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 1of 10
WTJ-HITCH Series Hitch-Mounted Jib Cranes
Use and Maintenance Manual
Receiving instructions:
After delivery, IMMEDIATELY remove the packaging from the product in a manner that preserves the packaging and
maintains the orientation of the product in the packaging; then inspect the product closely to determine whether it
sustained damage during transport. If damage is discovered during the inspection, immediately record a
complete description of the damage on the bill of lading. If the product is undamaged, discard the packaging.
NOTES:
1) Compliance with laws, regulations, codes, and non-voluntary standards enforced in the location where the product
is used is exclusively the responsibility of the owner/end-user
2) VESTIL is not liable for any injury or property damage that occurs as a consequence of failing to apply either:
a) Instructions in this manual; or b) information provided on labels affixed to the product. Neither is Vestil responsible
for any consequential damages sustained as a result of failing to exercise sound judgment while assembling,
installing, using or maintaining this product.
Table of Contents
Product Specifications……………….…………………..……………………………………………………………………..2
Signal Words….……………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Safe Use Recommendations……………………………………………………………..……………………………………3
FIG. 1: WTJ-HITCH exploded parts diagram & bill of materials………………………………………………………….. 4
Assembly instructions………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5-7
Crane post adjustments……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Operation instructions………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7-8
Inspections & Maintenance…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Label Placement Diagram……...…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Limited Warranty…...………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
VESTIL MANUFACTURING CORP.

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 2of 10
Product specifications:
Dimensions and other product specifications appear in the diagrams and table below.
Model Uniform
capacity Overall width Overall length Overall height
(excluding jack) Net weight
WTJ-HITCH 600 lb.
272.7kg
1913/16 in.
50.3 cm
445/16 in.
112.6 cm
741/4in.
188.6 cm
124.4 lb.
56.5 kg
SIGNAL WORDS:
This manual uses SIGNAL WORDS to indicate the likelihood of personal injuries, as well as the probable
seriousness of those injuries, if the product is misused in the ways described. Other signal words call attention
to uses of the product likely cause property damage. The signal words used appear below along with the
meaning of each word:
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, WILL result in
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY. Use of this signal word is limited to the
most extreme situations.
Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in
MINOR or MODERATE injury.
Identifies practices likely to result in product/property damage, such as
operation that might damage the product.
Each person who assembles, installs, uses, or maintains this product should read the entire manual in
advance and fully understand the directions. If after reading the manual you do not understand an instruction,
ask your supervisor or employer for clarification, because failure to adhere to the directions in this manual
might result in serious personal injury.
Brace connected
to boom at
position B (see
Step 5 on p. 6.)
Brace connected
to boom at
position A (see
Step 5 on p. 6.)

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 3of 10
Safe Use Recommendations:
We strive to identify foreseeable hazards associated with the use of our products. However, material handling
is dangerous and no manual can address every risk. The end-user ultimately is responsible for exercising sound
judgment at all times.
Improper or careless operation might result in serious personal injuries sustained by the operator
and bystanders. Always apply material handling techniques learned during training and use the product properly.
Failure to read and understand the entire manual before assembling, using or servicing the product
constitutes misuse.Read the manual to refresh your understanding of proper use and maintenance
procedures as necessary.
DO NOT drive with the crane fully assembled. Disconnect at least the upper assembly (post + boom +
boom brace) from the base frame before driving the vehicle.
DO NOT use the crane unless it is in normal operating condition. Inspect the unit as described in the inspection
instructions on p. 8-9 to determine whether it is functioning normally. DO NOT use the crane unless it passes
every part of the inspection or until it is restored to normal operating condition.
DO NOT use a malfunctioning crane. Always perform the “Function Tests” described below before each use.
DO NOT attempt to lift a load that weighs more than the uniform capacity of your unit. The capacity appears on
label 287 as shown in “Label placement diagram” on p. 9. (Also see product specifications table on p. 2.)
DO NOT adjust crane angle while lifting a load. ALWAYS unload the crane before making adjustments as
described on p. 7.
Always watch the load carefully while raising, lowering and rotating it.
DO NOT stand beneath or travel under the crane if a load is suspended from it and DO NOT permit any person
to stand beneath or travel under the load.
DO NOT climb on the crane or the load.
This crane is designed for material handling ONLY. DO NOT use the crane to lift people.
ALWAYS load the crane properly (see “Operation” instructions on p. 8). Failure to properly position the crane
and/or the load might result in serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
DO NOT perform maintenance on this crane UNLESS it is unloaded and stably supported. If repairs are
necessary, ONLY install manufacturer-approved replacement parts.
The post of the crane (see item no. 4 on p. 4) should rotate smoothly. Watch for binding or jerky movement and
listen for unusual noises. Remove the unit from service if you observe anything abnormal.
DO NOT use the crane UNLESS all labels are in place and readable (see “Label placement diagram” on p. 9.)
DO NOT modify this product in any way. Modifying the crane automatically voids the limited warranty and might
make it unsafe to use.
Proper use and maintenance are essential for this product to function properly.
Always use this product in accordance with the instructions in this manual and consistent with any training
relevant to rigging used in conjunction with this product.
Periodically lubricate pivot points.
Keep the product clean & dry.
Only use approved replacement parts. To order replacement or spare parts for this equipment, contact the
factory.

