1

Operating Manual

Panther Galaxy Crane




2

Introduction


Congratulations to your decision to buy or rent a PANTHER GALAXY CRANE!
We are very pleased that you have chosen our product, which combines state-of-
the-art technology as well as the experience of many years in manufacturing
camera cranes and dollies.

High-quality material and sound know-how, as well as a clever concept enable
your PANTHER GALAXY CRANE to do a professional job, which you will really
enjoy when doing your responsible work at the set.

Your new PANTHER GALAXY Crane is a high-quality tool, which enables the
creative camera man to do an excellent job fast and easy with fantastic shots
and camera drives.

The PANTHER GALAXY Crane is a product that has been created and built by
experts for experts to satisfy the high demands of every grip and camera man.
We hope that you will have a lot of pleasure with your PANTHER GALAXY
CRANE. In order to guarantee the highest security and reliability in our product at
the set, please study our operating manual very carefully!




All the best
Panther GmbH














3

Index


Subject Page

Introduction 2

Index 3

To the grip 4

Safety instructions 4

General instructions 5

Check list for assembling 6

Operating- and safety advice 7-8

The Panther Galaxy Crane 9

Assembly instruction 10-19

Special accessories 20

First operation 21-24

Transport 25

Service and maintenance 26

Technical Data 27-29






4

To the grip

Sloppy assembly, disassembly and operating have created and will also create in
future damages and physical injury, as well as death of involved or even uninvolved
persons.
The following operating instructions should explain to the grip how to work with the
camera crane and should also make aware and give advice to take care of possible
dangers. Accidents can only be avoided if the dangers are well known and the
common sense is activated.


Safety instructions

Please start working with the crane only after studying the complete instruction
manual and understanding everything.
Safety advice, measurement and weight indications, as well as the repair and
maintenance instructions have to be observed carefully.

Lifting, swivel and operating range of the crane including the complete outrigger must
be kept free. The safety distance of 0,5 m to all parts of the surrounding have to be
kept free from all sides.

Attention: It is not allowed to use the crane on inclined planes. The CRANE has to be
secured so that is cannot slip away. The underground has to be hard and inflexible.
The minimum carrying capacity of the underground has to be 4000 kg / m.

The crane should never be left unattended in assembled state. It has to be secured
that persons without authorization cannot use the crane. If necessary adequate
measures against heavy wind or storm have to be taken.

Before starting operation the cranes stability with the maximum tilting moment has to
be checked.

When working in the studio or with tracks it has to be observed that no hard or loose
parts can get under the wheels. Also slight unevenness can endanger standing and
driving security.

Do only use Panther original accessories.
Combined seat extensions (vertical/horizontal) with the order numbers 110, 111, 112,
105663, 105662, 105661 must not be used. Use only vertical seat extensions or
combined seat extensions marked with HD (=heavy duty).




5

General instructions

Only trained persons are allowed to work with the PANTHER GALAXY CRANE.
Panther GmbH offers training work shops which will enable the participants to work
with the Panther Galaxy Crane. The participants will receive a certificate at the end of
this seminar. For more information regarding the actual dates or to book, please
contact 089/61390001.

Repairs should only be carried out by the manufacturer or persons, who received a
special training. Panther GmbH offers service seminars, which can be held according
to your desires. Should you be interested, please contact 089/61390030 (Panther-
Service).

The PANTHER GALAXY Crane may only be assembled according to this operating
instruction.

The instruction manual has to be studied and understood completely.

To avoid the danger of a tire blowout, twin tires should be mounted at the mammoth
base.

Maximum wind speed: 45 km/h (6 Beaufort) for all remote versions
32 km/h (5 Beaufort) for 1 man platform operation
22 km/h (4 Beaufort) for 2 man platform operation

The operation of the Galaxy Crane is not allowed if the wind speed exceeds the
above values. Please observe DIN 15019 to have enough time to dismantle the
crane if a storm comes up.

