Operation & Handling
This section gathers entries about pre-operational checks, starting and warm-up procedures, refuelling, travelling, slope and ground-condition handling, stacking, trailer/chassis handling, towing and recovery, and wind/weather operating limits. This page lists 26 entries drawn from HIT Srl's internal maintenance-tip and preventive-checklist library.
General guidance only — always follow the operation and maintenance manual for your specific machine.
Pre-Start & Walkaround
What has to be done before starting a daily walk-around inspection?
When performing inspections, always park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brakes, and chock the wheels.
The daily walk-around inspection helps the operator identify obvious problems that could affect normal operation — it isn't a substitute for a preventive maintenance programme.
Do not operate the vehicle until the brake system has been thoroughly inspected; skipping the daily inspection before operation could lead to serious injury or death.
HIT Srl supplies wheel chocks for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
What interlocks must be satisfied before translation of a mobile harbour crane is enabled, and how does the parking brake behave automatically?
Enabling translation requires: a command from the turtle button; consent for translation at 0 or 180 degrees or with the tower landed; stabilizers not active; the boom in the off state; and the winch in the off state. Additional consents for translation at 0/180 degrees include: correct radius and weight for translation/stabilization; no translation-brake alarm; the crane at 0 or 180 degrees; no wind alarm; the tower landing bypass not active; the optional 'stabilizers all up' consent; the slewing block in its seat; the optional 'no stabilized beams' consent; the slewing brake not open; boom pilot up/down not active; the winch parking brake not active; and automatic stabilization not active. The translation parking brake opens automatically about 1 second before the crane starts translating, and closes automatically about 1 second after the movement stops; the operator has no direct control over it. The service brake pedal is proportional to the applied pressure and stops translation when fully pressed.
What are the overtipping safety pre-alarm and alarm thresholds on a mobile harbour crane, and what happens at each?
The overtipping safety routine continuously checks the suspended load and radius against the load table (50% table for a grab, 66-75% tables for a hook, depending on the operator's choice). Above the prealarm threshold (90% of the maximum load), the system warns the user with a visual and acoustic signal. Above the alarm threshold (105% of the maximum load), the system gives the same visual and acoustic warning and additionally blocks any further lifting of the load and any further lowering of the boom.
Why must the tower be moved back to the centre of the spreader before it leaves the container, and before the crane boom slews?
The tower must be moved back to the centre of the spreader before it leaves the container, and there must be good clearance between the spreader and the container before slewing the crane boom, to avoid collision or interference between the spreader and the container.
Starting & Warm-Up
Why must starting spray or ether never be used together with engine preheating?
Starting aid spray, ether, or equivalent products must never be used at the same time as preheating, because doing so could cause an explosion.
HIT Srl supplies glow-plug preheating system components for this class of engine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
How does the intake air heater help the engine start in cold weather?
The intake air heater has a rating of 3 kW and heats the intake air enough for the engine to start at low ambient temperatures. It's energised when the starting key is turned to the heating position, with a suitable preheating time of about 50 seconds.
Below 50°F (10°C), extra attention is recommended when starting the engine, for maximum engine protection and easier starting.
HIT Srl supplies the intake air heater element for this class of engine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Why must a turbocharged engine idle before being switched off?
A turbocharged engine must always be run at about 1000 rpm with reduced load for 2 or 3 minutes before switching off, in order to allow the turbocharger to cool down.
HIT Srl supplies the turbocharger for this class of engine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
What is the explosion risk when using booster batteries to start the engine?
Batteries produce explosive gasses when being charged or discharged. Always wear eye protection when using booster batteries or starting generators — batteries can explode if a spark or flame comes near them.
HIT Srl supplies batteries and booster cables for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
When must the machine never be started, regardless of the controls?
Do not attempt to start the machine if it has been locked out by maintenance personnel, or if the main power disconnect switch in the battery compartment is disengaged.
HIT Srl supplies the main power disconnect switch for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Why can the engine only be started with the transmission in neutral?
The vehicle is designed to start in neutral only — the starter should not operate if the vehicle is in any other gear.
A safety device that works the same way prevents the engine from starting if the gear selector isn't in the neutral ("N") position.
HIT Srl supplies the neutral safety start switch for this class of transmission.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
What does it mean if the parking brake indicator stays on after releasing the parking brake?
The parking brake indicator light must not be on when starting to drive. If the light remains on after the parking brake has been released, seek technical assistance rather than continuing to drive.
HIT Srl supplies the parking brake indicator switch for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Refuelling & AdBlue Filling
What does the DEF warning lamp sequence mean, from first warning to engine shutdown?
A solid DEF lamp is the first warning that the reducing agent (diesel exhaust fluid) is low — at this stage it's an intermediate warning that a derate will be activated if the fluid isn't refilled.
A flashing DEF lamp means the DEF level has fallen below a critical level; refilling the DEF tank corrects it. If the flashing DEF lamp is combined with an illuminated Warning or Check Engine lamp, the DEF level is critically low and the engine is already losing power.
Normal engine power is restored once the DEF tank is refilled. If the engine is shut down or left idling for one hour after the DEF tank has run completely dry, the Stop Engine Lamp also illuminates alongside the flashing DEF lamp and the Warning or Check Engine lamp, and engine power continues to be reduced automatically.
