The next step in assembling the large excavator was to attach the 15 ton boom. The lower end of the boom is connected to the body of the excavator. When in operation, the boom is raised and lower by two large hydraulic pistons. Assembling this part of the tractor proved a challenge for the crew. In the first attempt to lift the boom with the crane, only one lift cable was used. It lifted one end off the pavement but the other stayed put because it was not properly balanced. The boom was lowered back to the pavement and a second lift cable was attached. This did the trick. The Coady crane operator lifted it into the air and swung it around to the excavator body on the other side of the truck. The boom never swung or swayed during the whole time. The crane operator was a real pro and moved it with great fineness. The crane was controlled by a wireless control box. The crew then pulled out the pins so that boom could be lowered into position. There was not a lot of room to work with when lining up the pivot hole on the boom with the socket on the body. The crane operator made it look easy. It took some time to get the pins banged back into place.
Two large hydraulic pistons raise and lower the boom.
A crew member walks up the boom to attach the lift cable.
First attempt to lift the boom using a single lift cable.
Oops! One end of the boom would not lift off the ground.
Second attempt to lift it ...
... using two lift cables this time.
Crane operator swung it around without causing it to sway even an inch.
Pins are pulled out.
Crane operator (green safety vest) works to line it up.
Slowly lowered into position.
It required a precise alignment to fit, very little room to work with.
Successful alignment!
Crew works to bang the pins back in.
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