| 摘要 |
<p>A replacement assembly is provided for retrofitting old, discontinued, mechanically-operated, low-drive, Caterpillar sidebooms with a hydraulically-operated fail-safe sideboom system. Conversion of discontinued, mechanically-operated, low-drive, Caterpillar sidebooms is accomplished by replacing the entire existing mechanical assembly with a single frame-mounted hydraulic assembly comprising a boom winch, a load winch, and preferably a single hand-operated joystick control. This single frame assembly is configured to be received by the existing foundation on discontinued Caterpillar sidebooms. Joystick technology is provided which negates cumbersome clutches and related multiple controls by affording a sideboom operator the ability to completely control the functions of both the boom and the load with a single joystick control which replaces the six conventional hand-operated mechanical controls that exist on the discontinued Caterpillar sidebooms. An anti-tipping feature assures efficient, safe operation and tends to maximize the longevity of old, discontinued, mechanically-operated, low-drive, Caterpillar sidebooms by meeting modern safety standards for lifting devices. An anti-two-block feature is provided that prevents contact damage by stopping the upward travel of the hook block if it is about to come in contact with the sideboom's stationary upper block. A free-fall feature is also provided so that an operator may instantly release the brakes on the load winch, causing the load to free fall. <IMAGE></p> |