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 4of 10
FIG. 1: WTJ-HITCH Exploded Parts Diagram & Bill of Materials
Item
no. Part no. Description Quantity Item
no. Part no. Description Quantity
1 28-514-251 Assembly, base frame 1 16 33622
3
/8” z-plated lock washer 2
2 28-016-190 Bracket, bar, hitch 1 17 36106
3
/8” – 16 z-plated hex nut 2
3 28-516-065 Assembly, bracket, hitch collar 1 18 42-145-004
3
/16” aircraft cable, 180” long 1
4 28-516-067 Assembly, bracket, post 1 19 21-145-012 Cable anchor 1
5 28-514-252 Assembly, boom 1 20 21-145-013 Cable thimble 1
6 28-014-380 Frame, boom brace 1 21 08-145-037 Clevis hook (1-ton capacity) 1
7 21-042-
002-001 Hand winch, foldable handle grip 1 22 28-027-010 Roller 2
8 13211
1
/2” – 13 x 2” HHCS #5 z-plated bolt 2 23 33018
3
/4” z-plated USS flat washer 8
9 13363
3
/4” – 10 x 2
1
/2” HHCS #5 z-plated bolt 4 24 33-112-034
3
/4” x 3
3
/4” clevis pin 1
10 13371
3
/4” – 10 x 4
1
/2” HHCS #5 z-plated bolt 3 25 45282 #6 hitch pin clip 1
11 13217
1
/2” – 13 x 3
1
/2” HHCS #5 z-plated bolt 1 26 99-612-003 Assembly, receiver pin and pin clip 1
12 37039 3/4” – 10 z-plated Nylock nut 2 27 17945
3
/4” – 16 x 8
1
/2” yellow zinc grade 8
bolt 1
13 36110
1
/2” – 13 z-plated hex nut 1 28 36466
3
/4” – 16 yellow zinc grade 8 nut 1
14 13105
3
/8” – 16 x 1” HHCS #5 z-plated bolt 2 29 99-027-003
1
/4” cable pulley, 3” O.D.,
1
/2” ID 1
15 33008
3
/8” z-plated USS flat washer 4
Tools needed for assembly:
11/8 in. adjustable wrench
1/2 in. wrench
1/8 in. wrench
1/8 in. wrench

