Ditch Witch JT100AT - Manual (Page 172)

JT100/JT100 All Terrain Operator’s Manual
Systems and Equipment - 171
Drill Pipe
CMW
©
Make Up and Break Out Joints Correctly
Assisted Makeup protects threads by automatically matching carriage movement speed to rotation during
makeup and breakout. Operator controls rotation speed while the unit controls carriage travel.
• To connect pipes together and fully tighten joint, slowly rotate pipe as threads come in contact.
Carriage will move forward automatically as threads engage. Continue rotation until spindle stops
turning and full pressure is developed. Improperly tightened joints will damage the shoulder faces
and threads, and will cause joints to leak or break while drilling or backreaming.
• To disconnect pipes, slowly rotate spindle counterclockwise. Carriage will move back automatically
until threads fully separate.
If assisted makeup is not functioning, thrust and rotation will stop upon reaching the front or rear thrust
home positions. Operator controls carriage travel while unit controls rotation speed. To continue to make
up or break out, press and hold dual speed carriage control switch and follow these two steps:
• Make up and break out joints slowly. Do not ram pipes together during makeup or force them
apart during breakout. Carefully match carriage travel speed with rotation speed. Always connect
and disconnect joints slowly and deliberately. This will help prevent thread crossing, galling, and
shoulder swelling.
• Tighten joints fully. Once the joint is connected and the shoulder faces are touching, tighten them
to full machine torque. Improperly tightened joints will damage the shoulder faces and threads,
and will cause joints to leak or break while drilling or backreaming.
Do not Overwork the Pipe
Never exceed the bend radius for your pipe. See “Plan Bore Path” on page 83. Do not oversteer.
NOTICE: Bending pipe more sharply than recommended will damage pipe and cause failure.