Power Fist Steel Hitch-Mount Truck Crane

Introduction

The 1,000 lb Hydraulic Truck Crane is designed to lift generators, pressure washers, or other heavy cargo into a truck bed. The crane connects to the vehicle's hitch receiver for stability, requiring no drilling or permanent installation.

Safety

Hazard Definitions

Familiarize yourself with the hazard notices in this manual. A notice alerts to the possibility of property damage, injury, or death if instructions are not followed.

DANGER!

Indicates an immediate and specific hazard that will result in severe personal injury or death if proper precautions are not taken.

WARNING!

Indicates a specific hazard or unsafe practice that could result in severe personal injury or death if proper precautions are not taken.

CAUTION!

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury if proper practices are not taken.

NOTICE!

Indicates a specific hazard or unsafe practice that will result in equipment or property damage, but not personal injury.

Work Area

1. Operate in a safe, clean, well-lit work environment, free of distractions. Ensure adequate lighting.
2. Keep people not wearing appropriate safety equipment away from the work area.
3. Store unused tools properly in a safe, dry location to prevent rust or damage. Keep tools out of reach of children.

Personal Safety

WARNING! Wear personal protective equipment approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Always wear impact safety goggles providing front and side protection. Eye protection should comply with CSA Z94.3-07 or ANSI Z87.1 standards.
2. Wear gloves that provide protection based on work materials or to reduce tool vibration effects.
3. Wear protective clothing designed for the work environment and tool.
4. Non-skid footwear is recommended for footing and balance.
5. Wear steel toe footwear or steel toe caps to prevent foot injury from falling objects.

Personal Precautions

1. Do not operate any tool when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications.
2. Avoid wearing clothes or jewelry that can become entangled with moving parts. Keep long hair covered or bound.
3. Do not overreach when operating a tool. Proper footing and balance enable better control.

Specific Safety Precautions

WARNING! Do not let comfort or familiarity replace strict adherence to safety rules. Unsafe or incorrect use can cause serious personal injury.

1. Use the correct tool for the job. Do not modify or alter the tool or use it for unintended purposes.
2. Do not use the tool if any parts are damaged or misplaced. Repair or replace parts.
3. The maximum lifting capacity is 1,000 lb. Determine the load's weight before lifting. Do not overload the crane beyond the rated capacity for each boom position. Overloading can cause damage or failure.
4. Do not use this crane to support a load; it is designed only for lifting and lowering.
5. Use only slings, levelers, or chains with a rated capacity greater than the load's weight.
6. Do not stand under or work under a raised load.
7. Legs must always be locked in the down position before applying load or raising the boom.
8. Do not place hands between moving components.
9. Stabilize the load. Lift deadweight only. Do not lift people or animals.
10. Engage the vehicle's parking brake before use. Do not move the vehicle with the load attached. Lower the load into the vehicle and secure it before moving.
11. Do not allow the load to swing or drop violently while lowering.
12. Ensure sufficient clearance around the crane and load for movement.
13. Before lowering, ensure no obstructions are underneath and all people are clear.
14. Inspect the crane before each use. Do not use if bent, broken, cracked, leaking, damaged, or if suspect parts are noticed or it has been subjected to a shock load.
15. Check that all bolts and nuts are tight.
16. Never leave a loaded crane unattended.
17. Do not use brake fluid or other improper fluids. Avoid mixing hydraulic oil types. Use only good quality hydraulic jack oil.
18. Store the crane with the boom fully lowered and the hydraulic jack valve closed.

Hydraulic Precautions

DANGER! Seek immediate medical attention if hydraulic fluid under pressure penetrates your skin. See Injection Injury precautions.

