Greenlee EK6FTLX, EK6FTILX Operation Manual

OPERATION MANUAL

Serial Number

EK6FTLX, EK6FTILX

GATOR® Battery-powered,

Crimping Tool

Read and understand all of the instructions and
safety information in this manual before operating
or servicing this tool.

52080023 REV 3 © 2018 Greenlee Tools, Inc. 8/18

Register this product at www.greenlee.com

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

Table of Contents

Description .................................................................... 2

Safety ............................................................................ 2

Purpose of this Manual ................................................. 2

Important Safety Information .....................................3–4

Identication .................................................................. 5

Specications ................................................................ 5

Operation ....................................................................6–7

Connector Selection ...................................................... 8

LCD Screen ................................................................... 9

Maintenance ................................................................ 10

Troubleshooting ........................................................... 11

Description

Battery-powered, High-speed Crimping Tool, hand-held,
self-contained, dieless crimping tool intended to crimp
aluminum and copper connectors onto electrical cable.

These tools have a retraction stop feature which allows
the operator to stop the retraction motion of the ram to
shorten cycle time.

These tools have a Bluetooth® connectivity and an LCD
screen.

These tools are protected by U.S. Patent No. 6,206,663,
6,276,186, 6,401,515, 6,718,870, 7,086,979, 7,216,523,
and 7,254,982.

Model X—FCC ID: RFRMS42; IC ID:
4957A-MS42

USA requirements:

Responsible party: Greenlee Tools, Inc.
Rockford, IL 61109 USA

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio com­munications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at
his own expense.

This device complies with the RF exposure SAR
test exclusion requirements for portable devices, if a
minimum separation distance is kept. However, the
device shall be used in such a manner that the potential
for human contact during normal operation is minimized.

Canada requirements:

This device complies with Industry Canada’s license­exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

(1) This device may not cause interference; and

(2) This device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie
Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de
licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions
suivantes:

1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;

2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est suscep­tible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Safety

Safety is essential in the use and maintenance of
Greenlee tools and equipment. This manual and any
markings on the tool provide information for avoiding
hazards and unsafe practices related to the use of this
tool. Observe all of the safety information provided

Purpose of this Manual

This manual is intended to familiarize all personnel with
the safe operation and maintenance procedures for the
following Greenlee tool:

• EK6FTLX Battery-powered Crimping Tool

• EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tool

Keep this manual available to all personnel.

Replacement manuals are available upon request at
no charge at www.greenlee.com.

Do not discard this product or throw away!
For recycling information, go to www.greenlee.com.

All specications are nominal and may change as design
improvements occur. Greenlee Tools, Inc. shall not be liable for
damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.

GATOR is a registered trademark of Greenlee Tools, Inc.

Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Blackburn is a registered trademark of Thomas & Betts.

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

KEEP THIS MANUAL

2

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

SAFETY
ALERT
SYMBOL

This symbol is used to call your attention to hazards
or unsafe practices which could result in an injury or
property damage. The signal word, dened below,
indicates the severity of the hazard. The message
after the signal word provides information for pre­venting or avoiding the hazard.

Immediate hazards which, if not avoided, WILL result
in severe injury or death.

Hazards which, if not avoided, COULD result in
severe injury or death.

Hazards or unsafe practices which, if not avoided,
MAY result in injury or property damage.

Wear eye protection when operating
or servicing this tool.

Failure to wear eye protection could
result in serious eye injury from ying
debris or hydraulic oil.

Skin injection hazard:

Do not use hands to check for oil
leaks. Oil under pressure easily punc­tures skin. If injured, seek medical
attention immediately to remove oil.

Failure to observe this warning could
result in serious injury, gangrene, or
death.

Do not use solvents or ammable
liquids to clean the tool body.
Solvents or ammable liquids could
ignite and cause serious injury or
property damage.

Read and understand all of the
instructions and safety information
in this manual before operating or
servicing this tool.

Failure to observe this warning could
result in severe injury or death.

Electric shock hazard:

This tool is not insulated. When using
this unit on or near energized electri­cal lines, use proper personal protec­tive equipment.

Failure to observe this warning could
result in severe injury or death.

An incomplete crimp can cause a re.

• Use proper die, connector, and cable combinations.
Improper combinations can result in an incomplete
crimp.

• The relief valve sounds and the ram automatically
retracts to indicate a completed crimp. If you do not
hear the sound of the relieve valve or the ram does
not automatically retract, the crimp is not complete.

Failure to observe these warnings could result in
severe injury or death.

Pinch points:

• Keep hands away from the crimp­ing tool head when crimping.

Failure to observe these warnings
could result in severe injury or death.

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

3

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not dispose of batteries in a re. They will vent
fumes and may explode.

Failure to observe this warning could result in severe
injury from harmful fumes or burns from ying debris.

