Hydraulic pumps raise and lower signs on the mast. You must observe safety measures with each use to detect and avoid an oil leak. Leaks can prevent the sign from being hoisted when you want to deploy, or worse, they can prevent you from lowering it safely.
It is essential to observe the following six guidelines every time you are preparing to deploy:
1. Check for hydraulic oil coming from the reservoir and the cylinder under the mast. This is a sign of an oil leak. Do not engage the pump without first correcting the oil leak.
2. If an oil leak occurs or if oil is removed from the pump and the mast is stuck, do not under any circumstances remove the pin holding up the sign. This will cause the sign to fall.
3. If the sign is not moving down when you engage the pump switch, STOP. You need to engage the pump switch to fill the hydraulic cylinder. Remove the pin and fix the issue. If you remove the pin while stuck, the sign may fall.
IMPORTANT NOTE: make sure the sign alignment is in the deployment position and NOT above you when you activate the switch and or /open the manual flow valve to lower the sign.
If you are trying to raise the sign but it’s not moving, stop and release the pumped oil from the cylinder by holding the switch downwards. Then, remove the pin and raise the sign.
4. Always make sure there is hydraulic oil in the reservoir to ensure the sign is lowered slowly and safely.
5. Always lower the sign before attempting to troubleshoot the hydraulic pump.
Never open the flow valve when the sign is raised and there is someone underneath, as the mast could fall and cause serious injuries.
6. Always make sure your unit is on levelled ground. Otherwise, your board can tilt to one side, causing the mast to stay stuck.