The PANTHER GALAXY Crane can only be assembled according to the assembling
versions shown in this operating instruction.











6

Check-List for Assembling

Please check which crane version is best for your shooting. The following points have
to be considered:
- height - limits in weight
- working distance - ultimate load needed
- space limits - platform - operation
- access to shooting place - remote - operation

Take your time to securely assemble the crane, to check and to test the crane
before use.

Transport

Do not expose the outriggers, balance rods and anchor poles to heavy
strokes.

Auxiliaries

Water level
Support device
Small ladder / Rostrum

Ground

No slope: check with water level
Use sub-base if slope
If the ground can only be loaded up to 4000 kg/ m the load has to be distributed
by a reasonable sub-base.

Basis

No slope: check with water level
Min. 3000 kg / m load capacity of sub-base

Assembly

Check whether all necessary parts are available
Assemble according to instruction
IMPORTANT: The crane arm must be balanced in each condition. The
assembly support cannot bear the full load of the counterweight.

Safety instructions

Observe safety instructions


7

Operating and safety advice

The crane operator is obliged to inform the persons on the platform that they have to
use a safety belt. The persons are only allowed to leave the platform after enough
counterweights have been removed from the counterweight bucket.

Please do not leave loose parts on the platform or the remote head mount. They can
fall and injure persons.

The crane may never be left unattended in assembled state. The crane has to be
disassembled or protected against wind when out of service. Please observe DIN
15019 to have enough time to dismantle the crane if storm comes up.

The vertical and horizontal swiveling area must be kept free. The safety zone of
0,5 m must be kept free in all directions. Please look out for possible pinching
dangers during assembly and operation.

When turning and rotating the crane outrigger and during curve drives, centrifugal
forces can appear which can endanger the standing stability when added.

For safety reasons it is obligatory that the crane stands/drives on absolutely hard,
stable and inflexible ground, which is completely leveled. Please pay attention that no
hard or loose objects can get under the wheels, so that the standing and driving
stability of the crane could be endangered. Example: Cable in the studio. This also
applies when working with tracks.

Do not exceed the maximum payload of the platform or the remote head mount.
Please only use the maximum number of weights allowed which fit into the
counterweight bucket. The use of additional weights, such as sand bags, is not
allowed.

For the payload of the base, tracks or supports for the complete crane weight
including all accessories and persons have to be considered.

Support material such as wedges and blocks have to be fixed in a way that they
cannot slip away, fall out or be pushed away.

At the end of the tracks clips or similar safety stops have to be fixed to avoid that the
crane could fall down.

Please check the crane every day with regard to function, damages and missing
parts. Damaged or missing components have to be replaced by new ones
immediately.

Mark the operating range (pan and tilt area) of the crane with flags, stickers or similar
material. Keep all persons out of the operating area in order to avoid anybody to be
hurt by the base dolly or the outrigger.

Getting on and off the crane is only allowed if the operator has given his approval.
Getting off a balanced crane causes an abrupt rising of the outrigger and can cause
damage to the crane itself or severe injuries to persons.

8
Do not use the crane in the vicinity of high-tension lines.

In case the crane is used on elevated areas (e.g. bridges, sky scrapers) it is
recommended to additionally secure the persons on the platform by a security rope
at a second object (e.g. concrete post) in order to lower the risk of falling.

Do not work with persons on the platform under extreme weather condition be it
naturally or imitated e.g. heavy rain, thunder and lightning, extreme heat or cold
unless those persons are secured sufficiently.

The crane may not be operated if there is the danger of being struck by lightning.
After shooting the crane has to be dismantled or secured against wind. Please
observe DIN 15019 part 1/6.1.3. to have enough time to dismantle the crane if a
storm comes up.

After shooting, especially after use under dirty, dusty, sandy, humid and salty
conditions the crane has to be thoroughly cleaned and serviced. Keep the security
belts in good condition.

Take care that the outrigger does not touch anything within the rotating area.

Check the surrounding of the crane for possible dangers.

