Placing a Container on the Ground

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 area where the container is to be placed, ensuring that conditions above are all met

Attach the lifting chains to the container. Ensure there are no twists or tangles.

Unlock the twistlocks

Ensure the twistlocks are unlocked prior to lifting

Start the engine. Select High Speed () on the High/Low Speed Switch
Allow the powerpack engine to warm up for 2-3 minutes if starting from cold.
Fully extend the stabiliser legs and place the feet on the ground. Do not load the feet as additional pressure will not give additional stability.
Raise the top and bottom arms until the chains are evenly tensioned
Select low speed ( or ) on the remote control
Raise the top arms to lift the container clear of twistlocks on the liftside.
Move the container across the chassis by raising the bottom arms until the container is 300mm clear of the side of the Sidelifter
Lower the top arms to place the container on the ground. If it is necessary to move the container further out from the Sidelifter, do this with the container no more than 150mm, (6in) above the ground
Once the container is placed firmly on the ground, set the remote control to mode "0" for safety.
Remove the lifting lugs from the container
Return to the safe operating area and switch the remote control to Arms mode
Switch to high-speed operation () and return the lifting arms to the stowed position, ensuring the lifting chains are in the chain trays beside the twistlocks
Return the stabiliser legs to the stowed position. It is also good practice to fully stow cranes when transporting containers between facilities
Let the powerpack engine 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.