How to Weld on Crane Boom Connectors
Boom cranes go by many names, such as tower crane, mobile crane, jib or knuckle-boom crane. Assembling one of these cranes is a complicated process that requires precision. Most of these cranes come prefabricated and all you have to do is assemble them according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, if you want to extend the boom, you must weld on an extension with a connector. The boom acts as a cantilever that extends out from the base of the crane. A hoisting and trolley device runs horizontally along the track on the boom. To extend the reach of the boom, you must add track to the end of the crane.
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Things You'll Need
- Hoisting device
- Slings
- Boom extension
- Level
- Man lift
- Boom connectors
- Arc welder
- Arc electrodes
- Welding helmet
- Welding gloves
- Welding apron
- Steel-toed boots
Instructions
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1
Attach the boom extension to the hoisting device with your slings. Raise the extension in place. Get in the man lift and raise yourself to the same level as the boom. Use a level to ensure that the extension is straight before inserting any boom connector.
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2
Put on your personal protective equipment, including welding helmet, gloves and apron. Place your arc welder, welding accessories and boom connectors inside the man lift. Get in the man lift with the equipment and raise yourself to the height of the boom extension.
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3
Turn on the arc welder and set it for 80 amps. Hold the connector in place and touch the joint with the welding electrode. Increase the arc welder by 10 amps if the electrode sticks to the joint of the connector and boom extension. Push the electrode into the welding pool, or joint, around the end of the connector. Tack weld the connector in place every 6 inches to ensure the connector does not warp.
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4
Check the level of the boom extension before running a full welding bead around the boom connector. Set your electrode in the seams of the connector and boom. Slowly move the electrode around the seam of the connector, closing up the gaps between the tack welds. Move to the other end of the connector and repeat the process.
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5
Lower the hoisting device and disconnect the slings from the boom extension. Attach another boom extension to the hoist and sling. Move down to the end of the installed boom and add another section using the same steps as above.
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Tips & Warnings
Extend the boom to the desire length by adding on boom sections a little at a time. This will ensure that each boom extension remains level.
Always have another person assist you will adding on boom sections.
Never wear loose fitting clothing when using an arc welder.
Follow all safety precautions when working at heights and using welding equipment.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