• Inspect tool and dies before use. Replace any
worn or damaged parts. A damaged or improp­erly assembled tool can break and strike nearby
personnel.

• Carrying strap is for carrying only, not to be used to
hang or suspend tool.

Failure to observe these warnings could result in
severe injury or death.

• Do not use this tool for continuous use. After 30 to
40 cycles, allow the tool to cool for 15 minutes.

• Do not secure this tool in a vise. This tool is
designed for hand-held operation.

• This tool may be used in damp or wet environ­ments; however, air-drying is recommended before
use if the tool becomes soaked. Damage may result
when the tool is operated prior to thorough drying
when electrical components are soaked.

• Use this tool for the manufacturer’s intended
purpose only.

Failure to observe these precautions may result in
injury or property damage.

Do not allow anything to contact the battery
terminals.

• Do not immerse the batteries in liquid. Liquid may
create a short circuit and damage the battery. If bat­teries are immersed, contact your service center for
proper handling.

• Do not place the battery into a pocket, tool pouch,
or tool box with conductive objects. Conductive
objects may create a short circuit and damage the
battery.

• Do not place a battery on moist ground or grass.
Moisture may create a short circuit and damage the
battery.

Failure to observe these precautions may result in
injury or property damage.

• Do not store the battery at more than 122 °F (50°C)
or less than –4 °F (–20 °C). Damage to the battery
can result.

• Do not use another manufacturer’s charger. Other
manufacturers’ chargers may overcharge and
damage the battery.

• Do not attempt to open the battery. It contains no
user-serviceable parts.

Failure to observe these precautions may result in
injury or property damage.

Do not perform any service or maintenance other than
as described in this manual. Injury or damage to the
tool may result.

Failure to observe this precaution may result in injury
and property damage.

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

Note: Keep all decals clean and legible, and replace
when necessary.

4

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

Identification

1. LED Work Light (white)

2. Crimping Head

3. Lanyard Ring

4. Housing

5. Retract Button

6. LED Indictor (red)

7. LCD Screen

8. Battery

9. Trigger

2

EK6ATLX

3

4

6

5

1

9

2

7

8

4

5

8

7

1

9

3

6

Specifications

EK6FTLX

Crimping Tool

Length ................................................................................................................... 15.5" (393 mm)

Width ......................................................................................................................3.00" (76 mm)

Height (with battery) .............................................................................................13.9" (354 mm)

Weight ..................................................................................................................11.4 lb (5.18 kg)

Crimping Force .................................................................................................... 6.2 tons (55 kN)

EK6FTILX

Crimping Tool

Length ................................................................................................................... 17.7" (450 mm)

Width ......................................................................................................................3.00" (76 mm)

Height (with battery) ...............................................................................................5.5" (139 mm)

Weight ....................................................................................................................7.1 lb (3.21 kg)

Crimping Force .................................................................................................... 6.2 tons (55 kN)

All Models

Hydraulic Oil ................................................................................. 52057878 biodegradable hydraulic uid

Recommended Operating Temperature Range ................................................ 5 °F to 122 °F (–15 °C to 50 °C)

Crimping Capacities

Crimping Range

Copper .......................................................................................................... 4 AWG to 750 kcmil

Aluminum ...................................................................................................... 6 AWG to 750 kcmil

Battery Charger ................................................................................... Read the instructions supplied

Battery Technology .................................................................................... MAKITA® LXT® Lithium ion

Inline ..................................................................... BL1815, BL1820, BL1830, BL1840, BL1850

Pistol .................................................................................................. BL1830, BL1840, BL1850

EK6ATILX

with the battery charger

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

5

Operation

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

• Inspect tool and dies before use. Replace any
worn or damaged parts. A damaged or improp­erly assembled tool can break and strike nearby
personnel.

• Carrying strap is for carrying only, not to be used to
hang or suspend tool.

Failure to observe these warnings could result in
severe injury or death.

Electric shock hazard:

This tool is not insulated. When using
this unit on or near energized electri­cal lines, use proper personal protec­tive equipment.

Failure to observe this warning could
result in severe injury or death.

Wear eye protection when operating
or servicing this tool.

Failure to wear eye protection could
result in serious eye injury from ying
debris or hydraulic oil.

Pinch points:

• Keep hands away from the crimp­ing tool head when crimping.

Failure to observe these warnings
could result in severe injury or death.

• Do not use this tool for continuous use. After 30 to
40 cycles, allow the tool to cool for 15 minutes.

• Do not secure this tool in a vise. This tool is
designed for hand-held operation.

• This tool may be used in damp or wet environ­ments; however, air-drying is recommended before
use if the tool becomes soaked. Damage may result
when the tool is operated prior to thorough drying
when electrical components are soaked.

• Use this tool for the manufacturer’s intended
purpose only.

Failure to observe these precautions may result in
injury or property damage.

