Top Tips for Effective Crane Maintenance

It goes without saying that crane inspection and maintenance are absolutely essential for safety on site, as you simply cannot put yourself, your team and your materials or project as a whole at risk by using a poorly functioning crane that’s falling victim to a variety of different issues.

Fortunately, this guide contains some of the most effective crane maintenance steps that you can make the most of to take great care of your cranes, so read on to discover more.

Why is crane maintenance important?

Following a variety of effective maintenance steps is such an essential responsibility, as it allows you to identify potential warning signs of damage or corrosion when it’s in its earliest stages. Proactive care of your crane will no doubt minimise the possibility of an accident from taking place, which in turn can help you and your team to avoid injury while protecting any expensive materials on the job site.

Not only can you identify numerous potential risks through a thorough inspection, you can also utilise the opportunity to identify the need for any safety improvements that should be addressed to continue to protect your team and assets in the future. Preventive maintenance is always a key factor when it comes to safety and security, so looking after your crane to the best of your abilities will allow you to remain out of harm's way while being able to utilise your crane for many years to come without the risk of damage or breakage.

As you can now understand, it’s so important that you can take the opportunity to maintain your crane to the best of your abilities for a multitude of reasons!

What daily checks can I do to ensure my crane is in good working condition?

A daily inspection at the start of each shift is a great way to ensure your crane is well maintained. This provides you with the chance to walk around the crane and look for signs of problems or defects, so utilise the recommendations below to perform your daily inspection in the most thorough fashion.

● Check safety and emergency switches, as well as any other push buttons that might be sticky or not operating smoothly

● Wheel tread wear, proper inflation, as well as signs of breaks, tears, or cuts

● Fluid levels and possible leaks, including hydraulic and air

● All components used for swinging, lifting, or lowering

● Boom and jib inspection to look for straightness, as well as signs of physical damage. Potential dangers include bending, kinks, cracked paint, or corrosion under attachments

● A test lift to check the accuracy of rated capacity indicator (RCI) and/or load moment indicator (LMI)

● Check all brakes, including both the bridge and trolley motor brakes

● Every crane should be equipped with a fully-charged fire extinguisher

● Look for loose items on the crane that could potentially fall while the crane is in operation

You may also include other recommended inspection details advised by the manufacturer, depending on your unique crane type and what you use it for.

If you’re unsure of what maintenance your crane requires, why not seek help from an expert in all things cranes? Crane and Lifting Services provide installation, servicing and maintenance on cranes of all types and across all applications. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your crane in top condition.