Kuwait Heavy Machinery Theory flashcards

35 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Excavator swing radius

The horizontal circle swept by the excavator's counterweight and attachment during slewing. Personnel must stay outside this zone; the operator stops swinging if anyone enters it.

Rated payload

The maximum load a machine such as a wheel loader is designed to carry in its bucket, including material weight. Exceeding it overloads axles, tyres and hydraulic components.

Drawbar pull

The usable pushing or pulling force a crawler tractor can deliver at the hitch. It determines ripping and dozing performance and depends on weight, traction and ground conditions.

Hydraulic relief valve

A valve that limits maximum system pressure by diverting flow to the tank. It protects components from overpressure and, if stuck open, causes slow or weak operation.

ROPS structure

Roll-over protective structure, a certified frame around the operator station. It protects the operator if the machine overturns and must not be modified without approval.

Cold coolant check

Radiator coolant level is checked only when the engine is cold. Opening a pressurised cap on a hot engine releases steam and scalding coolant.

Weeping hose

A hose showing moisture or drips at a crimp or body. It is a defect indicating impending failure and must be reported and replaced, not ignored.

Pre-start walk-around

A visual inspection around the machine before starting: leaks, tyres or tracks, guards, pins, hoses, lights, mirrors and fire extinguisher. Defects are recorded before work.

Critical defect

A fault affecting safety such as brakes, steering, horn, reverse alarm or seat belt. The machine is tagged out and must not be operated until repaired.

Hour meter reading

The cumulative operating hours shown on the machine meter. It drives service intervals and must be recorded on every inspection and defect report.

Three points of contact

A mounting and dismounting rule: keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the machine. Face the machine and use handrails.

Swing exclusion zone

The area swept by an excavator's rotating upper structure. It is barricaded and kept clear of people; the operator stops slewing if anyone enters.

Load radius

The horizontal distance from the crane slewing centre to the centre of gravity of the load. Capacity is read from the chart at this radius.

Gross versus net capacity

Gross capacity is the chart value; net allowable load is gross minus the weight of hook block, slings and all rigging below the hook.

On-tyre capacity

The lifting capacity with the crane standing on its tyres without outriggers. It is much lower than the outrigger rating and depends on tyre pressure and ground.

Load moment

Load weight multiplied by radius. It is compared with the counterweight moment to check stability; increasing radius increases the tipping effect.

Ground bearing pressure

The pressure an outrigger or track imposes on the ground. Soft fill or voids under a float cause settlement, loss of level and possible tipping.

Side loading

Pulling or pushing a load sideways relative to the boom. It is prohibited because it induces bending and can collapse the boom structure.

Permit to work

A formal authorisation for high-risk tasks such as lifting, hot work or excavation. It records controls, isolations and sign-off before work begins.

Trench spoil setback

Excavated spoil and materials are placed back from the trench edge, typically at least the depth of the trench, to avoid surcharge loading the wall.

Heat stress controls

Measures for hot conditions: water, shade, scheduled rest, acclimatisation and monitoring. Kuwait summer heat can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Banksman

A trained person who guides vehicle and plant movements, especially reversing. The driver stops immediately if visual or radio contact with the banksman is lost.

Pedestrian segregation

Physical separation of walkways from plant routes using barriers, kerbs or fencing. It is preferred over painted lines because it prevents contact.

Sling angle effect

As sling legs move away from vertical, leg tension rises. Tension equals load divided by the number of legs times the sine of the angle to horizontal.

Colour code tag

A periodic inspection tag on lifting accessories showing the current colour code. An accessory with an expired or missing tag is out of service.

Shackle mousing

Securing the shackle pin with wire or a pin keeper so it cannot rotate out. The pin must be fully engaged before the load is applied.

Single designated signaller

Only one signal person directs the crane operator, using agreed signals. Anyone on site may give the emergency stop signal, which must be obeyed.

Blind lift

A lift where the operator cannot see the load or landing point. It requires a signaller with a clear view, agreed signals and a controlled exclusion zone.

Loss of communication

If radio or signal contact fails during a lift, the lift stops and the load is lowered to a safe position before work resumes.

ISO cleanliness code

A scale describing particle contamination in hydraulic oil. Sampling and analysis against the target code reveals wear and contamination before components fail.

Hydraulic pressure isolation

Before maintenance, the system is shut down and stored pressure released. Raised components are supported on certified stands, never on hydraulics alone.

Seat belt law

Kuwait traffic law requires seat belts for driver and passengers. The same rule applies to operators of plant fitted with seat belts on site.

Accident reporting duty

A traffic accident must be reported to the police. Leaving the scene is an offence, and the report supports insurance and legal processes.

Stop-work authority

The right of any worker to stop a task they believe is unsafe, without retaliation. It is a core site safety rule and must be respected by supervisors.

Bunded fuel storage

Fuel tanks are surrounded by a bund able to hold the full tank volume, with drip trays and no ignition sources, to contain leaks and protect ground and drains.