How to Tell if Your Crane or Hoist Needs Repairs

Quality maintenance, servicing, and timely crane repair is essential to keep your crane or hoist running safely and efficiently.

At SuperService™, we recommend that our customers have all parts and mechanisms of their cranes and hoists properly inspected by a qualified technician at least every 12 months to avoid unnecessary damage or breakdowns.

Between inspections, it is important to regularly monitor your equipment and keep an eye out for signs of failure or impending failure. Repair issues can quickly become a safety issue prior to your annual inspection; it is imperative that you avoid any safety issues at all costs.

So, what should you look for? Our team of experts at SuperService™ has provided a checklist of the key elements to determine if your crane or hoist needs some SuperService™ TLC and a quick holiday at one of our Brisbane workshops. Here’s what to keep an eye out for …

Excessive Wear

Cracks, distortion, or significant wear can compromise the safety and performance of your crane or hoist. Regularly check the following parts and mechanisms for warning signs:

• All welds on the machine
• Sheaves and drums
• Pins
• Bearings
• Shafts
• Rollers
• All locking devices

In addition to the parts listed above, chains and chain drive sprockets should be checked for excessive wear, chain stretch, and the possibility of crushed chain links.

Are you unsure about where these components are located on your hoist? Give our personable team a call and we can send one of our mobile field vehicles and a technician to take a look*.

Shiny Surfaces

Shiny surfaces in your moving parts could be a sign of abrasion – slow erosion of your equipment due to friction and wear.

All wires, joints, and other moving parts are susceptible to abrasion. While abrasion damage is slow to accumulate, the end result could be the failure of a key structural component of your crane which you want to avoid at all costs. Regular preventative maintenance with SuperService™ includes identifying any areas we believe are susceptible to abrasion and resolving these quickly before issues arise.

Corrosion

Corrosion can cause loss of strength, compromised systems and integrity. Bolts, rivets, and other fasteners should be checked to ensure they are not loose, failed, or significantly corroded.

The equipment structure, including the boom and jib, should also be inspected for deformities, cracks, and corrosion. This is all included in SuperService™ inspections and services.

Leaking Engines

Gas, diesel, or electric engines should all be inspected for safety-related problems, such as leaking exhaust, and to ensure the proper operation of emergency shut-down features. If you notice any fluids leaking from your heavy equipment, don’t take any chances – give SuperService™ a call.

Leaking or Blistering Hoses

Many cranes have a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, and otherwise pressurized hoses. These hoses and their fittings should be regularly inspected for any indication that a leak may be present.

Check the outer hose covering for blistering or deformation, as this could be a sign of part failure or an impending failure. The pumps and motors that the hoses are connected to should also be inspected for failing performance indicators – unusual noises and vibrations, low operating speed, excess heating of fluid and low pressure.

Leaking Cylinders

Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders should be checked for drifting caused by fluid leaking across the piston. Rod seals and welded joints should be inspected for leaks as well.

Cylinder rods should be checked for scores, nicks, or dents — as should the casing, or barrel. Rod eyes and connecting joints should not be loose or deformed. Your expert team at SuperService™ can check all rods and joints to provide you with complete peace of mind.

Check Related Equipment

All related equipment which is not part of the crane system but works in tandem with your crane or hoist should be regularly checked to ensure they’re working optimally and safely.

Hooks are bent to begin with; however, misapplied weight can distort the hook in a manner which the mechanism was not intended for, compromising the hook’s integrity.

Ropes and slings used in the process should be oiled regularly, as dry, brittle ropes will be more prone to breakage. Slings should be regularly checked to ensure they are free from cuts, abrasions, and contamination such as oils, chemicals and paint. These are all regular services that SuperService™ provides for our customers.

Super-tip: Always listen for changes in the noises that your crane, hoist, or related equipment makes during usage – this could indicate a breakdown or corrosion in parts.

Your machine’s health is paramount to its output and the success of your business. A machine not working to its full potential is costing you time and money. The proactive team at SuperService™ is here to ensure this doesn’t happen and works with you to keep you moving.

Give us a call to discuss your specific crane or hoist maintenance and repair needs. We have a dedicated Brisbane workshop and mobile technicians available in Brisbane and the Greater Brisbane region, ready to create a unique service and maintenance plan for your machinery.

Call SuperService on 1300 895 895 or visit www.sservice.com.au

*Mobile services are available in Brisbane or the Greater Brisbane region.

 

Want to learn more about crane inspections? Check out Crane Inspections: Who, Why, and How Often?