Drift Test for Telescope and Boom Hoist Cylinders

If excessive leak down or Drifting of the boom is encountered

perform the following procedure:

1. Set up the machine on fully extended outriggers and rotate

the boom 90 degree to the carrier for RT cranes or straight
over the rear for truck cranes.
2. Rig the boom with a two part line in order to suspend a
load of 7 tons on the hook (7 tons on a two part line would
approximate manufacturer’s inspection procedures).
3. Raise the boom to approximately 60 degrees and extend
the boom approximately 6’ per section.
4. Shut off the machine and allow the hydraulic oil in
cylinders and hydraulic tank to cool to ambient
temperature to prevent any possible “thermal contraction”
during the test.

NOTE
Thermal Contraction is caused by the cooling of the
Hydraulic oil and metal components. See attached letter from Terex
engineering explaining Thermal Contraction and its effect on
hydraulic components.

5. Start the crane and raise the load approximately 3’ off

ground and shut off crane.
6. Apply mark on the load weight and measure from the
ground to the mark on the load and record measurement.
7. Mark all cylinder rods approximately 5” from the gland
nuts, record this measurement for future reference

TEREX CRANES WILMINGTON, INC. 202 Raleigh Street Wilmington, NC 28412 TEL (910) 395-8500 FAX (910) 395-8556 www.terex-cranes.com
 8. Allow setting for 15 minutes, then measure the same
distance measured in step 6, the allowable amount of
“drop” is ¾” in the 15 minute period.
9. If measurement taken in step 8 is ¾” or greater in
difference to the measurement taken in step 6, first
measure the distance from the gland nut to the mark on
the boom hoist cylinder rod. If this measurement has not
changed proceed to step 11.

10 .If the measurement between the gland nut and the mark on
the cylinder rod has changed the following procedure should be
used to determine if the problem is within the holding valve or
internal in the boom hoist cylinder:
a. Loosen cap on hydraulic tank to remove the residual tank
pressure.
b. Remove the pressure and return hoses from the boom hoist
holding valve and allow residual oil drain from fittings on
valve.
c. While holding the 7 ton load observe for oil coming from the
return side fitting, if so the hold valve is defective and should
be replaced.
d. If there is no oil coming from the return side fitting but the
cylinder is retracting, the defect is internal in the cylinder and
it will need to be removed and repaired or replaced.

11.If no movement was determined to be in the boom hoist

cylinder, remove the pressure and return hoses from the
telescope cylinder and allow and residual oil to drain
from ports.

TEREX CRANES WILMINGTON, INC. 202 Raleigh Street Wilmington, NC 28412 TEL (910) 395-8500 FAX (910) 395-8556 www.terex-cranes.com
 12.While holding the 7 ton load as described above observe
for any oil coming from the return port.
13. If oil is observed coming from the return port the hold
valve is defective and will require repair or replacement.
14.If no oil is observed coming from the ports but the
cylinder still retracts, the problem is internal in the
telescope cylinder and it should repaired or replaced.

TEREX CRANES WILMINGTON, INC. 202 Raleigh Street Wilmington, NC 28412 TEL (910) 395-8500 FAX (910) 395-8556 www.terex-cranes.com
TEREX CRANES WILMINGTON, INC. 202 Raleigh Street Wilmington, NC 28412 TEL (910) 395-8500 FAX (910) 395-8556 www.terex-cranes.com