WORKMASTER GO-A8-PW Manual

GO-
A
8-PW Gate Opener
OPERATOR's GUIDE
WE FIND A WAY
—
OR MAKE ONE !

WORKMASTER disclaims any liability for injuries, death or damages arising directly or
indirectly, from the use, operation or application of this product not in accordance with
the procedures, specifications and recommendations contained in this owner’s manual.
The user of this product is responsible to install, maintain and operate the product and
parts or components manufactured or supplied by WORKMASTER in such a manner as to
comply with all federal, state and local rules, ordinances, regulations and laws, including
the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety Act, and the American National Standards
Institute Safety Code.

PH: 866.476.9217
SYMBOLS
The following symbols are found throughout this Operator's Guide to alert the reader to
the relative danger that may result from non-observance.
This indicates a situation in which a hazard is
imminent and will result in a high probability of
serious injury or death.
This indicates a potentially hazardous
situation, which could result in minor to
moderate injury.
T
his symbol indicates a
g
eneral statement
to assist the user in the operation or
maintenance of the equipment.
IMPORTANT
This indicates a potentially hazardous
situation or unsafe practice which could result
in product or property damaged.
CAUTION

PH: 866.476.9217
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
I. Introduction 1
II. Safety 2
III. RequiredMaterials 2
IV. Specifications and Components 3
V. AirRequirements 9
VI. Pre-StartCheckList 10
VII. Lubrication 11
VIII. OpeningCarGates 13
IX. ClosingCarGates 16
X. Height Adjustment 18
XI. ExhaustDiverter 19
XII. Storage 20
XIII. Disassembling the Impactor 21
XIV. PartsInspection 23
XV. Reassembling the Impactor 27
XVI. Accessories 29
Appendix A Exploded View A-1
Appendix B Troubleshooting B-1
Appendix C Compressed Air System C-1
Appendix D Air Supply Piping D-1
Appendix E Lubricator Components E-1

PH: 866.476.9217
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE PAGE
Figure1ComponentLayout 4
Figure 2 Forward/Reverse Label 5
Figure3LockingPinLabel 7
Figure4ToggleSwitchLabel 8
Figure5Lubricator 12
Figure 6 Height Adjustment Specifications 18
Figure 7 Exhaust Diverter Positioning 19
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE PAGE
Table1TechnicalSpecifications 3

1
I. INTRODUCTION
Fast, safe and economical unloading of covered hopper cars continues to be a
problem at most unloading sites. One of the biggest contributors to this problem
is the often time-consuming and difficult job of opening and closing bottom gates
or doors of these hopper cars. Load compaction, weather conditions, age,
abuse, or corrosive or gritty bulk materials can combine to prevent gate
mechanisms from operating smoothly.
Regardless of cause, the costs associated with the problem are significant.
Delays in emptying the hopper cars means slow car turnaround, increased
demurrage costs, and interrupted production schedules. Even more importantly,
the chance of worker injury is high since at many unloading sites, clumsy or
dangerous makeshift tools are used during the “fight” to open a stubborn gate.
To meet our commitment of “WE FIND A WAY – OR MAKE ONE®”,
WORKMASTER has developed a line of Hopper Car Gate Openers and
accessories which provide a safe, efficient and economical solution to the
problem of opening easy, medium and hard-to-open hopper car gates.
There are pneumatic, electric and manual units available producing 1000 to
13000 ft. lbs. of torque to eliminate the need for "cheater” bars, sledge
hammers, jacks and other improper tools sometimes used on this difficult job.
This Operation/Maintenance Manual details the specifications, operation,
maintenance and safe use of the GO-A8 Pneumatic Hopper Car Gate Opener.
Experience has shown that the GO-A8 Opener will open the most difficult car
gates. However, the same experience demonstrates that total satisfaction in use
depends on attention to detail in operating and maintaining the unit.
A
ll persons involved in the operation and maintenance
of this equipment should be thoroughly familiar with
the contents of this manual.
IMPORTANT

