HDS cranes

HDS are hydraulic truck mounted cranes, most often used for reloading. Loading cranes are characterized by the fact that they have a mechanical drive constructed on the basis of a column that rotates on the base, and another important element of this drive is the boom mechanism.

Division of HDS cranes due to their design:

• reloading cranes mounted in the middle of the vehicle,
• reloading cranes mounted at the rear of the vehicle behind the load box on the car,
• reloading cranes mounted behind the driver's cabin on the vehicle,
• HDS cranes for loading wood, called forest cranes, especially since they have a special gripper instead of hooks, thanks to which it is possible to carry and lift boards or wood,
• general-purpose cranes mounted rigidly on the vehicle chassis, the boom works in the horizontal plane, changing the exudate and turning, as well as vertically, lowering the loads and lifting them.

Division of HDS cranes in terms of their structural elements:

• boom - an adjustable element to which the load is mounted, it is extended manually or hydraulically,
• columns - the vertical element of the crane located on the base, the boom mounted on it makes horizontal movements,
• bases - are mounted on the crane base,
• supports - they are used to stabilize the device and prevent it from tilting,
• accessories - auxiliary equipment.

Auxiliary equipment used when working with the HDS crane

At each HDS crane course, we discuss a very important topic, which includes the use of hooks, ropes and slings on which the ballast is properly attached. This knowledge is necessary, because UDT instructors very often check during the exam knowledge of their acquaintance. They are used for the free handling of loads and thanks to them we are able to easily place them anywhere. However, remember to maintain them frequently, otherwise they may cause an accident.

• Ropes are used when HDSs are equipped with winches. They must meet specific requirements. Only certified ropes, approved for production by the manufacturer, are used.
• Slings are the main auxiliary equipment used in the case of cargo securing. A distinction is made between closed-loop, single-leg, two-leg, three-leg and four-leg slings.
• The load is assembled depending on its weight, center of gravity, shape and dimensions.
• Hooks, like the previous auxiliary devices, also need to be checked before use. They are components of the construction of a reloading crane. The operator, operating the cranes directly with them or indirectly with the use of slings, easily transports the load.

Duties of the HDS crane operator

It is essential for the operator of a loading crane to hold a specialised HDS licence. These are awarded to people who have completed a training course and successfully passed an examination before an UDT commission. The operator must have knowledge of the duties to be carried out before, during and after work, which we also teach in our company's courses.

Operator responsibilities before starting work	The driver must be familiar with the crane's technical and operational documentation, the operating manual and the crane's approval certificate. If any of the above-mentioned documents is missing, he cannot resume his work. It also needs to perform proper maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Namely, check carefully the equipment, the tightness of the elements, the operation of hydraulic locks, security and locks as well as moving the supports. If he notices any irregularities, his duty is to report it to his supervisor.
Opera duties during work	Checking the location of the site and the range of the crane's reach. Preparation of the crane for loading works. Properly attach the load and its securing. Always keep a close eye on the crane during operation and its capacity. Obey signs and signals. React in the event of a risk of accident or failure.
Operator responsibilities after work	Folding the crane and supports and securing them in the transport position. Careful checking that the load does not pose any danger. Taking the crane to the garage and cleaning the working elements of dirt. Comprehensive protection of the machine against use by inappropriate people. Handing over documents to an authorized person.

By following the above rules, work usually runs smoothly. The operator is able to work safely and not pose a threat to himself or other employees and the environment. However, in order to bear in mind that there are accidents during the work of the crane operator, he should remember about the safety requirements and activities prohibited while working with the HDS crane as well as health and safety regulations. By completing the HDS training, the trainee always receives knowledge on this subject, and this is the basis for obtaining qualifications before the UDT commission in the knowledge of hydraulic truck lifts.

Purpose of the training

Thanks to the course in our operator training center, you receive HDS qualifications, which entitle you to activities such as servicing hydraulic truck cranes. In our company, we provide a comprehensive quality of education and by choosing a course with us, you can easily obtain the necessary knowledge to acquire UDT qualifications to work as a driver.

Requirements

In order to become a HDS operator, you must have at least basic education, be an adult and have no contraindications certified by a doctor's document to work in a given position.

Place of classes

Classes are held in our branches throughout the country, but we also organize open classes for closed groups with access to the client. The courses are held in accordance with the current information on our website.