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 5of 10
Assembly instructions:
In the assembly instructions below, numbers in parentheses correspond to item numbers in the exploded parts
diagram on p. 4.
Step 1A: Attach the hitch collar (3) to the hitch tube (2) with 1/2in. – 13 x 2in. bolts (8). Install the collar on the end
of the tube with the smaller hole as shown below. Do not tighten the bolts against the bottom of the hitch tube.
Step 1B: Insert the receiver end of the hitch tube into the receiver. Pin the hitch bar to the receiver using the
receiver pin and pin clip (item no. 26). Next, slide the collar around the end of the receiver; then tighten the bolts
firmly against the bottom of the receiver.
Step 2: Slide the base frame (1) onto the crane end of the hitch bar. Attach the components with 3/4in. – 10 x
21/2in. bolts (9) as shown below. Then, install the 3/4in. – 10 x 41/2in. bolt (10) through the hitch bracket, hitch bar,
and into the base frame and tighten it.
Step 3: Attach the post (4) to the base frame using the 3/4in. – 16 x 81/2bolt (27), 3/4in. – 16 hex nut (28), and 3/4in.
flat washers (23).
1/2in. – 13 x 2in. bolts
Hitch collar (3)
3
/4in. – 10 x 2
1
/2in. bolt (9)
3
/4in. – 10 x 2
1
/2in. bolts (9)
3
/4in. – 10 x 4
1
/2in.
bolt (10)
Post (4)
Receiver end
Crane end
Tube bracket
Base
frame (1)
Hitch bar (2)
Receiver pin
with hitch pin
3
/4in. – 16 x 8
1
/2in. bolt
3
/4in. – 16 hex nut
3
/4in. flat washer
3
/4in. flat washer
Post
(
4
)

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 6of 10
Step 5: Attach the boom brace (6) to the post and the boom. For the lower connection, use a 3/4in. – 10 x 41/2in.
bolt (10) and 3/4in. – 10 lock nut (12). Notice that at one end of the brace is a pair of 3/4in. holes; at the other end
are slots. The slotted end of the brace is the bottom end. First, install the bolt through the holes in the center of
the post and fasten it on the other side with a 3/4in. lock nut. Then, slide the slotted end of the brace onto the bolt.
Select one of the two attachment positions (A and B below; see diagrams on p. 2) and fasten the brace to the
boom at that location with a 3/4in. x 33/4in. clevis pin (24) and #6 hitch pin (25). Use 3/4in. flat washers (23) on both
sides of the brace inside the boom to tighten the connection, if necessary.
Step 4: Attach the boom (5) to the top of the post with a
3
/4in. – 10 x 4
1
/2in. bolt (10), four
3
/4in. flat washers (23),
and a 3/4in. – 10 hex nut (12). Include washers as needed on either side of the boom on the inside of the post as
shown below to tighten the connection.
3
/4in. – 10 x 4
1
/2in. bolt
Brace
Slotted end of brace
Brace attachment points
A B
3
/4in. – 10 lock nut
3
/4in. – 10 x
41/2in. bolt
3
/4in. – 10
hex nut
3
/4in. flat
washers
Boom (5)
Hitch pin (25)
Clevis pin (24) Flat washers (23)

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 7of 10
Crane post adjustments:
The crane base can be rotated by up to
10° in either direction, which also changes
the position of the post. To change the
angle, first adjust the bolts in the top of the
tube bracket. When the desired angle is
achieved, tighten the bolts in the bottom of
the tube bracket.
Operation:
Proper operation of this crane is essential to reduce the likelihood of personal injury. Before using the crane,
ALWAYS conduct the “Function Tests” described below.
Function Tests:
Before using the crane, verify that it operates normally. If the crane fails any of the following tests do NOT use
it. Instead, tag the crane “Out of Service”, remove it from service, and report the problem to authorized inspection
and maintenance personnel (if applicable). DO NOT use the crane again until it is restored to normal operating
condition.
1. Test the pivot action: confirm that the post pivots normally about the 9in. bolt (item no. 9 on p. 4).
2. Test the winch: Lower and raise the load hook. Confirm that the cable unwinds and rewinds smoothly.
3. Inspect the cable: look for kinks, frayed and broken wires, bird-caging, etc. Replace the cable if it is
significantly worn or damaged.
4. Inspect the load hook: confirm that the hook is not twisted, cracked, elongated, etc. Replace the load hook if it
is damaged.
Step 6: Attach the winch (7) to the boom using 3/8in.
hardware (14, 15, 16, & 17).
3
/8in. flat
washer (15)
3
/8in. – 16 x 1in.
(14)
3
/8in. – 16
hex nut
3
/8in. lock
washer (16)
3
/8in. flat
washer (15)
Winch
(
7
)
Step 7: Install the cable pulley (29) at the end of the
boom. First, feed the load hook and cable through the
opening at the end of the boom (not shown); then
attach the two rollers (22; one on each side of pulley)
and the cable pulley using a 1/2in. – 13 x 31/2in. (11) and
1/2in. – 13 hex nut (13) as shown in the diagram below.
10° Adjust top bolts first
After desired angle is achieved, tighten bottom
bolts against hitch tube
NOTE: Lifting a load with the crane causes
the frame of the vehicle to shift. This shift
also causes the angle of the crane (relative
to vertical) to change. Adjust the crane
angle to account for the change that occurs
under load. When properly adjusted, the
post should be vertical while the crane
is loaded. If, once a load is lifted, it is
apparent that the angle must be adjusted,
lower the load to the ground before making
the adjustment.
Vertical line
Cable
pulley (29)
Roller (22)
1
/2in. – 13 x 3
1
/2in. bolt (11)
1
/2in. – 13 hex nut (13)