Charging the Battery

Read the instructions supplied with the battery charger.

LED Work Light (white)

This LED automatically turns on when the trigger is
pulled. It remains on for 10 seconds after the trigger is
released.

LED Indicator (red)

This tool is equipped with a special circuit board incor­porating several important features to inform the user
about the current status of the unit. The LED signals in
the following cases:

What happens Signal What it means

Constant light for 20seconds
at end of cycle

Tool will not start, and
constant light for 20seconds
when trigger is released

Tool will stop, and constant
light for 20seconds after
trigger is released

Tool will stop, and flashing
light for 20seconds when
trigger is released

Flashing light for 20 seconds
at end of cycle

* Running the battery below 16 V can damage the battery.

Battery charge is below
17V at beginning of cycle*

Battery charge is below
16V at beginning of cycle*

Battery voltage drops
below 13V during cycle*

Motor current exceeds
20A during cycle

Circuit has become too hot

Send tool in for service

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

6

Operation (cont’d)

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

Pressure Sensor

This tool is equipped with a pressure sensor that alerts
the user of an incomplete crimp.

• If the tool is manually retracted before completion of a
crimp, the red LED and an audible beep will be active
for 2 seconds.

• If the tool is unable to reach the required crimp force,
the red LED, work light, and an audible beep will pulse
until after the trigger is released.

Preparation

Follow the lug manufacturer’s instructions for appropri­ate cable strip length.

Crimping Direction

(evenly spaced)

First Compression

Crimping Direction

SIDE B

(evenly spaced)

First Compression

SIDE A

First Compression

Crimping Direction

SIDE A

(evenly spaced)

SIDE B

Crimping Procedure

1. Insert cable fully into connector. Center the connec­tor between the nibs.

Small connectors may become

RIGHT

wedged between the nibs of
the tool. Center the connector
between the four nibs before
crimping.

Failure to observe this precaution
may cause property damage.

WRONG

2. Pull the trigger to advance the nibs. Hold the trigger
down until the pressure relief valve activates.

Note: Pressure relief occurs at approximately
690 bar (10,000 psi) and is indicated by an audible
“pop.”

3. After achieving pressure relief, the ram automatically
returns to the start position and the nibs retract.

4 To stop the ram from returning fully, activate the

trigger for a brief moment. This activation will close
the retraction valve and stop the retraction motion.

5. Complete the number of crimps specied by the
connector manufacturer.

An incomplete crimp can cause a re.

• Use proper die, connector, and cable combinations.
Improper combinations can result in an incomplete
crimp.

• The relief valve sounds and the ram automatically
retracts to indicate a completed crimp. If you do not
hear the sound of the relieve valve or the ram does
not automatically retract, the crimp is not complete.

Failure to observe these warnings could result in
severe injury or death.

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

7

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

Connector Selection

Tool Range: Copper — 4 AWG to 750 kcmil (except as noted ∆)

Aluminum — 6 AWG to 750 kcmil (except as noted q)

This tool is cUL and UL classified for use with the following connector brands:

CONNECTOR

TYPE

Copper
Splices

Copper

Lugs

Dual-rated

Aluminum

Splices

Dual-rated

Aluminum

Lugs

BARREL

ANDERSON BLACKBURN

TYPE

Short VHSS CSP

Long VHS CU

Short VHCS CTL-2/CTL

Long VHCL CTL-L/LCN

— VACS

— VACL

ASP

ATL

®

∆

∆

YA-2LN/YA-L/YA-2L∆

∆

YA/YA-L-TC/YA-L-2TC

∆

q

q

BURNDY ILSCO PANDUIT T&B

YS-L

YS

∆

∆

∆

CT

∆

CTL

CSW∆

CRA/CRB

SCSS/SCS∆54507–54523TB

∆

SCL/SCH

LCAS/LCA∆

LCD

CLN, CLW∆

YA-2N

∆

CRA-L/CRB-L

LCB/LCC

∆

CRA-2L/CRB-2L

YS-A

YA-Aq

YA-ATN

q

AS

ASN

ACL/ACN

2ACL/2ACN

ALNS/ALNN/ALND

q

SA

LAAq

LAB

∆

54807–54823

∆

54107–54123TB∆

54207–54223

54933BE–54923BE∆

54855BE–54880BE

60507–50578

60106–60178
60230–60278

PENN­UNION

BCU

BBCU

BLU

BBLU

q

PIK

BLUA

NO. OF

CRIMPS*

A

B

q

*Use the number of crimps listed in the last column instead of

the number provided with the connector:

A — 4 to 4/0 AWG: 1 crimp

250 to 600 kcmil: 2 crimps
750 kcmil: 3 crimps

B — 6 to 1 AWG: 1 crimp
1/0 AWG to 350 kcmil: 2 crimps
400 to 600 kcmil: 3 crimps
750 kcmil: 4 crimps

∆

2 AWG to 750 kcmil

q

Blackburn: 4 AWG to 750 kcmil
Burndy: 4 AWG to 750 kcmil
Panduit: 4 AWG to 500 kcmil
Penn-Union: 6 AWG to 500 kcmil

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

8

LCD Screen

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

This tool has an LCD screen, which displays informa­tion about the tool. Turn on the screen by inserting the
battery and jogging the tool. If there are any problems
with the tool, an error code appears.

