Lifting a Container from the Ground

On a Sidelifter with bending leg stabilisers, refer to the section on how to deploy them before reading the instructions below:

Before performing a lift, ensure the following conditions are met:

Sidelifter must be attached to the tractor unit.

Sidelifter park brake is applied.

Check that the lifting area complies with safety zones recommended on the decal and is clear of any obstructions.

Ensure that the strength of the ground surface is sufficient to withstand a 29 tonne maximum point loading. If in any doubt, place hardwood timber packing of at least 50mm thick and 200mm x 500mm under each stabiliser foot.

If the stabiliser feet have been placed into a hollow or downward slope then sufficient timber packing will need to be placed under the feet to lift them back up to a level position, if you wish to handle a loaded container.

Park the Sidelifter alongside the container with approximately 300mm clearance between the container and the Sidelifter

Perform the following checks:

Sidelifter twistlocks are directly opposite the container corner castings.
Sidelifter parking brake is applied.
No hazards and obstructions such as overhanging building awnings, electric power lines or telephone cables.
Nothing is in the way of the Stabiliser Legs and/or Feet and surface is solid enough to bear them.
Twistlocks on the Sidelifter are in the raised position and unlocked.

Start the hydraulic system supply (Powerpack or PTO). If the powerpack engine is cold then allow it to warm up for 2-3 minutes.
Move to the safe operating zone as shown on the decal.
Select High Speed () operation on the remote control if this option is available.
On multicrane units, select the Front 20', 40', or rear 20' option on the 3-way switch.
Select Stabilisers ( or ). Extend the stabiliser leg extensions to their maximum then tilt the legs until the feet touch the ground. Do not load feet - additional pressure will not give additional stability
Set the mode selection switch on the remote control to Arms (). Manoeuvre the top and bottom arms until the chains are positioned centrally to the ends of the container, and fit the lifting lugs into the corner castings of the container, ensuring that there are no twists or tangles in the chains and that the left and right hand lifting lugs are in their correct positions

SBdanger

Do not try to force the cranes alongside a container. If the lifting arms will not clear the container, the lifting equipment and stabiliser legs should be returned to the stowed position and the Sidelifter positioned so it will clear the container.

Take an initial strain on the chains by raising the top arms upwards. Ensure that the lift pins of the crane are in the centre of the container. Use the movement of the top and bottom arms to centralise the lift pins. Take the weight of the container and check that the Sidelifter is stable with the weight being lifted
Select Low Speed ( or ) on the remote control if this option is available.
Lift the container approximately 150mm (6in) off the ground by raising the top arms. In the event that the container is lifting unevenly it may be necessary to operate one end only to bring the lower end of the container up to a level position. Move the container, just above the ground, towards the Sidelifter, until it is about 300 mm from the side of the Sidelifter
Raise the top arms until the bottom of the container is level with the top of the Sidelifter chassis
Lower the bottom arms until the container corner fittings are above their respective twistlocks

SBdanger

Rapid starting and stopping movements are stressful on the equipment, and may cause the container to swing, which may damage the cranes and twistlocks. To ensure smooth movement, operate the controls gently avoiding any sharp movements.

Lower the container down onto the twistlocks by locating either front corner onto a Twistlock cone, and then the rear visible corner onto its Twistlock cone. With practice operators will be able to land the containers onto the twistlocks in one smooth operation
Select High Speed () if this option is available
Lower the lifting arms to their stowed position
Select Stabiliser Mode and return the stabiliser legs to their stowed position. It is also good practice to fully stow cranes when transporting containers between facilities
Let the hydraulic system supply (powerpack or PTO) engine to idle for at least 1 minute to allow it to cool down gradually.
Stop the engine, turn the key off and stow the controls With cable remotes avoid twisting and knotting the cable.
Lock the twistlocks

The Sidelifter can now be driven to the unloading site.