Gilson MS-398, MS-398F Operating Manual

OPERATING MANUAL

MS-398 and MS-398F Pro-Loader II Load Frame

0.02—2.0in/min, 10,000lbf

INTRODUCTION

The MS-398 Load Frame is one of our most versatile testing
units. The Pro Loader II can be utilized for the following soil tests:
California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Unconned Compression (UC),
Triaxial Compression, and Soil Cement. In addition, the following
Asphalt tests: Marshall, Lottman, TSR, IDT, SCB and Tack Coat shear
can all be performed. This unit also features strain rates – 0.02-

2.0in/min (0.508-50.8mm/min) – controlled to ±1% of set point.
Front panel controls allow the operator to adjust the direction
and speed of the platen, as well as select the strain rate. Sliding
the cross-arm up or down the coarse-threaded 1.25in (32mm)
diameter rods and tightening the nuts makes adjustment for the
wide variety of testing components quick and easy.

FEATURES

• Strain rate of 0.02-2.0in/min (0.508-50.8mm/min) allows for
multiple testing options (calibration chart included)

• Powerful 3/4hp DC drive motor

• Load capacity up to 10,000lbf (44kN)

• Durable 14-gauge steel cabinet and precision loading screw

with protective boot

• Hardened steel 8in (203mm) diameter platen, accepts a wide
variety of test xtures

• Heavy 1.25in (31.8mm) diameter vertical rods with coarse
threads

• Front panel controls

• Upper and lower limit indicator lights

• Three-position control switch has built-in hesitation to prevent

damage to the motor when reversing direction

• Corrosion-resistant components

UNPACKING & SET UP

1. Inspect your MS-398 for damage, remove it from the pallet.

2. Place the MS-398 on a sturdy, level surface such as a bench

top or HMA-94 Rolling Load Frame Cart.

MS-398 shown with MSA-860

(Continued on back.)

PHONE: [phone] P.O. Box 200, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035-0200
740-548-7298 E-mail: [e-mail] Product Web Page: www.globalgilson.com

Rev: 01/2019

FAX: [phone]
740-548-5314

3. Connect to grounded power supply with correct voltage and

amperage to output.

4. Adjust and level the crossarm to the appropriate height.

5. Install required Component Set and any accessories required

for testing.

CONTROLS

1. Main Power On/O: Includes an indicator light to show

when the power is on.

2. Platen Direction: Three-position switch (up, down and o)

includes built-in hesitation to prevent motor damage when
reversing direction.

3. Limit Lights: Indicate when upper and lower limits are at-

tained.

4. Strain Rate: Three-segment thumbwheel selector (strain

rate calibration chart included).

5. High-Speed Jog: Increases the speed of the platen when

the switch is pushed to the up position.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

COMPONENT SETS

California Bearing Ratio (CBR)

ASTM D1883; AASHTO T 193

HMA-684 6,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, piston
HMA-685 10,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, piston
HMA-685D 10,000lbf load cell, LVT, readout box, piston

Soil Cement

ASTM D1632, D1633

HMA-687 10,000lbf load ring, dial indicator, 4 in platen
HMA-687D

ASTM D2850, D4764; AASHTO T 296, T 297

HMA-686 1,000lbf load cell, dial indicator
HM-413 1,000lbf load cell, LVT, Readout box

10,000lbf load cell , LVT, Readout box, 4 in platen

Triaxial

WARNING:

1. Read all safety and operating instructions before operating

2. Power the unit with the Main Power switch (indicator light

3. Based on the calibration chart (included), set the desired

4. Use the Platen Direction and High-Speed Jog switches to

5. Center the Platen Direction switch to the o position when

6. Refer to ASTM and/or AASHTO test methods for specic test

ELECTRIC SHOCK WARNING

Disconnect and lock out power supply when servicing the
unit or installing components.

the unit.

will show that the unit is on).

strain rate for the test using the three-segment thumbwheel
selector.

adjust the direction and speed of the platen for testing.

the test is complete.

instructions.

DISCONNECT AND LOCKOUT POWER
SUPPLY WHEN SERVICING THE UNIT

Unconned Compressive Strength

ASTM D2166; AASHTO T 208

HMA-681 500lbf load ring, dial gauge, plastic discs
HMA-683 1000lbf load ring, dial gauge, plastic discs
HMA-683D 1,000lbf load cell, dial gauge, plastic discs

Marshall Stability

ASTM D5581, D6927; AASHTO T 245, T 283

MSA-860 10,000lbf load ring, dial indicator
MSA-860D 10,000lbf load cell, LVT, readout box

Accessories

HMA-94 Rolling Load Frame Cart