2
II. SAFETY
To prevent injury to yourself or others, and/or damage to equipment, you should
adhere to the following basic safety instructions.
1. Read carefully the entire Operator's Guide prior to installing or
operating equipment.
2. Always follow proper precautions and use proper tools and safety
equipment.
3. Be sure to receive proper training.
4. Always use the equipment and all its components in applications for
which they are approved.
5. Be sure to assemble all components correctly.
6. Never use worn, defective or damaged components.
7. Practice good housekeeping at all times, and maintain good lighting
around all equipment.
8. Perform Lock-out/Tag-out procedure on all energy sources to the
equipment, mounting structure, loading and discharge systems in
accordance with ANSI Standards before installation or maintenance.
III. REQUIRED MATERIALS
The following items are not supplied with your WORKMASTER Gate Opener but
are necessary for its proper installation and operation.
CLEAN and DRY compressed air capable of supplying 114 CFM
@ 85 PSI
High-quality air hose: 1" ID, preferably fitted with a Universal
(Chicago type) coupling.

3
IV. SPECIFICATIONS AND COMPONENTS
To operate to GO-A8-PW effectively the user should be familiar with each of
the Gate Opener's components. See Figure 1 for a Component layout, and
Appendix A for a breakdown of the Impactor and the list of Part Numbers.
The GO-A8 Pneumatic Hopper Car Gate Opener consists of a heavy-duty
reversible impact motor, self-closing lever control mechanism and a Rolling Cart.
The GO-A8 Opener is portable, rugged and capable of operating in the toughest
environment. Under recommended operating conditions and with regular
maintenance, the GO-A8 Opener can generate up to 13000 ft./lbs. torque. The
Impact Motor is air driven and requires a source of clean, dry compressed air for
operation.
Every user should be aware of the technical specifications and operating
characteristics shown below in Table 1.
Table 1: Technical Specifications
CHARACTERISTICS GO-A8-PW
Length 33"
Width 42"
Height 45"
Weight 308 Lbs
Working Area Required 8 – 10 Ft Minimum – Site Specific
Free Speed 1500 RPM
Working Torque Range 1000 – 13000 Ft/Lbs
CFM/PSI Free Speed 150 @ 85 PSI
CFM/PSI Impacting 114 @ 85 PSI
Air Inlet 1" NPTF
Tire Size 400 x 8 Solid Polyurethane
Anvil Size 1-1/2"
Retainer Type Socket Pin w/ O-Ring
Hose Size 1" ID
Lubrication Air Tool Oil

4
Figure 1: Component Layout (See pg 5 - 8 for details)
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 10
11
12

5
COMPONENT LAYOUT DESCRIPTIONS
(See Figure 1, pg 4)
1. AIR INLET
The air inlet is a 1" NPT opening with a full-port, Universal (Chicago type)
Coupling. The Coupling supplied is the recommended fitting for the
GO-A8. Replacing the Coupling with a quick-connect type plug will
restrict air flow to the Impactor.
2. FORWARD/REVERSE LEVER (F/R Lever)
The F/R Lever is a steel rod attached to a swivel joint providing a
universal type pivoting action. The rod, painted with enamel, has a
rubber, slip-on grip for control comfort. The F/R Lever controls the
direction of rotation of the Impactor's square drive anvil. A decal located
on the Cylinder Shield (Item 9) shows the position for clockwise anvil
rotation (3 O'clock position),and for counterclockwise anvil rotation (11
O'clock position). A label attached to the Cylinder Shield, See Figure 2,
shows these handle positions.
Figure 2: Forward/Reverse Label
CAUTION
RIGHT
3:00
LEFT
11:00
Directional Shaft Indicator

