Do not think that you cannot make mistakes while looking after a crane. Failure to check your crane regularly and do maintenance can cause accidents and injuries to your employees and colleagues.
Often people believe that because the crane is a machine, then the process of looking after it must also be entirely automatic. This is not the case. Keep reading to learn about common crane maintenance mistakes.
1. Skipping Pre-Inspection
One of the most common crane maintenance mistakes is skipping pre-inspection protocols. A well-maintained crane will have all components functioning properly and will remain safe during use. However, an inadequately maintained crane can be dangerous and increase the risk of failure and malfunction.
To avoid this, operators and inspectors should pre-inspect each crane before using it. Parts typically checked in a pre-inspection include the brakes, chains, gears, pulleys, bearings, and oil and fuel levels.
Additionally, as a common crane maintenance routine, all safety systems should be tested to ensure they are in working condition.
2. Overloading the Crane
One of the most common crane maintenance mistakes is overloading the crane. This means using the crane to lift a load that is too heavy for it to handle. This can put undue strain on the crane, leading to costly damage if not addressed properly.
To avoid overloading the crane, it is essential to check the crane’s load capacity before use. Keeping the load in balance is also important, and using a certified weighing system is the only reliable way to ensure that the crane and its load are moving safely.
3. Not Replacing Wheels
Common crane maintenance mistakes involve not replacing crane parts, such as wheels, in a timely fashion. Regular inspection of wheels and bearings should be done to avoid issues.
To avoid this, a regular maintenance schedule should be maintained, and any signs of wear and tear should be handled right away. Consider using a portable crane from Gantry Crane Distributor. This can help you refrain from possible costly repairs.
4. Ignoring Appropriate Weather Conditions
Common crane maintenance mistakes are easy mistake to make and can lead to damage and safety issues. One of the key crane maintenance mistakes is ignoring appropriate weather conditions. Cranes require a certain level of wind speed and other weather parameters to be safe. If the crane is operated outside the parameters, it could lead to severe consequences.
To avoid any issues, always consult the crane operation manual or the manufacturer’s technical support for start or stop conditions. Additionally, use wind speed gauges and other weather instruments to closely monitor conditions before operating the crane.
5. Skipping Regular Maintenance Checks
Neglecting necessary maintenance can lead to high crane maintenance costs. Without proper care, issues can arise within the equipment that requires costly repairs, as well as lead to increased safety risks. These regular checks can help to identify potential problems and will give you a chance when repairing crane damage before they become larger issues.
To avoid this mistake, schedule routine maintenance checks for the crane at least once every month. Make sure to check the crane’s engine oil and filters, brakes, lift cables, and any other components for proper operation.
Common Crane Maintenance Mistakes
Common Crane maintenance mistakes can be avoided by having regular inspections, using only approved parts, and implementing rigorous safety procedures.
Adopting these measures will ensure that cranes remain reliable and safe throughout their service life. To avoid common crane maintenance mistakes, take preventive action and keep maintenance up to date.
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