Stop working with the crane immediately, even if only a small part is damaged or not
mounted the correct way.


Use exclusively original PANTHER accessories and spare parts.




9

The Panther Galaxy Crane


Galaxy Parts/ Einzelteile
Code/Nr. Description/Beschreibung

10

Assembly instruction


Please find below the description how to assemble the Galaxy crane version 8.

All other versions are assembled the same way. The only difference is that less
outriggers or anchor poles are mounted on the front side (platform/remote head
mount).


1. Underground
Control if the underground is uneven. In
case of more than 1% slope, a special
base or tracks have to be used. Load-
carrying capacity of the underground min.
4000 kg / m.


2. Base
Has to have a load-carrying capacity of
min. 4000 kg / m. The base has to be
mounted very carefully and without any
slope.
Also the tracks have to be laid out very
carefully and without any slope. Special
attention has to be paid to the loose
supporting material (for example
wedges), so that they can neither slip
away nor be displaced by mistake.


3.1 Base on tracks
The base has to be braked so that it
cannot slip away during assembly.
Make sure that the red clamping screw is
tightened.




11

3.2 Base on the floor
The base has to be braked so that it
cannot slip away during assembly. If the
ground is not 100 % even, the base has
to be leveled with the spindles.


4. Pyramid
The pyramid has to be put onto the base
and screws must be tightened.


5. Central Pivot Section
The central pivot section has to be put
onto the pyramid and screws must be
tightened.


6. Outrigger 3
Mount outrigger 3 to the central pivot
section and fasten the locking bolt.
It does not matter at which side of the
central pivot section outrigger 3 will be
mounted.

12



7. Assembly support
An assembly support (e.g.Ladder) can be
used as support device when mounting
the outrigger.
Further a rostrum can help.



8. Balance rod
The balance rod of outrigger 3 is fastened
at the pivot section and at the swiveling
unit by means of a locking bolt.




9. Outrigger 1
Outrigger 1 is mounted at the pivot
section and secured with the locking bolt.


10. Outrigger 1
Mount the second outrigger 1 at the first
outrigger 1 and secure it with the locking
bolt. The corresponding balance rods are
inserted into the support and secured with
the locking bolts.

13


11. Counterweight bucket
Note: For mounting the counterweight
bucket, the assembly support needs to be
removed.
Move the opposite outrigger downward
and mount the counterweight bucket.



12. Counterweight bucket
Move the opposite outrigger about 1 m
upwards and secure the counterweight
bucket with the locking bolt.



13. Outrigger 4
After returning an assembly support
(ladder), outrigger 4 is mounted to
outrigger 1 and secured with the locking
bolt.
Then the balance rod is mounted as
described above.

Attention:
The assembly support must always be
positioned underneath the center of
gravity (bucket).

14. Balance
For keeping the crane arm balanced 10
counterweights are put into the bucket.
Attention: Watch the max. load of the
assembly support (ladder).


14


15. Trapezoid
One side of the trapezoid is screwed tight
to the pivot section.
Note: A ladder or a push rod facilitate the
assembly.
Now the cross member is inserted at the
connection and secured with a locking
bolt.
.

16 Trapezoid
The second side of the trapezoid is
screwed tight to the pivot section and
connected with the cross member.


17. Anchor pole
The anchor pole variable, back is
mounted at the back of the trapezoid
(right side of picture) and outrigger 3 and
secured by means of splint pins.
The base anchor pole is mounted at the
front of the trapezoid and secured with
splint pins.



18. Anchor pole
An extension is inserted into the base
anchor pole and secured with the locking
bolt.
15


19. Anchor pole
The anchor pole variable, front is first
mounted and secured to the extension,
then to outrigger 4.


20. Anchor pole
All turnbuckles of the anchor poles are
tensioned manually, so that they fit into
the receiving bolt.
Special tools are not required and may
not be used if tension is too high the
outriggers may be bent upwards.

.