6
3. IN-LINE LUBRICATOR
The In-Line Lubricator is a 16 oz, pineapple shaped oil reservoir. Pressure
differences between the Lubricator's two chambers forces oil into the
airline. Used in conjunction with the high-grade air tool oil provided, the
Lubricator ensures the GO-A8 operates properly, and extends the life
of the Impactor.
4. TOOL BOX
The Tool Box, bolted to the front face of the Cylinder Shield, provides
easy access storage for essential GO-A8 accessories. When not being
used, the Drive Fitting, Swage Tool and Anvil Extensions should be stored
in the Tool Box, and not on the Impactor's square drive.
5. IMPACTOR
This heavy duty, reversible, pneumatic motor requires a source of clean,
dry compressed air for producing the torque output. For a breakdown
showing all the parts within the Impactor refer to APPENDIX A:
Exploded View. The Impactor can pivot approximately 15°on its
trunnions. For performance ratings, See Table 1 located in the beginning
of this section.
6. WHEEL-AXLE ASSEMBLY
The Wheel-Axle Assembly supports the GO-A8 Rolling Cart on wide
stance, flat-free tires, providing excellent balance. The wheels are
attached and secured to the axle by a cotter pin. The Wheel-Axle
connects the wheels to the left and right Height Adjustment Forks. The
Forks are welded to a pivot bar which is actuated by a cylinder via the
Pivot Toggle Switch (Item 11).
7. HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT FORK
Both Forks are designed to allow the operator to adjust the height of the
Impactor's square drive. By repositioning the Wheel Assembly's Axle into
the holes along the face of each Fork, the Impactor can be raised or
lowered up to 4" to accommodate a variety of unloading site conditions.
See Section X for adjustment instructions.

7
8. OIL CADDY
The Oil Caddy is welded to the Opener's Tool Box and is designed to serve
a dual purpose. Primarily, the Oil Caddy allows the operator to keep a
bottle of air tool oil on-hand at all times; secondly, the Oil Caddy serves as
a reminder to check the oil level in the Lubricator. The oil level should be
checked daily.
9. CYLINDER SHIELD
The Cylinder Shield protects the pneumatic cylinder which shifts the
pivoting linkage at the cylinder plate forcing the shaft and fork frame to
turn at a predetermined angle. The Cylinder Shield has safety lock
pinholes that extend through the pivoting linkage plates and restrict wheel
direction change until the pin is removed. This pivot wheel action allows
the GO-A8 to travel with rolling capstans.
10. PIVOT LOCKING PIN
The Pivot Locking Pin is used to lock the wheels and the Height
Adjustment Forks in the straight or pivot position. The Pin, attached to
the GO-A8 by a coated lanyard, must be removed before actuating the
pivot Toggle Switch. The Pin should be reinserted into the correct pinhole
on the Cylinder Shield when the wheels are in the desired position. A
label located on the Cylinder Shield, See Figure 3, shows which pin hole
is used to lock the GO-A8's wheels in the desired position.
Figure 3: Locking Pin Label
C
A
U
TI
O
N
STEERING LOCK PIN MUST
BE REMOVED BEFORE
ACTUATING PIVOT WHEEL
CONTROL SWITCH
PIVOT
LOCK
STRAIGHT
LOCK

8
11. PIVOT TOGGLE SWITCH
The Pivot Toggle Switch is a pneumatic actuated valve that controls the
movement of the GO-A8's wheels and Height Adjustment Forks. When
the Switch is in the PIVOT position, the wheels will rotate so that they are
parallel to the railcar. When the Toggle Switch is in the STRAIGHT
position, the wheels will move perpendicular to the railcar. A label
located next to the Toggle Switch, See Figure 4, shows the Toggle
Switch position for the desired wheel movement.
Figure 4: Toggle Switch Label
12. THROTTLE VALVE
The Throttle Valve is a self-closing, lever-operated valve that is attached
to the right hand side of the frame on the Handle Assembly. The Throttle
Valve has a spring loaded lever, which shuts off air to the Impactor as
soon as the throttle is released. Only when the Throttle Lever is
depressed will the Impactor be activated.
P
I
V
O
T
S
T
R
A
I
G
H
T

