Vestil AHS User manual

1
Vestil Manufacturing Corporation
2999 North Wayne St., Angola, IN 46703
Ph: 260-665-7586 Fax: [phone]
[email protected] • www.vestil.com
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Read owner's manual completely before operating unit!
• Never exceed the maximum load capacity printed on the
top beam. The capacity includes the weight of hoist and
trolley.
• Check for damage and be sure all hardware is tight before
each use.
• Never move or load the gantry unless both height
adjustment pins are fully inserted.
• Lock all wheels perpendicular to each other before loading.
• Stand clear of hanging loads.
• Never cantilever loads off of one end of the gantry.
• When moving a load, be sure the load center is as low to
the ground as possible. If not lowered, tipping can occur.
• Never attempt to adjust the gantry beam height while a
load is attached.
• When moving is not required, always lock the casters
perpendicular to each other.
• Keep clear of electrical wires and all electrical
equipment.
• Make sure all operator safety labels are in place and
legible.
RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS
Every unit is thoroughly inspected prior to shipment.
However, it is possible that the unit may incur damage during
transit. If damage is noticed when unloading, make a note of
it on the BILL OF LADING. Remove all packing and
strapping material, then inspect the unit again for damage.
IF DAMAGE IS EVIDENT, FILE A CLAIM WITH THE
CARRIER IMMEDIATELY!
WARRANTY
This product is warranted for 90 DAYS from date of
purchase to be free of manufacturing defects in material and
workmanship. The manufacturer's obligation hereunder is
limited to repairing such products during the warranty
period, provided the product is sent prepaid back to the
factory.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts
or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use
or misuse of the product, use or application contrary to
installation instructions, or disassembly, repair or alteration
by any person prior to authorization from a factory
representative.
STEEL GANTRY CRANES • MODEL AHS, FHS
ALUMINUM GANTRY CRANES • MODEL AHA
OWNER'S
MANUAL
Revised 04-05 28-126-101
A company dedicated to solving ergonomic and material
handling problems since 1955
.
STEEL & ALUMINUM GANTRY CRANES
AHS & AHA SERIES
Ergonomic Solutions
Contents
Safety Precautions ........................................1
Receiving Instructions ...................................1
Warranty ........................................................ 1
Assembly Instructions ................................... 2
Height Adjustment .........................................3
Inspection Instructions ................................... 4
Testing Instructions ....................................... 5
Parts List/Drawing (AHS series) .................... 6
Parts List/Drawing (AHA series) .................... 7
Warning Label Identification .......................... 8 E
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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
•The model FHS fixed-height steel gantry crane and the AHS and AHA adjustable-height steel and aluminum gantry
cranes are suitable for use indoors and outdoors for many industrial and commercial applications.
•Modifications or additions to the gantry crane without prior authorization from the manufacturer may void the
crane's warranty.
•Assembly must be performed by suitably trained personnel with access to the appropriate equipment.
For assembly you will need the following:
1. A fork truck or overhead hoist or crane.
2. Basic fastener tightening hand tools such as a wrench set or a socket set,
an adjustable wrench, ect.
Installing the crane's top beam and leg assemblies together:
1. On adjustable-height models, (AHS and AHA), insert the upper frame sides
into the lower frame sides and secure both sides at the same level with the
height adjustment pins and clips.
2. Lay out the crane's top beams and the two leg assemblies on a floor area
that has ample clear working space.
3. Attach the beam clamps (or clamp plates, on lighter capacities) to the top
flanges on both leg assemblies using the 1/2"-13 structural bolts and nuts
provided, as shown in the illustration.
4. Slide the bottom flange of each end of the I-beam between the beam
clamps (or clamp plates) and the leg assemblies' top flange until the desired
usable beam length is attained.
5. Tighten all the beam clamp units to a torque of 50-52 foot-pounds.
6. Tip the assembly upright into a standing position using a fork truck or
overhead crane.
7. Lifting at the center of the cross beam, slowly raise the assembled gantry
just high enough to install the casters.
Installing the casters to each leg:
8. Hold an 8" caster under the bottom flange of each leg of the crane so that
the caster rig's holes match the holes in the leg's bottom flange.
9. Hang a caster from the bottom of each leg, installing one bolt at
a corner of each rig that is nearer the center of the leg set. Washers and
nuts, as shown in the illustration, are not used on the 2,000 & 4,000 lb.
capacity steel gantrys, which have 5/16"-18 tapped mounting holes.
10. Insert the detent assembly under the caster rig, as shown, and install the
remaining three fasteners.
11. Tighten the locking nuts securely.
12. Rotate the wheels so that all are parallel with each other, then lock them in
place with the detents.
13. Slowly lower the completed gantry crane so that it rests on the casters.

