Crane maintenance is particularly important, as these machines lift and carry heavy loads that could cause serious damage if they fall. You need to be certain that the crane is always in excellent condition and that it isn’t likely to fail.
These are some of the things to watch for, as they indicate the crane requires maintenance.
Damaged Chain Links
It’s easy to miss crushed chain links, but they happen frequently when you’re managing heavy loads. This is just one of the reasons you should use double chains and constantly check the load.
Be sure to check the chains every day before starting work. It can be hard to see a crushed link rather than a broken one, so employees should be trained to go over the chain with an eye for defects.
Cracks
Examine the various parts of the crane on a regular basis to ensure you don’t see any cracks. These may appear anywhere there is a lot of strain and they can indicate that the machinery is no longer stable.
It’s especially important to look at the hook. If it is bent or cracked, it could fail or may even hold the load at the wrong angle. It may seem like a minor thing, but this can cause undue stress on the entire machine and may result in breakage.
Abrasion
Watch for the regular wear and tear that tends to happen with these machines. They’re used for heavy-duty lifting so it’s not surprising that there will be rubbing and friction. However, if it goes unchecked, you may end up with joints that crack or break, wires that snap, and other parts that no longer work as they should.
To check for abrasion, look for shiny sections on wires and other moving parts of the crane. These indicate that the area is being rubbed and is exposed to quite a bit of friction. You may need to replace the components before they’re compromised.
Dry Slings and Ropes
As you work with ropes and slings, you may notice that they’re starting to dry out. This happens quite often, due to the weather changes and constant use. However, dry ropes can end up snapping easier than well-lubricated ones.
To prevent issues, be sure to oil these parts and any other flexible areas of the crane on a regular schedule. This will help preserve them as much as possible. However, if you are seeing fraying or wear and tear, it may be time to replace the parts.
Maintaining your crane keeps everyone safe and reduces the number of work-related accidents. It also saves you money that could be used up when the crane drops expensive items to the ground.
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