Overhead cranes are complex machines that require maintenance and upkeep to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Regular preventative maintenance should be performed to prevent any unnecessary breakdowns during operation that could stifle production. Most states also require periodic inspections to ensure worker safety. Finally, in the event something does break down unexpectedly, emergency service will repair the broken parts and get the crane operational again.
Servicing and Preventative Maintenance
Like most equipment, overhead crane control systems require regular cleaning, adjustments, and lubrication to ensure smooth operation; otherwise, regular use excessively degrades performance and can lead to part failure. Regular servicing will keep parts operating efficiently and prevent premature breakdowns that can cost a lot of time and money when production is halted as a result of unexpected failure.
Motorised crane control systems will need servicing about once a year. At the date of the servicing, the technician will look over the crane and see if any parts need to be replaced. This can prevent future problems such as breakdowns.
Compliance and Testing Crane Servicing In some parts of the country, these checks could be required by local or state law.
Insurance companies also require that cranes undergo regular inspection to maintain the insurance policy on the crane itself as well as any workers compensation insurance. Injured workers can and do file lawsuits as a result of being injured due to negligence on the part of the company operating the crane, so inspections are good for the bottom line as well.
A certified technician will perform crane inspections and, in most cases, can also perform preventative maintenance on the crane as well. To save on the cost of preventative servicing, it’s often advisable to have this technician carry out this service as well.
Another test that the technician should do whenever servicing a crane is a proof of load test. This determines if the crane is capable of lifting the recommended loads. In some areas, such a test is required by law.
Emergency crane control systems Servicing.
Any organization that relies on a crane in its work should have an arrangement with a crane company for emergency crane servicing. This means that a technician will be able to come out and work on the crane whenever it breaks down.
A broken down crane can shut down an entire production line or shop or make work slower and more inconvenient for workers. Workers may have to rely on a forklift or other vehicle to lift and move loads while the crane is broken down. In the worst case scenario workers and machinery could be sitting idle waiting for the crane to come back on line.
A competent crane company should be able to have a technician on site and working on the crane within 24 to 48 hours. The best course of action is to have emergency crane servicing done by the same organization that handles the compliance and preventive maintenance. That means the work will be done by individuals who are familiar with the cranes and capable of fixing them.