1. Do not touch or handle hydraulic hoses or components while under pressure. Penetrating fluid can inject into the body. Seek immediate medical attention if this occurs.
2. Never exceed the hydraulic system's load capacity.
3. Do not adjust the hydraulic system's relief setting; settings are factory pre-set.
4. Hydraulic oil under pressure is hot and can cause burns. Allow the system to cool before maintenance.
5. Hydraulic components require regular inspection. Release all pressure before inspection. Replace damaged parts with identical manufacturer's components.
6. Do not attempt makeshift repairs; they can fail suddenly and create hazardous conditions.
7. A damaged or disconnected hydraulic hose under pressure can whip around and cause injury. Secure hoses with clamps or cable ties.
8. Hydraulic fluid has a combustible flash point of 200°F (93°C). Do not expose fluid to ignition sources.
9. Change clothing immediately if sprayed with hydraulic fluid. Store contaminated clothing/rags in an approved metal safety can.
10. Use only hydraulic fluid in the pump. Do not substitute or mix other fluids, as this can cause pump failure and injury.

Injection Injury

DANGER! Seek immediate medical treatment if fluid penetrates your skin. It may feel like a prick or sting. Do not wait for symptoms. Exposure can cause a toxic reaction. Delay can lead to amputation or death. Inform medical staff of the fluid penetration injury immediately.

Injection Precautions

Hydraulic fluid can penetrate skin at 100 PSI. Follow precautions to avoid injection injury:

1. Always check for leaks wearing a face shield, safety goggles, rubberized gloves, and protective clothing.
2. Release all pressure from the system before inspection.
3. Do not use hands to detect leaks. Use wood, cardboard, or paper and watch for discoloration.
4. Replace damaged parts with identical manufacturer's components to ensure pressure rating.

Unpacking

WARNING! Do not operate if any part is missing. Replace missing parts before operating to avoid malfunction and injury.

Remove parts and accessories from packaging and inspect for damage. Ensure all items on the parts list are included.

Identification Key

Diagram showing the identification key for the truck crane, labeling parts A through K.

• A: Boom Arm
• B: Bolt and Chain with Hook
• C: Piston Ram
• D: Jack
• E: Stabilizer Arm
• F: Hitch Connector with Hitch Pins
• G: Post
• H: Handle
• I: Base Assembly
• J: Legs and Struts
• K: Foot Plate

Assembly & Installation

A vehicle with a 2-inch hitch is required.

1. Connect a foot plate (#24) to each leg extender (#23) with a bolt (#25) and lock nut (#26).
2. Connect each leg (#6) to the upper base assembly (#4) using a square PTO lock pin (#22). Ensure the clip snaps over the pin end.
3. Connect each strut (#7) to the lower base assembly (#4) using a square PTO lock pin (#22).
4. Connect each leg extender (#23) to a leg with a square PTO lock pin (#22). Each leg has a link bar with six holes. Attach the strut to the leg in the same hole on each side during initial assembly.
5. Slide the T-shaped connector (#5) onto the base assembly's stabilizer arm (E) until seated. Do not remove bolts yet.
6. Slide the 2-inch hitch bar into the vehicle's hitch. Align bolt holes and insert the hitch pin (#32). Secure with the safety pin (#33).
7. Adjust struts and legs so foot plates rest firmly on the ground to support the crane.
8. Insert the post (#2) into the base assembly (#4) until the flange rests on the base's top.
9. Lay the boom (#1) on the post with the hinge fitting between the post's bracket. Slide a bolt (#11) through the bracket and hinge. Secure with a lock nut (#12).
10. Attach the long ram jack's base (#3) to the post's bottom flange with a bolt (#16) and lock nut (#17). Attach the jack's ram to the boom with a bolt (#13) and lock nut (#14).
11. Insert the final link of the chain with hook (#8) through one of the boom openings. Each opening has the maximum weight listed.
12. Insert a bolt (#9) through the boom bolt holes and the chain link. Secure with a lock nut (#10). Do not overtighten.
13. Fill the hydraulic pump with hydraulic oil and bleed the pump (see Maintenance - Bleeding the Hydraulic System).