HIT Srl supplies the DEF tank and its level sender for this class of engine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Why does refuelling and topping up oil require special care with containers and temperature?
Refuelling operations require the most scrupulous cleanliness of the containers used to transfer oil and any other fluid.
During oil replacement or refilling, hot oil can cause burns when it's drained — let the oil cool below 50°C first.
HIT Srl supplies lubricants and fluids for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Travelling Unladen
Why should the machine move slowly and avoid sudden braking even when unladen?
With maximum load — and it's recommended even without a load — move very slowly and avoid sudden braking or turns, to avoid dangerous oscillations and kickback.
HIT Srl supplies spare parts for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Slopes & Uneven Ground
What rules apply when driving the machine on a slope?
When operating on slopes, move the machine up and down slowly. Do not turn the machine on slopes, and do not drive across them.
When driving up or down a gradient of over 10%, the load must be facing uphill.
HIT Srl supplies brake and steering components for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Why should a vehicle only be parked on flat, compact ground?
Always park the vehicle on flat, compact ground, to prevent the wheels from sinking into the terrain. If the parking area isn't level but on a slope, place wheel chocks under the wheels.
HIT Srl supplies wheel chocks for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Stacking & Destacking
What driving discipline applies when approaching a container to stack a load on it?
Drive carefully when transporting loads, avoiding sudden braking and changes of direction — move slowly up to the container on which the load is to be placed.
The lifting unit and the load must stay lowered, so the operator retains full visibility; the load should only be lifted during the actual stacking movement itself, not carried raised beforehand.
HIT Srl supplies spreader and lifting components for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Trailer & Chassis Handling
Why must both trailer air lines always be connected when towing a trailer?
Always connect both trailer air lines when towing a trailer. Failure to connect both the trailer service (BLUE) and the trailer supply (RED) air lines greatly reduces the braking ability of the tractor-trailer combination and creates a serious hazard.
After connecting a trailer, the system runs a diagnostics check; if a problem is detected on the trailer side of the ABS, a trailer warning indicator light on the dash illuminates.
HIT Srl supplies trailer air line couplings for this class of tractor.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
What should be done if the trailer ABS warning light stays on?
Never operate the vehicle if the truck or trailer ABS warning light remains illuminated — this indicates the ABS is not functioning properly. Shut the vehicle down and have the ABS repaired immediately.
HIT Srl supplies ABS components for this class of trailer system.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
What air pressure is needed before the parking brake control can be released?
Air pressure in the system must be at least 70 PSI (4.83 bar) before the parking brake control or the trailer air supply control can be pushed in to release the spring brakes.
Never park a tractor-trailer combination unless the trailer parking brakes are operational and applied.
HIT Srl supplies the parking brake and trailer air supply controls for this class of tractor.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
What are the speed, brake-line, and height rules for towing a trailer?
Do not exceed 15 mph (24 km/h) when towing trailers.
Never tow trailers without both the service and emergency brake lines connected and functioning.
Never tow a trailer above the minimum height required to clear the landing gear from the ground — lifting the fifth wheel and trailer too high drastically raises the trailer's centre of gravity and increases the chance of a rollover.
HIT Srl supplies fifth-wheel and landing-gear components for this class of tractor.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Towing & Recovery
What has to be checked before towing a broken-down vehicle with a rigid tow bar?
Towing a broken-down vehicle should be done with a rigid tow bar, attached to the tow hook. Before starting the tow, make sure the vehicle is released from its brakes.
Confirm the rigid tow bar has been correctly installed — in this configuration, the towing vehicle becomes the only means of braking for the towed vehicle.
HIT Srl supplies the tow hook for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
How should the engine be started when the batteries are discharged?
If the machine's batteries are weak or discharged, use booster batteries or a starting generator to start the engine. Do not try to start the engine by towing or pushing the machine.
HIT Srl supplies batteries and booster cables for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
When towing a disabled vehicle, which wheels should be lifted off the ground?
The recommended way to tow a disabled vehicle is with the rear wheels lifted off the ground. The steering axle must be locked in the straight-ahead position, and if there are spring brakes on the front axle, they must be released (caged) before towing.
Towing a vehicle with the front wheels lifted and the rear drive wheels on the road is not recommended — this practice may result in serious vehicle damage.
A loss of air pressure could occur while towing, which would apply the spring/parking brakes and lock the rear wheels of the towed vehicle — this is why the brakes need to be manually released first.
HIT Srl supplies spring brake components for this class of axle.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
Wind & Weather Limits
What wind speed limit is the machine rated for during operation?
The machine has been tested for its operating limits in wind according to ISO 10525 standards, at a wind speed of 40 km/h — corresponding to degree 6 of the Beaufort scale.
HIT Srl supplies spare parts for this class of machine.
Field note — HIT Srl, Reggio Emilia (Italy). Last updated: August 2026.
What safety interlocks must be satisfied before slewing is enabled on a mobile harbour crane, and what do the slewing and wind-safety bypasses remove?
Slewing requires: a command from the joystick; the "stabilizers extended" consent; the slewing block up; no wind safety block; the crane stabilized; the slewing brake not active; and (on some crane models) the oil translation deviator not active. The stabilizers bypass removes the stabilizers-extended safety lock, and the wind-safety bypass removes the no-wind-alarm safety lock; the combined slewing bypass removes both.
Looking for step-by-step procedures? See Operation & Handling Procedures.