TM 55-1930-209-14&P-13
3-9.2
Bow crane. The bow crane moves the shore winch from its storage position forward of the bow crane base into
an LCM-8, or similar capacity vessel, for movement to the beach. This operation, with the exceptions noted below, is
very similar to moving the workboat to and from its cradle. This 20-ton capacity winch (dry weight 5.5 tons) is secured to
the forward weatherdeck on six steel pads with two steel bolts per pad. The bow crane hooks onto the shore winch with a
special lifting sling and takes up slack. Remove the 12 bolts and the bow crane lifts the shore winch off its pedestals.
Extend the crane boom to move the shore winch forward to a waiting LCM-8, or similar capacity vessel, which is laying
across the barge's bow. To provide sufficient maneuvering area for the LCM-8 to come in across the barge bow, unload
before deploying the two bow anchors. The LCM-8 runs aground on the beach and lowers its bow ramp. The shore unit
uses a rough terrain forklift to pick up the shore winch from the LCM-8 hold and position it ashore. To retrieve the shore
winch, reverse the procedures.
Section III. Operating instructions
3-10
Operating controls. Bow crane operating controls are on the forward side of the deckhouse top. The hydraulic
power system controls are in void 1.
3-10.1 Primary crane operating controls are five control levers for controlling crane movement (Figure 3-2 for Barge 1
and Figure 3-3 for Barges 2 and 3). This control valve system is factory sealed and is especially designed for use in a
marine environment. It has a built-in pressure relief valve, which prevents damage to the crane from overloading; a
suction valve, which ensures a continuous flow of hydraulic fluid; and a constant flow valve, which regulates and
maintains the required system hydraulic pressure.
There is a START/STOP control station (Figure 3-6) for stopping and starting the crane hydraulic unit and an anti-
2-block control panel in a watertight storage box aft of the control levers. Another START/STOP control station, primarily
for emergency use, is on the weatherdeck forward bulkhead.
3-10.2 The hydraulic power unit in void 1 portside, powered by a 30 Hp motor, produces 3600 psi of hydraulic pressure
for operating the crane. A motor controller (Figure 3-4) in void 1 starts and stops the hydraulic power unit locally and
supplies power to the two remote START/STOP control switches. The pump motor controller requires 440 Vac, 3 phase,
60 cycle power.
3-11
Bow crane prestart procedures
a.
Check barge maintenance log on bow crane and associated hydraulic system. Make sure there are no
discrepancies that would prohibit bow crane operation.
b.
Make sure switchboard circuit breaker P16 is closed (ON).
CAUTION
Due to high pressure in hydraulic system, do NOT operate crane with any visible leaks.
Repair crane prior to use. Correct leaks in flexible hose, hardpiping, or joints. Do not
confuse seepage around hydraulic packing on actuator arms with leaks. A small amount
of seepage is acceptable.
c.
In void 1, visually inspect hydraulic pump and motor and hard piping of crane hydraulic system for leaks or
damage. Do not use system until such leaks have been repaired.
d.
Remove filler cap on hydraulic tank and make sure fluid level is within 1 inch of bottom of filler neck. If fluid is
below this level, add hydraulic fluid before using crane. Screw cap on tightly before starting hydraulic pump.
e.
In void 1, push up on main switch on hydraulic power unit motor controller (aft bulkhead) and set
HAND/OFF/AUTO switch to HAND position (Figure 3-4).
NOTE
Hydraulic power unit pump is started locally by pushing green START button on motor
controller or pushing blank START button on START/STOP control station on deckhouse
top. If bow crane has not been used recently, start pump by pressing green motor
controller START button and make sure pump starts.
3-9
