Dear truck-mounted crane owners, encountering a situation where the vehicle cannot start due to a dead battery can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. I believe many people should have come across this problem at some point. Generally, a newly bought truck-mounted crane is less likely to have this issue. However, as the vehicle ages and has been in use for a long time, such situations can become more frequent. Especially in winter, the vehicle battery’s performance is further compromised, and it becomes even less durable. So, what should we do if the truck-mounted crane encounters such a predicament? Today, the author will teach you several effective ways to start the vehicle.
The first method: push-starting
Push-starting can be a practical solution for truck-mounted cranes that are not overly large in size. This method is typically employed in emergency situations but should not be used frequently as it can cause wear and tear to the engine and clutch. When considering push-starting, it is crucial to assess the surrounding environment first to determine if it is suitable.
If the truck-mounted crane is on a downhill slope, push-starting can be relatively effortless as gravity helps increase the speed. In this case, a few people can push the vehicle from behind, and as it gains momentum, the engine can be started by engaging the clutch and shifting gears at the appropriate time. However, if the vehicle is on an uphill section, push-starting becomes significantly more challenging. Pushing the heavy truck-mounted crane uphill is extremely tiring, and it is difficult to increase the speed to a level sufficient for starting the engine. In such a situation, it is advisable to turn the vehicle around and push it in the downhill direction if possible.
It should be noted that push-starting is not applicable when there are many pedestrians and vehicles around. The safety of people and other road users must be the top priority. Pushing a vehicle in a crowded area can pose a significant risk of accidents and is therefore not a recommended option.
For push-starting to be successful, at least two or more people are usually required. One person alone may not be able to generate enough force to move the truck-mounted crane and start the engine. The team should coordinate their efforts and push the vehicle in a consistent direction. As the vehicle gains speed, the driver should be ready to engage the clutch and shift gears to start the engine.
For example, imagine a truck-mounted crane stalled on a deserted road with a slight downhill slope. A group of workers nearby can come to the rescue by push-starting the vehicle. They position themselves behind the crane and start pushing. As the vehicle picks up speed, the driver quickly engages the clutch and shifts to the appropriate gear, and the engine roars to life. This method can be a quick and effective way to get the vehicle back on the road in an emergency.
The second method: starting by jumper cable connection
This method requires at least two vehicles and there must be jumper cables on one of the vehicles. The process begins by bringing the two vehicles close enough so that the jumper cables can reach the positive and negative poles of the two batteries. However, extreme care must be taken to ensure that the two vehicles do not touch each other. Only jumper cables with sufficient load-bearing capacity and insulated outer skin should be used to prevent electrical shocks and short circuits.
If the battery providing power is inconveniently installed on the vehicle, it may be necessary to remove the battery with tools. During this process, it is crucial to handle the battery carefully to avoid damage and ensure safety. Once the battery is accessible, connect the jumper cables correctly. The positive cable should be connected to the positive poles of both batteries, and the negative cable should be connected to the negative poles. Make sure that the positive and negative poles are not reversed as this can cause serious damage to the electrical system.
After connecting the jumper cables, turn off all auxiliary equipment on the vehicle with the dead battery. This reduces the electrical load and increases the chances of a successful start. For the vehicle providing power, let its engine run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery slightly through the jumper cables. Then, start the vehicle with the dead battery in the normal way. Once the engine starts, gently step on the accelerator pedal to increase the engine speed and allow the alternator to charge the battery.
After starting, carefully turn off the vehicle’s ignition switch and remove the jumper cables. Be extremely cautious to prevent the positive and negative connectors from touching as this can cause sparks and potential damage. Disconnect the cables in the reverse order of connection, starting with the negative cable and then the positive cable.
For instance, suppose a truck-mounted crane‘s battery is dead in a remote construction site. Another vehicle with a functioning battery comes to the rescue. The drivers carefully connect the jumper cables, following the correct procedures. The engine of the helping vehicle runs for a while to charge the dead battery. Then, the truck-mounted crane‘s engine starts successfully, and the drivers can continue their work.
The third method: starting by towing
This method is similar to push-starting in some ways. Two vehicles are connected with a traction rope of appropriate length. Before starting the towing process, the two vehicles should first determine a clear communication signal to ensure smooth coordination and cooperation. This is essential to avoid accidents and ensure that both drivers are on the same page.
The vehicles start slowly. The driver of the front vehicle should pay close attention to the movement of the rear vehicle and also observe the traffic situation on the road at all times. As the front vehicle pulls the stalled truck-mounted crane, it should maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden accelerations or decelerations. The driver of the rear vehicle should also be vigilant and ready to steer and brake as needed.
After the vehicle is started, the driver of the rear vehicle should signal the front vehicle in time. The two vehicles should then slowly approach the roadside and park safely. Once parked, carefully remove the traction rope. Make sure to store the traction rope properly for future use.
For example, on a country road, a truck-mounted crane with a dead battery is towed by another truck. The drivers establish a communication signal, such as flashing headlights or honking. The front truck pulls the stalled crane at a steady pace. As the engine of the crane starts, the drivers signal each other and pull over to remove the traction rope. This method can be a useful alternative when push-starting is not possible or when there are no other vehicles available with jumper cables.
In conclusion, when faced with a dead battery and a stalled truck-mounted crane, these three methods can be valuable tools to get the vehicle back on the road. However, it is important to exercise caution and follow the correct procedures to ensure safety and prevent damage to the vehicles. If possible, it is also advisable to regularly maintain the vehicle’s battery and electrical system to reduce the likelihood of such situations occurring. By being prepared and knowing what to do in case of a battery failure, truck-mounted crane owners can minimize downtime and continue their operations smoothly.