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 8of 10
Proper loading:
Before using the crane, prepare the vehicle. Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake. If
you will use the crane on a pickup truck, it might be necessary to lower or remove the tailgate to accommodate
the load. Recall that the boom brace can be attached to the boom at either of 2 positions (see Step 5 on p. 6).
Attaching the brace to position 1 will allow you to raise loads as high as possible. Attachment to position 2
optimizes boom reach (horizontal distance) but does not allow loads to be lifted as high. Select the appropriate
attachment point for the brace and then proceed to the next step.
Next, bring the load to the vehicle. Rotate the boom away from the vehicle and position the load directly below
the load hook. Attach necessary rigging to the load; then attach the load hook to the rigging.
Slowly raise the load off of the ground with the winch. Observe both the crane and the load as the load rises.
Make sure that the load does not swing, because the post will tilt slightly under the weight of a load. Observe the
crane post and make sure that it is substantially vertical while the load is applied. When the load is adequately
elevated, slowly push the load into the vehicle and lower it until it is fully supported by the vehicle. Next,
disconnect the load hook from the rigging and turn the winch until the hook is fully retracted.
Do not drive while the crane is attached to the vehicle. Either disconnect the entire crane assembly by pulling
the hitch tube out of the receiver or remove the 9in. bolt (9) that fastens the upper assembly (post, boom, and
brace) to the base frame.
Lowering the tailgate:
The tailgate of some trucks cannot be lowered without contacting
the boom brace. The crane is designed to address this issue without
having to disconnect hardware. First, retract the load cable. Then,
grasp the bottom of the boom brace and lift it off of the supporting
bolt. The bottom of the brace is slotted to facilitate quick
disengagement from the bolt. Carefully rotate the boom up and over
the top of the post (as shown in the diagram to the right) until it rests
on the top of the post.
Keep fingers out of the pinch point between the
brace and the boom (circled in the diagram).
Inspections and Maintenance
Crane owners and operators should regularly inspect this crane to confirm that it is in normal working
condition. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) crane inspection procedures appear in 29 CFR
1910.179 (visit http://www.osha.gov/ and navigate to “Regulations” section 1910.179; relevant portions of those
procedures appear in paraphrase below).
1. Initial inspection — before using a new crane for the first time, inspect it to insure normal condition.
After the first use, conduct the following inspections:
2. Frequent inspection — inspect the following items for defects at the intervals indicated, including
observation during operation for any defects which might appear between inspections. All deficiencies such
as those listed shall be carefully examined to determine whether they constitute a safety hazard:
All functional operating mechanisms (pulley, cable, winch, post): inspect daily for maladjustment interfering
with proper operation. Verify that the winch rotates normally in both directions and locks automatically
when not rotating. The pulley should rotate freely as the cable extends and retracts. The post should rotate
smoothly and easily.
Load Hook: visually inspect the load hook before each use. Also inspect the hook once per month and
record the results of the inspection. Examine the hook for deformation or cracks. Immediately discard the
hook if it is cracked or if the throat opening is more than 15 percent in excess of normal throat opening.
Discard the hook if it is twisted more than 10° from the plane of the unbent hook.
All frame pieces (hitch tube, base frame, post, boom and boom brace) and all fasteners (bolts, nuts, pins):
Inspect weekly for damage: excessive wear, warps, and cracks. Replace all parts that are damaged before
using the crane again. All frame pieces should be square, rigid and free of rust and corrosion. Remove any
rust was a steel wool or a metal bristle brush and apply touch-up paint designed for coating metal and for
outdoor use.
Cable: Inspect weekly for reeving, kinks, frays, elongations, bird-caging, etc. Replace the cable if it is
damaged.
Pivot points: inspect all pivot points at least once per month, especially the connections between the
base frame and the post, for significant wear. Apply grease to the pivot points.