Operation

1. Determine the load's weight.
2. Insert the chain's end link through the boom opening that exceeds the load's weight and bolt into place.
3. Adjust crane position: Remove bolt(s) in the T-shaped connector (#5) and slide the stabilizer arm (E) through the connector to the desired position. Tighten bolts.
4. Adjust legs: Detach struts, reposition legs so foot plates are firm on the ground. Reattach struts in the appropriate bolt hole in the link bar.
5. Open the jack's valve to lower the boom.
6. Hook the chain to the load. Use accessories (straps, chains) with a capacity exceeding the load's weight and ensure the load is not off-balance.
7. Close the jack's valve, insert the jack handle (#15) into the jack's fulcrum, and pump to raise the boom.
8. Stop when the load is under tension but before it lifts from the ground. Check chain and load security. Resume pumping to raise the load.
9. Swivel the post slowly to move the load to the destination. Avoid swinging to prevent unbalancing the load.
10. The post can swivel 360°. Restrict swiveling to 180° by placing the stop pin (#18) into stop bolt holes (#19 or #20).
11. Open the jack's valve gradually to lower the boom slowly. Do not close abruptly to avoid shock-load. Slowly close the valve once the load has settled.
12. Remove the hook from the load and swing the boom out of the way.
13. Open the jack's valve to lower the boom completely, then close the valve. Secure the boom to the post with straps (#38 and #39).
14. Remove the hitch pin and pull the T-connector from the vehicle. Loosen T-connector bolts and slide the connector up the stabilizer arm to the base. Tighten bolts.
15. Store the crane in a safe location.

Care & Maintenance

Maintain the tool with care for efficiency, control, and fewer problems.

1. Inspect components regularly. Repair or replace damaged/worn components using only authorized parts.
2. Follow instructions for lubricating and replacing accessories.
3. Use only accessories designed for this tool.
4. Keep tool handles clean, dry, and free from oil/grease.
5. Ensure labels and name plates are intact. Contact Princess Auto Ltd. for replacements if unreadable or missing.

WARNING! Only qualified service personnel should repair the tool. Improper repairs can present a hazard.

Hydraulic Ram Maintenance

Monthly maintenance is recommended for the hydraulic ram. Steps to keep the actuator functional:

1. Lubricate the cylinder and pumping mechanism with light oil.
2. Visually inspect for cracked welds, bent/loose/missing parts, or hydraulic oil leaks.
3. Inspect the hydraulic ram immediately if subjected to abnormal load or shock load.
4. Remove damaged, worn, or abnormally operating hydraulic pumps from service until repaired by an authorized technician.
5. Check and maintain the ram oil level.
6. Store the hydraulic ram in the fully retracted position to help prevent corrosion.

Bleeding the Hydraulic System

Purge excess air from the hydraulic system:

1. Open the purge valve counterclockwise.
2. Remove the oil filler screw and fill the pump with hydraulic fluid.
3. Wait five minutes for trapped air to rise.
4. Pump the jack handle several times to eliminate air.
5. Check the oil filler hole and add hydraulic oil if necessary, up to the orifice.
6. Reinstall the oil filler screw. Close the purge valve clockwise.
7. Test the ram several times for proper operation before use. Do not use if it does not function correctly. Request service from a qualified technician.

Maintenance Schedule

Lubrication

Inspect and lubricate the tool as needed using light oil. Other lubricants may not be suitable and could damage the tool or cause malfunction.

NOTICE! NEVER use penetrating oil for lubrication. It can act as a solvent, breaking down internal grease and causing the tool to seize.

Storage

If the tool is not used for an extended period, apply a thin coat of lubricant to steel parts to prevent rust. Remove lubricant before reusing the tool.

Disposal

Recycle damaged tools at an appropriate facility. Contact your local municipality for disposal sites or by-laws for electronics, batteries, oil, and toxic liquids.

IMPORTANT! Do not pollute the environment by allowing uncontrolled discharge of waste oil.

Disposal - Hydraulic Fluid

Do not drain hydraulic oil into sewers or uncontrolled locations. Hydraulic fluid takes over a year to break down and its components can remain toxic. Contact your local municipality for proper disposal instructions.

Troubleshooting

If the tool does not function properly or parts are missing, visit a Princess Auto Ltd. store for a solution. If not possible, request service from a qualified technician.

Parts Breakdown

Diagram showing the parts breakdown of the truck crane with numbered components.

See Parts List for detailed descriptions.

Parts List

Specifications