Error Code Meaning

1 Overcurrent fuse

2 Overcurrent comparator

3 Overheated circuit board

4 Overheated battery

5 Battery empty; operation stops

6 Faulty crimp; complete cycle

7 Faulty crimp; incomplete cycle

8 Low battery

9 Battery empty; tool won’t run

10 Real-time clock battery low

11 Tool deactivated

12 Service necessary

13 Real-time clock not found

14 Bluetooth® unit not found

15

16 Pressure sensor not found

17 Burst pressure exceeded

18 Battery temperature too low

If there is no error code, cycle through the various
displays using the left and right buttons on either side of
the screen. There are seven displays in total.

Display Information Shown

Bluetooth® status, battery charge, current

1

pressure, max. pressure

Firmware, available rmware update,

2

serialnumber

Current user. Press and hold both buttons to

3

change user, select with right button, and conrm
by jogging the tool.

4

5

6 Cycles until next service

Since manufacturing: operating hours, capacity,

7

number of cycles

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

9

Maintenance

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

Wear eye protection when operating
or servicing this tool.

Failure to wear eye protection could
result in serious eye injury from ying
debris or hydraulic oil.

Skin injection hazard:

Do not use hands to check for oil
leaks. Oil under pressure easily punc­tures skin. If injured, seek medical
attention immediately to remove oil.

Failure to observe this warning could
result in serious injury, gangrene, or
death.

Daily

Before use:

1. Inspect the tool for wear or damage, such as cracks,
gouges, or chips.

2. Inspect the tool for damage or leaks.

3. Inspect the rotation of the head assembly. Fully
retract the ram. The head should rotate no more
than 360°. If damage is detected, contact Greenlee
customer service at 800-435-0786 for warranty
service or repair.

After use:

1. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the
housing. Allow the housing to dry.

2. Fully retract the ram. Place the tool in the carrying
case and store in a cool, dry place.

3. If necessary, recharge the batteries. Refer to the
instructions supplied with the battery charger.

Monthly

Thoroughly clean all surfaces.

Do not use solvents or ammable
liquids to clean the tool body.
Solvents or ammable liquids could
ignite and cause serious injury or
property damage.

Pinch points:

• Remove battery before changing
dies, adapters, or jaws.

• Keep hands away from the crimp­ing tool head when crimping.

Failure to observe these warnings
could result in severe injury or death.

Relief valve adjustments must be done by an
authorized service center.

Annually or After 10,000 Crimps

Contact Greenlee customer service at 800-435-0786 for
warranty service or repair, and hydraulic oil replacement.

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

10

Troubleshooting

EK6FTLX and EK6FTILX Battery-powered Crimping Tools

Before You Begin

1. Make sure that the battery is charged. Recheck
the battery after several minutes to make sure the
battery is holding its charge.

Problem Possible Cause Probable Remedy

Tool is inoperative. Battery charge low. Charge or replace battery.

Dirt, contaminants, etc., in
ram area oftool.

Tool components worn or
damaged.

Motor is inoperative. Low or uncharged battery. Try known charged battery. Inoperative battery may

Broken switch components. Contact Greenlee customer service at

Motor runs but tool will not
complete a cycle.

Oil level low. Contact Greenlee customer service at

2. Use a nonflammable contact cleaner or pencil
eraser to clean the electrical contacts on the battery
and tool.

3. Reinstall the battery and check the tool again.

Clean tool.

Contact Greenlee customer service at
800-435-0786 for warranty service or repair.

be discharged or may have reached life expectancy.

800-435-0786 for warranty service or repair.

800-435-0786 for warranty service or repair.

Air in hydraulic system. Pull trigger and hold retract button simultane-

ously. Run for approximately 10 seconds, and then
attempt to crimp. If unsuccessful, contact Greenlee
customer service at 800-435-0786 for warranty
service or repair.

Cold oil. Pull trigger and hold retract button simultaneously

to warm oil. Store tool in warm area.

Tool loses oil. Damaged seal. Contact Greenlee customer service at

800-435-0786 for warranty service or repair.

Greenlee 4455 Boeing Dr. • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 USA • 815-397-7070

11

www.greenlee.com

4455 Boeing Drive • Rockford, IL 61109-2988 • USA • 815-397-7070
An ISO 9001 Company •

©2018 Greenlee Tools, Inc.

USA Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Canada Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

International Tel: [phone]
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