Floe 511-01354-00 Assembly Instructions Manual

The Floe 511-01354-00 is a dock lift system designed for easy installation and safe, reliable operation. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for unpacking, assembling, installing, and maintaining your dock lift. Below are key sections covering safety warnings, parts identification, step-by-step assembly, installation procedures, operation guidelines, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Safety Warnings & Precautions 2. Parts Identification & Included Components 3. Tools Required 4. Step-by-Step Assembly 5. Installation & Leveling 6. Electrical Connection 7. Operational Testing 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Lubrication Points 10. Storage & Winterization 11. Troubleshooting

Safety Warnings & Precautions

Critical safety information to prevent injury and equipment damage.

HazardPrecaution
Crushing/PinchingKeep hands, feet, and objects clear of moving parts during operation.
Electrical ShockDisconnect power before performing any maintenance or electrical work.
FallsEnsure the lift platform is fully lowered and secured before walking on it during assembly.
Unstable LoadDo not exceed the rated capacity of 1500 lbs. Center load on platform.
Hydraulic LeaksInspect hoses and fittings regularly. Do not operate with visible leaks.

WARNING! Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or death. Assembly requires at least two capable adults.

Parts Identification & Included Components

Unpack all parts and verify against this list before beginning assembly.

  1. Main Platform: Pre-welded deck with non-slip surface.
  2. Support Legs (4): Left and right side assemblies with pre-attached hinge points.
  3. Cross Braces (2): For lateral stability.
  4. Hydraulic Power Unit: Includes motor, pump, and reservoir.
  5. Cylinder Assembly: Single or dual acting hydraulic cylinder.
  6. Hardware Kit: Contains all necessary bolts, nuts, washers, and pins.
  7. Control Box & Pendant: For raising/lowering operations.
  8. Wiring Harness: Pre-terminated for connection between power unit and controls.

CAUTION! Do not discard any packaging until all parts are accounted for. Report missing parts immediately.

Tools Required

Gather the following tools before starting. User-supplied tools are not included.

Step-by-Step Assembly

Follow these steps in order on a clean, flat, and stable surface.

  1. Position Main Platform: Lay platform upside down on protective blocks.
  2. Attach Support Legs: Align left and right leg assemblies with hinge brackets on the platform underside. Secure using provided hinge pins and retaining clips.
  3. Install Cross Braces: Connect the cross braces between the left and right leg sets using the specified bolts. Torque to 75 ft-lbs.
  4. Mount Hydraulic Cylinder: Attach the cylinder base to the mounting pad on the cross member. Connect the cylinder rod end to the lift point on the platform underside.
  5. Install Power Unit: Bolt the hydraulic power unit to its designated frame location. Ensure it is level and secure.
  6. Connect Hydraulic Lines: Attach hoses from the power unit to the cylinder ports. Hand-tighten, then wrench tighten an additional 1/4 turn. Do not over-tighten.

Tip: Do not fully tighten any bolts until all parts are loosely fitted and aligned.

Installation & Leveling

Proper installation site preparation is critical for performance and longevity.

  1. Site Selection: Choose a concrete pad with a minimum thickness of 4 inches and compressive strength of 3000 psi.
  2. Prepare Pad: Clean the pad surface thoroughly. Mark the anchor bolt locations per the provided template.
  3. Drill Anchor Holes: Using a hammer drill and correct size masonry bit, drill holes to the specified depth. Vacuum debris.
  4. Position Assembled Lift: With assistance, carefully move the assembled lift onto the pad, aligning the base plates with the drilled holes.
  5. Secure with Anchors: Insert concrete anchor bolts through base plates and into holes. Tighten nuts gradually and evenly to pull the lift snug to the concrete.
  6. Final Leveling: Use shims as necessary under the base plates to ensure the platform is level in both directions when fully lowered. Re-torque anchor bolts after 24 hours of use.

WARNING! The lift must be perfectly level (±1/8" over full length) for safe operation.

Electrical Connection

Connect to a dedicated 120V AC, 15-amp circuit with GFCI protection.

  1. Disconnect Power: Ensure main breaker is OFF at the service panel.
  2. Mount Control Box: Install the weatherproof control box in a convenient, protected location near the lift.
  3. Run Conduit: Use liquid-tight flexible conduit from the control box to the power unit and the pendant station.
  4. Make Connections: Follow the wiring diagram inside the control box cover. Connect line (black), neutral (white), and ground (green) wires to the appropriate terminals.
  5. Connect Pendant: Plug the pendant connector into its receptacle on the control box.

CAUTION! All electrical work must comply with local codes and be performed by a qualified electrician.

Operational Testing

Perform these tests before first use and after any maintenance.

  1. Initial Power-Up: Turn on power. The control box indicator light should illuminate.
  2. Fill Hydraulic Reservoir: Remove fill cap and add AW-32 fluid until level is at the "Full" mark on the sight gauge.
  3. Bleed Air: With the platform fully lowered, press the "UP" button in short bursts. Check fluid level frequently and top up as needed.
  4. Full Cycle Test: Raise the platform to its maximum height. Listen for unusual noises. Hold for one minute, checking for leaks or drift. Lower completely.
  5. Safety Stop Test: During descent, release the pendant button. The platform should stop immediately without jerking.
  6. Load Test: Place a test load (e.g., concrete blocks) equal to the rated capacity in the center of the platform. Perform several full cycles. The system should operate smoothly.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures safety and extends service life.

IntervalTask
Before Each UseVisual inspection for leaks, loose hardware, and debris on platform/ramp.
MonthlyCheck hydraulic fluid level. Inspect hoses for wear/cracks. Lubricate all pivot points.
Every 6 MonthsCheck torque on all critical bolts and anchor bolts. Inspect electrical connections for corrosion.
AnnuallyChange hydraulic fluid and filter. Perform full operational and safety test under load.
As NeededClean platform surface. Touch up paint on any scratches to prevent rust.

Lubrication Points

Apply a general-purpose lithium grease to the following points every month or after exposure to water.

Tip: Wipe away old grease and dirt before applying new grease.

Storage & Winterization

If the lift will be unused for an extended period or during freezing temperatures:

  1. Lower the platform completely.
  2. Disconnect power at the breaker.
  3. Cover the power unit and control box with a waterproof cover.
  4. For winter in freezing climates: Consult manual for optional glycol-based hydraulic fluid change to prevent freezing.
  5. Block the platform to prevent accidental lowering if the system is to be left raised.

CAUTION! Water in the hydraulic system can freeze and cause severe damage.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Lift will not raiseNo power, low fluid, tripped breakerCheck power source & GFCI. Check fluid level. Reset breaker.
Lift raises slowly or jerksAir in system, worn pump, cold fluidBleed air from cylinder. Check pump output. Allow fluid to warm.
Lift will not hold position (drifts down)Internal cylinder leak, faulty valveInspect for external leaks. Valve may need servicing by technician.
Motor runs but lift does not moveSheared coupling, severe internal leakInspect coupling between motor and pump. Check for major leaks.
Unusual noise during operationCavitation (low fluid), loose parts, bearing wearTop up fluid. Tighten all hardware. Identify source of noise.

Reset: For electronic controls, disconnect power for 60 seconds to reset.

Service: For issues not resolved above, contact Floe International at 1-800-493-5663 or visit www.floeintl.com

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