21 Outrigger 1
Outrigger 1 is mounted to outrigger 4
(with the anchor pole already mounted)
and secured with the locking bolt.



22. Support
The anchor pole support is put onto the
connection plate of outrigger 4 and
secured with the corresponding locking
bolt.
Note: this locking bolt is a little bit longer
and only used in connection with the
support. The locking bolt of outrigger 1 is
put aside make sure it will not be lost.
16


23. Balance
In order to keep the crane arm balanced
20 counterweights are placed into the
bucket.
Attention: Watch the max. load of the
assembly support (ladder).



24 Outrigger 1 + 4
First another outrigger 1 is mounted, then
another outrigger 4 is added on and
secured with the locking bolt.



25. Balance
To keep the crane arm balanced, another
10 counterweights are placed into the
bucket.

Attention:
Watch the max. load of the assembly
support (ladder).
The assembly support must always be
positioned underneath the center of
gravity (bucket).

26 Anchor pole
The anchor poles for the front holder are
mounted and secured as described
above.
Note: Of course, this requires an
adequate number of extensions other
than described above.

17


27. Support
The anchor poles are placed at the
support and adjusted.


28. Balance
To keep the crane arm balanced, another
10 counterweights are placed into the
bucket.
Attention:
Watch the max. load of the assembly
support (ladder).
The assembly support must always be
positioned underneath the center of
gravity (bucket).

29. Outrigger 5
Outrigger 5 is mounted to outrigger 4 and
secured with the locking bolt.
The balance rod is inserted at the upper
holder of the support and secured.


30. Outrigger 6
Outrigger 6 is mounted to outrigger 5 and
the connection screw is screwed tight
manually.


18


31. Outrigger 6
Use the locking lever to clamp the
connection in place.



32. Foxy Remote Head Mount
The Foxy remote head mount is mounted
and secured. The balance rod (in this
case with turnbuckle) is mounted and
secured with the locking bolt.
Attention: even if the remote head mount
is fixed by its own weight, the two red
screws need to be tightened. Otherwise
the remote head mount may fall down
during driving.



To disassemble, please proceed in reverse sequence.










19

Assembly instructions for other crane versions:

Instead of outrigger 5+6, also outrigger 2
can be mounted to hold the remote head
mount. For these versions the Galaxy
remote head mount is used instead of the
Foxy remote head mount.
Besides the self-locking device also the
two locking bolts have to be mounted.


Besides the self-locking device at outrigger 2 also the two locking bolts have to be
mounted.


Attention:
The maximum outrigger lengths and payloads may not be exceeded.
Please pay attention to the diagrams in the end of this operating instruction.

20
Special accessories:

Counterweight Bucket for 45 weights:



A compact counterweight bucket can be
used for shorter crane versions. It gives
better visibility to the front and it is more
handy for transport and set up due to less
weight and smaller dimensions.

Compared dimensions:
left: Counterweight Bucket for 80 weights
measurements:
l 42 x w 73 x h 118 cm

right: Counterweight Bucket for 45 weights
measurements:
l 42 x w 56 x h 93 cm
The counterweight bucket for 45 weights is siutable for the Galaxy crane up to the
version 5 remote or version 3.1 platform.
Also longer crane versions can be equipped with reduced payload on the
plattform/remote mount.

Attention:
Use only the maximum number of counterweights allowed to be put inside the
counterweight bucket.
It is not allowed to use additional weights, such as sand bags.


Trapezoid, compact:





A compact trapezoid can be used for
shorter crane versions. It gives better
visibility to the front and it is more handy
for operation and set up due to smaller
dimensions.

Compared dimensions:
Left: Trapezoid (standard)
measurements:
l 71 x w 123 x h 94 cm

right: Trapezoid (compact)
measurements:
l 71 x w 78 x h 58 cm
The Trapezoid compact is siutable for the Galaxy crane up to the version 5 remote or
version 3.1 platform.

Attention:
Longer versions must not be set up with the Trapezoid compact!


