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.
Safety Warnings & Precautions
Critical safety information to prevent injury and equipment damage.
| Hazard | Precaution |
| Crushing/Pinching | Keep hands, feet, and objects clear of moving parts during operation. |
| Electrical Shock | Disconnect power before performing any maintenance or electrical work. |
| Falls | Ensure the lift platform is fully lowered and secured before walking on it during assembly. |
| Unstable Load | Do not exceed the rated capacity of 1500 lbs. Center load on platform. |
| Hydraulic Leaks | Inspect 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.
- Main Platform: Pre-welded deck with non-slip surface.
- Support Legs (4): Left and right side assemblies with pre-attached hinge points.
- Cross Braces (2): For lateral stability.
- Hydraulic Power Unit: Includes motor, pump, and reservoir.
- Cylinder Assembly: Single or dual acting hydraulic cylinder.
- Hardware Kit: Contains all necessary bolts, nuts, washers, and pins.
- Control Box & Pendant: For raising/lowering operations.
- 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.
- Wrenches: Set of combination wrenches (SAE: 9/16", 1/2", 3/4").
- Sockets & Ratchet: 3/8" drive set with same sizes.
- Torque Wrench: Capable of 50-100 ft-lbs.
- Level: 24-inch or longer spirit level.
- Measuring Tape: 25-foot minimum.
- Hydraulic Fluid: AW-32 or equivalent (approx. 2 gallons).
- Shop Vacuum: For cleaning debris from mounting area.
Step-by-Step Assembly
Follow these steps in order on a clean, flat, and stable surface.
- Position Main Platform: Lay platform upside down on protective blocks.
- Attach Support Legs: Align left and right leg assemblies with hinge brackets on the platform underside. Secure using provided hinge pins and retaining clips.
- Install Cross Braces: Connect the cross braces between the left and right leg sets using the specified bolts. Torque to 75 ft-lbs.
- 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.
- Install Power Unit: Bolt the hydraulic power unit to its designated frame location. Ensure it is level and secure.
- 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.
- Site Selection: Choose a concrete pad with a minimum thickness of 4 inches and compressive strength of 3000 psi.
- Prepare Pad: Clean the pad surface thoroughly. Mark the anchor bolt locations per the provided template.
- Drill Anchor Holes: Using a hammer drill and correct size masonry bit, drill holes to the specified depth. Vacuum debris.
- Position Assembled Lift: With assistance, carefully move the assembled lift onto the pad, aligning the base plates with the drilled holes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Disconnect Power: Ensure main breaker is OFF at the service panel.
- Mount Control Box: Install the weatherproof control box in a convenient, protected location near the lift.
- Run Conduit: Use liquid-tight flexible conduit from the control box to the power unit and the pendant station.
- Make Connections: Follow the wiring diagram inside the control box cover. Connect line (black), neutral (white), and ground (green) wires to the appropriate terminals.
- 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.
- Initial Power-Up: Turn on power. The control box indicator light should illuminate.
- Fill Hydraulic Reservoir: Remove fill cap and add AW-32 fluid until level is at the "Full" mark on the sight gauge.
- Bleed Air: With the platform fully lowered, press the "UP" button in short bursts. Check fluid level frequently and top up as needed.
- 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.
- Safety Stop Test: During descent, release the pendant button. The platform should stop immediately without jerking.
- 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.
| Interval | Task |
| Before Each Use | Visual inspection for leaks, loose hardware, and debris on platform/ramp. |
| Monthly | Check hydraulic fluid level. Inspect hoses for wear/cracks. Lubricate all pivot points. |
| Every 6 Months | Check torque on all critical bolts and anchor bolts. Inspect electrical connections for corrosion. |
| Annually | Change hydraulic fluid and filter. Perform full operational and safety test under load. |
| As Needed | Clean 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.
- All hinge pins (4 locations)
- Cylinder rod end bearing
- Pivot points on cross braces (2 locations)
- Guide roller shafts (if equipped)
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:
- Lower the platform completely.
- Disconnect power at the breaker.
- Cover the power unit and control box with a waterproof cover.
- For winter in freezing climates: Consult manual for optional glycol-based hydraulic fluid change to prevent freezing.
- 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
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Corrective Action |
| Lift will not raise | No power, low fluid, tripped breaker | Check power source & GFCI. Check fluid level. Reset breaker. |
| Lift raises slowly or jerks | Air in system, worn pump, cold fluid | Bleed air from cylinder. Check pump output. Allow fluid to warm. |
| Lift will not hold position (drifts down) | Internal cylinder leak, faulty valve | Inspect for external leaks. Valve may need servicing by technician. |
| Motor runs but lift does not move | Sheared coupling, severe internal leak | Inspect coupling between motor and pump. Check for major leaks. |
| Unusual noise during operation | Cavitation (low fluid), loose parts, bearing wear | Top 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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