3
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
For adjustable height models, the height of the top beam can be adjusted by the following ways:
Never attempt to adjust whil loaded.
A.) Using a forktruck or an overhead crane
1.) Lock all the casters in perpendicular position to one another.
2.) A forktruck or an overhead crane is used to support the top beam.
3.) Release the pin clips from the height adjustment pins on both sides of the frame, and pull out the pins.
4.) The top beam can now be lowered or raised to the desired height with the help of the forktruck or overhead crane.
5.) Insert the height adjustment pins and secure them with the pin clips.
B.) Using the ratchet cable puller (customer supplied)
1.) Lock all the casters in perpendicular position to one another.
2.) Attach one end (hook) of the ratchet cable puller to the bracket (position A) on the leg assembly, and the other end
to the end of the side frame (position B). Please refer to figure below: Figure 3
3.) Tighten the cable to hold the side frame in place.
4.) Release the pin clip from the height adjustment pin, and pull out the pin.
5.) The top beam can now be lowered or raised to the desired height by extending the cable, or shortening the cable.
6.) Insert the height adjustment pin and secure it with the pin clip.
7.) Repeat the above procedures for the other side.
CAUTION: NEVER STAND BELOW THE TOP BEAM WHILE TRYING TO ADJUST THE HEIGHT !
Position A
Position B
Leg Assembly
Side Frame
Pin Clip
Height Adjustment Pin
Ratchet
Cable Puller Figure 3
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Supplied Cable
when purchasing
AHA-KIT

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INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS
Per OSHA Regulations 1910.179 and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (A.S.M.E.) B30.17 "Overhead and
Gantry Cranes.", all gantry cranes should have an:
1910.179(j)(1)(i) Initial inspection - Prior to initial use all new and altered cranes shall be inspected to insure
compliance.
Besides that, for gantry cranes in regular service, there are two general classifications of inspections based upon the
intervals at which the inspection should be performed. The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the
critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction. The two
general classifications are herein designated as "frequent" and "periodic" with respective intervals between inspections
as defined below:
1910.179(j)(1)(ii)(a) Frequent inspection - Daily to monthly intervals.
1910.179(j)(1)(ii)(b) Periodic inspection - 1 to 12 month intervals.
1910.179(j)(2) Frequent Inspection
The following items shall be inspected for defects at intervals as defined above or as specifically indicated, including
observation during operation for any defects which might appear between regular inspections. All deficiencies such as
listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard:
• All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation. Daily.
• Hooks with deformation or cracks. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which
includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number,
or other identifier, of the hook inspected.
• Hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function,
or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification
record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an
identifier of the chain which was inspected.
• All functional operating mechanisms for excessive wear of components.
• Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendation.
1910.179(j)(3) Periodic Inspection
Complete inspections of the crane shall be performed at intervals as generally defined above, depending upon its
activity, severity of service, and environment, or as specifically indicated below. These inspections shall include the
requirements of the frequent inspection stated above and in addition, the following items. All deficiencies such as
listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard:
• Deformed, cracked, or corroded members.
• Loose bolts or fasteners.
• Cracked or worn hoist.
• Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices.
• Load, wind, and other indicators over their full range, for any significant inaccuracies.
• Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other powerplants for improper performance or noncompliance with applicable safety
requirements. (IF APPLICABLE)
• Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch.