21
First operation
Important: before each loading (platform, remote head mount, counterweight bucket)
and first operation it needs to be checked if all connection are tight.









Advice regarding the payload:
The payload of the platform is the sum of the weight of the person(s), as well as the
weight of all accessories (turnstile, bazooka, seat, etc.) and the camera with all
accessories.
The payload of the remote head mount is the sum of all parts that are mounted on the
remote head mount (remote head, camera, objective, etc.).

Maximum payloads:
Platform crane Remote crane
Version 1: 250 kg Version 1: 80 kg
Version 2: 250 kg Version 2: 80 kg
Version 3: 150 kg Version 3: 80 kg
Version 3.1: 250 kg Version 3.1: 80 kg
Version 4: 250 kg Version 4: 80 kg
Version 5: 200 kg Version 5: 80 kg
Version 6: 130 kg Version 6: 80 kg
Version 7: 50 kg
Version7.1: 80 kg
Version 8: 50 kg
Version 8.1: 65 kg

The maximum payloads for platform or remote head mounts may absolutely not be
exceeded.
Maximum wind speed: 45 km/h (6 Beaufort) for all remote versions
32 km/h (5 Beaufort) for 1 man platform operation
22 km/h (4 Beaufort) for 2 man platform operation

When loading the remote head mount or the platform- they have to be supported
under the center of gravity.
22

Attention:
If the crane is balanced and no longer supported, it is not allowed to leave the
platform. The person(s) on the platform have to use a safety belt.
The assembly support (ladder) only serves during assembly it is not destined to
support the full counterweight bucket.




Loading the counterweight bucket
Please do not exceed the maximum pay-
load of the platform or of the remote head mount.
Use only the maximum number of counterweights
allowed to be put inside the counterweight bucket.
It is not allowed to use additional weights, such as
sand bags.
Please always close the door. The weights are
only secured if the door of the counterweight
bucket is closed.

Attention:
The assembly support must always be positioned
underneath the center of gravity (bucket).
The crane may tipp over if the support is not
positioned correctely.


Fine adjustment
With the fine adjustment counterweight the
fine adjustment of the balance is effected. It is
mounted on a balance rod and tightened with
the screw.








23

Further applications and special accessories:

Push rod
On two sides, push rods can be inserted into
the pyramid. They are secured with the
security splint.
Adapter for sun-/rain shield
If required a sun or rain shield can be
attached to the platform or the remote head
mount.



Monitor mount
The monitor mount is fastened at outrigger 3
with screws.


For mounting the twin
wheels distance axes are
used.

Like the pneumatic wheels
the studio wheels are
secured with the splint pin.

Use the red screw to fasten the
track wheels.

24


Both, the large or the small platform can be
attached to the platform mount
Alternatively a remote adapter is available.


After reading the operation manual has to be
put back into the pyramid.
















25

Transport

The Galaxy crane has been designed in a way that all crane elements can be
transported comfortably and easily by two persons.

7 outriggers, all balance rods and bracing
kits, as well as the assembly support can
be transported with this transport cart.

The following components can be fit onto
the transport cart:

central pivot section
counterweight basket
Outrigger 1
Outrigger 2
Outrigger 3

as well as other accessories such as
seats, bazooka etc.


The platform and the remote head
mounts can be put onto the pyramid.



If necessary (e.g. lack of space in a truck)
the mammoth base can also be stored or
transported upside down.

All components have to be secured against falling down by suitable means.
The Galaxy can be placed on the truck with a lifting platform. In any case it is
prohibited to transport or lift the Galaxy with a crane.
Also the Galaxy may never be attached to any kind of motor tractor.
26

Service and Maintenance


The Panther Galaxy Crane is a very solid piece of equipment. It works reliably and
does not require a lot of maintenance work.
To guarantee a long life and a consistently stable quality, it is advisable to treat all
elements of the crane very carefully.
We do not accept any warranty claims for damages occurred due to inappropriate
handling.

