4
Designated Use
WESTCO model 5500 Hydraulic Tubing Tongs are fast, safe, and accurate tongs for making up and breaking out
1.315” to 4.75” O.D. tubing. Hydraulic power is directed to a manually controlled throttle valve and hydraulic
motor unit. Fluid power input is converted to the rotary mechanical output, which drives the tong's gear train.
The simple but rugged gear train consists of a planetary type gearbox mounted directly beneath the motor, and
a gear reduction system which provides the extra torque capacity. The tong is suspended in the derrick or mast
by a wire line and swung onto the tubing. Tong jaws grip automatically and the safety guard door closes.
Operate the throttle in the forward position, and the tubing is automatically made up to the required
specifications as indicated on the torque indicator gauge.
This equipment is NOT designed to be used for drilling operations. Using this equipment for
purposes and/or configurations and/or modifications other than what is expressly mentioned in
this manual is considered contrary to its designated use and is, therefore, prohibited. Operating
this equipment within the limits of its designated use also involves complying with the
operational inspection and maintenance directives contained within this operating manual.
Precautions for Installation
•Connect hydraulic couplings in the following order: 1) return line 2) pressure line. Always disconnect in
the reverse order: 1) pressure line 2) return line.
•Secure hydraulic hoses: do not bend or clamp hoses in a way that might hinder flow of hydraulic fluid.
Hoses should not obstruct workers on the rig floor.
•Use only the original suspension hanger that comes with the tong to suspend it off the rig floor.
•A stiff arm is strongly recommended, but if a flexible line (chain or cable) is used, the line must be
completely horizontal and at a right angle to the longitudinal axis with no slack in the line.
A snub line must be securely attached to the rear of tong and to an anchor point. All slack
must be out of the snub line before the tong is operated. Failure to comply with this
warning may cause serious bodily harm.