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 9of 10
Label placement diagram:
The crane should be labeled at all times as shown in the diagram below. Periodically inspect and clean the labels
to maintain legibility from a reasonable, safe viewing distance. Replace any label that is damaged or not easily
readable.
Label 586: On one side of boom
Label 287: Model, capacity,
serial no.
Label 983: On other side of boom
Label 208: Top of boom brace

Rev. 5/8/2015 WTJ-HITCH, MANUAL
Copyright 2015 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 10 of 10
LIMITED WARRANTY
Vestil Manufacturing Corporation (“Vestil”) warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship
during the warranty period. Our warranty obligation is to provide a replacement for a defective original part if the part
is covered by the warranty, after we receive a proper request from the warrantee (you) for warranty service.
Who may request service?
Only a warrantee may request service. You are a warrantee if you purchased the product from Vestil or from an
authorized distributor AND Vestil has been fully paid.
What is an “original part”?
An original part is a part used to make the product as shipped to the warrantee.
What is a “proper request”?
A request for warranty service is proper if Vestil receives: 1) a photocopy of the Customer Invoice that displays the
shipping date; AND 2) a written request for warranty service including your name and phone number. Send requests
by any of the following methods:
Mail Fax Email
Vestil Manufacturing Corporation [phone] [email protected]
2999 North Wayne Street, PO Box 507 Phone
Angola, IN 46703 [phone]
In the written request, list the parts believed to be defective and include the address where replacements should be
delivered.
What is covered under the warranty?
After Vestil receives your request for warranty service, an authorized representative will contact you to determine
whether your claim is covered by the warranty. Before providing warranty service, Vestil may require you to send the
entire product, or just the defective part or parts, to its facility in Angola, IN. The warranty covers defects in the
following original dynamic components: motors, hydraulic pumps, electronic controllers, switches and cylinders. It
also covers defects in original parts that wear under normal usage conditions (“wearing parts”), such as bearings,
hoses, wheels, seals, brushes, and batteries.
How long is the warranty period?
The warranty period for original dynamic components is 90 days. For wearing parts, the warranty period is 90 days.
The warranty periods begin on the date when Vestil ships the product to the warrantee. If the product was purchased
from an authorized distributor, the periods begin when the distributor ships the product. Vestil may, at its sole
discretion, extend the warranty periods for products shipped from authorized distributors by up to 30 days to account
for shipping time.
If a defective part is covered by the warranty, what will Vestil do to correct the problem?
Vestil will provide an appropriate replacement for any covered part. An authorized representative of Vestil will contact
you to discuss your claim.
What is not covered by the warranty?
1. Labor;
2. Freight;
3. Occurrence of any of the following, which automatically voids the warranty:
Product misuse;
Negligent operation or repair;
Corrosion or use in corrosive conditions;
Inadequate or improper maintenance;
Damage sustained during shipping;
Accidents involving the product;
Unauthorized modifications: DO NOT modify the product IN ANY WAY without first receiving
written authorization from Vestil. Modification(s) might make the product unsafe to use or might
cause excessive and/or abnormal wear.
Do any other warranties apply to the product?
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. makes no other express warranties. All implied warranties are disclaimed to the extent
allowed by law. Any implied warranty not disclaimed is limited in scope to