After working with the crane, particularly after working in a dirty, dusty, sandy, wet
and salty surrounding, the crane has to be cleaned and maintained properly. Please
keep the safety belts in good condition.

Immediately interrupt working with the crane in case even the smallest part of the
crane is damaged or missing.

Maintenance and repair should only be carried out by trained and experienced
persons.
Panther GmbH offers service seminars exactly cut to your needs. For further
information please call 089/61390030 (Panther-Service).

According to ZH 1/222 / 3.2 and UVV VBG 70 34, the safety and machine appliances
have to undergo an interim check up by a certified engineer at least every 4 years and
at least once a year by a suitably trained expert (repeated check up - see maintenance
book).
If necessary, parts of the crane have to be exchanged.









27

Technical Data

Dimensions:

Mammoth Base
max. length: 165 cm
max. width: 165 cm
Wheel base: 120 cm
Gauge: 155 cm
Gauge on tracks: 62 cm / 100 cm
Max footprint: 120 cm x 120 cm

Max height trapezoid: 310 cm
Height central pivot section: 205 cm


Weights:

Mammoth base (2-wheel): 120 kg
Mammoth base (4-wheel): 130 kg
Pyramid: 55 kg
Central pivot section: 51 kg
Outrigger 1 with balance rod: 37 kg
Outrigger 2 with balance rod: 43 kg
Outrigger 3 with balance rod: 60 kg
Outrigger 4 with balance rod: 39 kg
Outrigger 5 with balance rod: 24 kg
Outrigger 6 with balance rod: 19 kg
Assembly support: 10 kg

Trapezoid: 18 kg
Base bracing kit: 4.5 kg
Anchor pole variable, back, standard: 7 kg
Anchor pole variable, front: 7 kg
Extension anchor pole: 4.5 kg

Platform with turnstile attachment: 35 kg
Remote head mount Foxy: 6 kg
Remote head mount Galaxy: 7.5 kg
Weight basket: 53 kg

28
Galaxy Crane System:
Parts / Einzelteile:
Quick Information
Schnellinformation
Please look into operating manual for further information!
Bitte beachten Sie die Betriebsanleitung fr weitere Informationen!
Panther GmbH, Raiffeisenallee 3, 82041 Oberhaching, Germany
Tel: +49-89-613900-01, Fax: +49-89-6131000, www.panther.tv
Outrigger 3, short
Ausleger 3, kurz

29
3,2m / 10.5ft. 17,3m / 57ft.
3,2m / 10.5ft. 15,3m / 50.5ft.
3,2m / 10.5ft. 17,3m / 57ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
3,1m/ 10ft.
Support
Sttze
15,3m / 50.5ft. 3,2m / 10.5ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
Support
Sttze
Support
Sttze
Support
Sttze
2,5m / 8.2ft.
2,5m / 8.2ft.
2,5m / 8.2ft.
2,5m / 8.2ft.
2,5m / 8.2ft.
2,5m / 8.2ft.
2,5m / 8.2ft.
3,2m / 10.5ft.
11,3m / 37ft.
3,2m / 10.5ft.
9,3m / 30.5ft.
3,2m / 10.5ft. 13,3m / 43.5ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
Support
Sttze
3,2m / 10.5ft. 7,3m / 24ft.
3,2m / 10.5ft. 5,3m / 17.5ft.
2,5m/ 8.2ft.
3,2m / 10.5ft. 3,3m / 11ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
1,9m/ 6.3ft.
3,1m/ 10ft.
3,1m/ 10ft.
3,1m/ 10ft.
3,1m/ 10ft.
3,1m/ 10ft.
3,1m/ 10ft.
Outrigger 3, short
Ausleger 3, kurz
Outrigger 3, short
Ausleger 3, kurz
Outrigger 3, short
Ausleger 3, kurz
Outrigger 3, short
Ausleger 3, kurz
Outrigger 3, short
Ausleger 3, kurz
Outrigger 3, short
Ausleger 3, kurz
Outrigger 3, short
Ausleger 3, kurz