9
V. AIR REQUIREMENTS
An Air Compressor of sufficient capacity is needed to provide the necessary air
volume (CFM), at the most efficient operating pressure (PSI), to ensure effective
and economical operation of the GO-A8 Opener.
1. Air Pressure of 85 to 90 PSI is recommended for maximum performance.
This setting represents required operating air pressure at the Opener , not
at the Compressor. There is always a pressure drop between the
Compressor and the Opener; only the pressure and volume at the Opener
is effective in doing work. If the hose is relatively short (25' to 50'), and
in good condition, the pressure drop between the Compressor (or Air
Receiver Tank), and the Opener should not exceed 15% of initial
pressure. Adjust Compressor output to compensate for drop.
2. Clean, moisture-free, lubricated air should be delivered to the Opener at
all times. The air line delivering air to the Opener should be equipped
with a coalescing type filter/dryer to collect and remove moisture and
contaminants.
3. Quality air hose designed especially for heavy-duty service should be
used. It should be constructed with an outer covering that resists
abrasive wear, an oil-resistant inner tube, and should be able to withstand
temperature extremes. It should have a working pressure of at least
200PSI.
4. All hose couplings and fittings between the compressor and the Opener
should be full bore type, be in good condition, securely attached, and kept
as tight as possible (check Coupling gaskets). Elimination of air leaks
involves making the air system tight and then keeping it tight. At a typical
unloading site, air losses through bad connections, too many connections
and worn hose often reaches 25% of the total air compressed.
Low or inadequate air pressure at the opener is costly
and wasteful. An insufficient air volume will not allow
the GO-A8 Opener to operate effectively.
IMPORTANT

10
VI. PRE-START CHECK LIST
1. Fill the In-Line Lubricator with the air tool oil supplied. See Section VII:
Lubrication for details.
2. With air pressure OFF, install Capstan Drive Fitting making sure that the
Pin Retainer and O-Ring are properly seated.
3. Check In-Line Lubricator to insure proper oil level.
4. Connect all air hoses and make sure all controls are locked and properly
secured.
5. When using new air hose, blow lubricated air through the hose to
completely coat the inside with oil. This may take up to 10 minutes.
6. Each day, before opening any car gates, operate the GO-A8, free-speed,
for about 5-minutes. This will allow oil to coat the Impactor's internal
components.
Compressed air is an invisible hazard. Any
component through which it passes is capable of
releasing an explosive force which could result in
personal injury or death. As noted earlier, all
persons involved in the operation and maintenance
of this equipment should be thoroughly familiar with
its use.
Be sure all hose connections are tightly secured. A
loose hose not only causes air leaks, but can whip
around and injure personal in the area. Secure
hose couplings with safety pins, clips, cables or
chains.

11
VII. LUBRICATION
A heavy-duty Lubricator is permanently installed on the air line between the
Throttle Valve and the Impactor. The Lubricator has two reservoirs. The upper
chamber holds the oil while the lower chamber acts as a passageway for the air
to enter and to exit the Lubricator. An adjustment valve between the two
chambers allows air to enter the upper chamber pressurizing the chamber until
the entire Lubricator is at equilibrium. When the GO-A8-PW is operated, air is
drawn from the Lubricator. This flow of air drops the pressure in the lower
chamber below the pressure in the upper chamber. The difference in pressure
allows oil to be pushed into the lower chamber and then out to the Impactor.
When the GO-A8-PW's throttle is released, the upper chamber is re-
pressurized. When the throttle is engaged the lower chamber is pressurized and
the cycle continues.
1. To fill the Lubricator, simply remove the Fill Plug, See Figure 5,
and pour 16 oz (1 pint) of the high grade air tool lubricant
provided. It is not necessary to disconnect the airline to the GO-
A8-PW while filling.
The Lubricator on the GO-A8-PW is empty when
shipped from the factory. To avoid damage to
the Impactor the Lubricator must be filled prior to
operation.
WORKMASTER's TOOL-LUBE Air Tool Oil is
recommended. It is a High-Grade Air Tool Oil with
absorbing emulsifiers. Do Not Use any of the
following: Kerosene, hydraulic fluid, transmission
fluid, spindle oil, motor oil or antifreeze.
IMPORTANT

