Overhead cranes require constant maintenance to operate safely. They’re always doing our heavy lifting. They need someone to lift them every once and a while as well.
You need to have a preventative maintenance program in place. A maintenance program like the one we’ve linked will help you space out your daily and less frequent inspections into a pattern that’s both manageable and logical.
How to Use This Guide
We’ve broken this guide down into four easily digestible sections:
- We define the kinds of inspections and equipment maintenance you should be doing daily.
- We define the kinds of maintenance you should be doing monthly and yearly.
- We break down the checklist building process for each of those time frames.
- We have a guideline you should follow to determine when your equipment is too old to keep functioning safely.
In addition to this guide, we also advise you to look up your specific crane manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.
Once you follow these steps, you’ll be in a great position to care for your companies’ assets and guarantee your warehouses’ overhead crane safety!
1. Daily Maintenance
Daily maintenance of your overhead crane usually comes down to checking in on your crane’s critical safety features. That means you will be checking travel stops, engine health, and the hook or chain hoist that attaches to the item you’re moving.
When you’re checking the limit switches or stopping blocks on your crane’s track, check the following.
- Make sure the switches are secured tightly to the track.
- Make sure no ropes, tubing, or wiring is in danger of kinking or is showing signs of wear.
- Before using a chain of any kind, check the links for deformation, corrosion, or other damage.
- Listen for unusual noises from your crane’s engine and bearings.
If you notice anything abnormal, then contact an OEM service technician immediately.
2. Less Frequent Maintenance
Less frequent types of maintenance that you should be doing are called scheduled maintenance. Care like this applies to monthly or yearly industrial equipment maintenance and inspections by OEM service techs.
Other instances include regular lubrication of the crane’s moving parts, replacing damaged parts, and not preventing your overhead crane operator from regularly lifting overcapacity. You should also check in on your crane’s clutch and brake pads every six months or so.
You can obtain information about scheduling each of these activities by reaching out to your overhead crane manufacturer.
3. How to Develop a Maintenance Checklist
Maintenance checklists are an essential part of any preventative maintenance program. This article is an excellent resource for the preventive maintenance guidelines you should be adhering to daily.
Next, map your checklist out on a calendar so that you can include checkboxes for less regular maintenance activities that you perform on your cranes.
Mapping out your maintenance on a calendar will help you visualize the steps you need to take to keep your equipment operating as it should.
Also, keep an equipment maintenance log for the less frequently occurring check-ins and part replacements to stay timely.
4. How to Know When to Replace Your Overhead Cranes
Overhead cranes often have a lifespan of 10 years as a minimum. If you properly maintain your crane, you can expect up to 50 years of continuous operation.
However, if you don’t maintain your crane, then a 10-year lifespan might be a bit optimistic.
So, how do you know when the lifespan of your overhead crane has come to an end?
You can look at a few factors.
- If the crane costs more to maintain, than it generates revenue (by moving material and allowing your employees to do efficient work).
- If your crane breaks down more often than it’s functioning, you might also want to consider an upgrade.
Both of these symptoms can signal an unsafe work environment. Schedule yearly checks for these signs in your company meetings.
Get Lifting!
For more useful tips on maintaining your companies assets, head over to our blog!