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TESTING INSTRUCTIONS
OSHA also requires two classifications of testing to be performed [per OSHA Regulations 1910.179(k)].
These two testings are:
1910.179(k)(1) Operational tests
1910.179(k)(2) Rated load test
1910.179(k)(1) Operational Tests
(i) Prior to initial use all new and altered cranes shall be tested to insure compliance with this section including the
following functions:
(a) Hoisting and lowering.
(b) Trolley travel.
(c) Bridge travel.
(d) Limit switches, locking and safety devices.
(ii) The trip setting of hoist limit switches shall be determined by tests with an empty hook traveling in increasing
speeds up to the maximum speed. The actuating mechanism of the limit switch shall be located so that it will
trip the switch, under all conditions, in sufficient time to prevent contact of the hook or hook block with any part
of the trolley.
1910.179(k)(2) Rated Load Test
Test loads shall not be more than 125 percent of the rated load unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.
The test reports shall be placed on file where readily available to appointed personnel.
REFER TO OSHA'S STANDARD 1910.179 FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON
OVERHEAD & GANTRY CRANE DEFINITIONS, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS,
HOISTING EQUIPMENT, MAINTENANCE, ROPE INSPECTION,
HANDLING OF THE LOAD, AND
OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
For OSHA publications, including informational materials
on standards and regulations, please contact:
OSHA's Publications Office
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N3101
Washington, DC 20210
Ph.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
ALSO REFER TO AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (A.S.M.E.)
B30.17 "OVERHEAD & GANTRY CRANES."
For copies of A.S.M.E. B30.17
please contact:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Order Department 1-800-THE-ASME
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AHS SERIES STEEL GANTRY CRANES
Capacity 2,000 lbs. and 4,000 lbs.
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
AHS SERIES STEEL GANTRY CRANES
a/k Available only with purchase of kit
DESCRIPTION
Bolt, 1/2"-13 x 2" UNC
Clamp Beam
Washer, Lock 1/2"
Nut, 1/2"-13
Chain, 3/16" dia. x 16" long
Clip, Hitch Pin, # 8
Pin, 1" dia. x 5-3/4" overall (4-1/2" useable)
Bolt 5/16"-18 UNC x 3/4" long (2-4K)
Bolt, 1/2"-13 UNC x 1-1/2" long (6-8K)
Washer, Lock, 5/16"
Wheel, Caster, 8" x 2" Phenolic with Lock (2-4K)
Wheel, Caster, 8" x 3" Phenolic with Lock (6-8K)
Washer, 5/16" (2-4K)
Washer, 1/2" (6-8K)
Locking Mechanism, 4-Position (2-4K)
Locking Mechanism, 4-Position (6-8K)
ENGINEER NO.
A/L
28-145-002
A/L
A/L
08-145-011
A/L
08-112-002
A/L
A/L
A/L
16-132-063
16-132-064
A/L
A/L
28-037-002
28-037-003
ITEM NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
QTY.
8
8
8
24
2
2
2
16
16
16
4
4
16
16
4
4
9
8
10
11
10
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

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AHA SERIES ALUMINUM GANTRY CRANES
a/k Available only with purchase of kit
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PARTS IDENTIFICATION
AHA SERIES ALUMINUM GANTRY CRANES
DESCRIPTION
Wheel, Caster, 8" x 2" Phenolic with Lock
Bolt, 3/8"-16 UNC x 1-1/4 Long
Nut, 3/8"-16 UNC
Washer, Flat, 3/8"
Washer, Lock, 3/8"
Pin, Retaining, 3/4" dia. x 7-3/8" long and clip
Pin, Retaining, 1/2" dia. x 3" long
Pin, Cotter, 1/8"
Clamp, Beam
Bolt, 1/2"-13 UNC x 2-1/2" long, Grade 5
Nut, 1/2"-13 UNC, Grade 5
Washer, Flat 1/2"
Washer, Lock, 1/2"
Knob, Scrw, 3/8"-16 (2K only)
Pin, Retaining, 3/4" dia. x 4-1/2" long (2K only)
ENGINEER NO.
16-132-063-B
A/L
A/L
A/L
A/L
28-112-007
28-1/2-005
A/L
28-145-002
A/L
A/L
A/L
A/L
189-50
AHA-RP4.5
ITEM NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
QTY.
4
16
16
16
16
2
2
10
8
8
8
16
8
2
8
3
2
1
4,5
1
2, 3, 4, 5
6
9, 10, 11, 12, 13
7, 8
14
15

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WARNING LABEL IDENTIFICATION
MAKE SURE ALL WARNING LABELS ARE IN PLACE!
*Product safety signs or labels should be periodically
inspected and cleaned by the product users as necessary
to maintain good legibility for safe viewing distance . . .
ANSI 535.4 (10.21)
Contact manufacturer for replacement labels if needed.
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