12
2. Depending on temperature and frequency of operation, the
adjustment valve inside the Lubricator may need to be reset. Most
likely the factory setting of FIVE will be correct. If more lubricant
is desired, remove the Fill Plug and using a flat tip screwdriver turn
the valve counter-clockwise to raise the setting and clockwise to
lower. It is not necessary to shut air off to the GO-A8-PW during
this procedure.
3. Check the oil level sight glass daily.
4. For Lubricator replacement parts, See APPENDIX E: Lubricator
Components, pg E-1.
Figure 5: Lubricator
5. For cold weather operation, such as winter conditions (below
40° F), when the GO-A8 is used outdoors or in an un-heated
service area, the Lubricator should be filled with a Winter Grade Air
Tool Oil (PN: 40007).
6. For Food Service applications you must use a high-quality Food
Grade Air Tool Oil. Contact your WORKMASTER Distributor for
Product recommendation.
CHAMBER #2
(
Lower
)
AIR IN
OUT TO
GO-A8-PW
CHAMBER #1
(Upper) Fill Plug

13
VIII. OPENING CAR GATES
1. Roll the GO-A8 Opener up to the hopper gate until you "rough spot"
position the Opener's output drive with the Railcar Gate's Capstan Socket.
2. Using the CAPSTAN SWAGE TOOL (optional accessory, P/N 33-11120),
clean-out and square-up the Capstan Socket on the Car Gate so that the
CAPSTAN DRIVE FITTING on the Impactor's Output Drive can be aligned
properly, and fully seated in the Railcar Gate's Capstan Socket.
3. Disengage the Car Gate Locking Mechanism before attempting to open
the gate.
4. Roll the Opener forward toward the car gate until the CAPSTAN DRIVE
FITTING is firmly seated in the Railcar's Capstan Socket.
5. Rotate the Forward/Reverse Lever to set the Impactor's motor rotation
direction.
Failure to disengage the Car Gate Locking Mechanism
will cause damage to the Car Gate.
CAUTION
Regular use of the CAPSTAN SWAGE TOOL will
ensure a long-life for your Drive Fitting and your
Impactor's Square Drive Anvil. Also, a clean,
square Capstan socket will maximize the torque
transfer between the Opener and the Car Gate.
IMPORTANT

14
6. For Railcars with Rolling Capstans, remove the Pivot Locking Pin from the
GO-A8's straight position pin hole, and flip the Toggle Switch to the pivot
position. This will cause the GO-A8's tires to rotate parallel to the
Railcar.
7. Secure the Pivot Locking Pin in the PIVOT lock pin hole. Make sure the
Pin is fully seated so that no more than 1/4" of the Pin protrudes above
the Cylinder Shield.
8. Grip the Opener’s handle with both hands. Depress the Throttle Valve
Lever slowly, applying a firm, steady inward pressure to the handle. The
correct amount of pressure for maximum efficiency can be learned only by
experience. Control the opening speed of gate travel so that the Gate
does not unnecessarily slam against the end of the Gate Track.
9. If the Car Gate will not move, STOP using the GO-A8 Opener and notify
your supervisor, continued impacting will destroy the Gate.
Keep your hands off the Throttle Lever until it is
time to start the Opener. Plant feet firmly, and
always keep both hands on the handle while
operating the GO-A8 Opener.
Release the Throttle Lever the moment the Gate
reaches its fully opened position. Prolonged impacting
can cause structural damage to the gate mechanism.
CAUTION
Do not use other opening devices (pry bars,
multipliers, etc.) in an attempt to "Help" the
GO-A8 Opener.

15
10. Once the Car Gate is fully opened, pull the Pivot Locking Pin from the
Pivot lock pin hole, and flip the Toggle Switch to the Straight position.
This will cause the Tires to rotate perpendicular to the Railcar.
11. Secure the Pivot Locking Pin in the Straight lock pin hole.
12. Roll the GO-A8 Opener back from the Railcar thereby disengaging the
CAPSTAN DRIVE FITTING from the Railcar's Capstan Socket.