Your crane is essentially your business’s right hand when it’s time to tackle a construction project. And fortunately, up to now, your crane has been running like a dream.
The question is, how can you keep it from becoming a nightmare?
Research shows that from 2011 to 2015, more than 200 people died in crane-related accidents. That’s equivalent to more than 40 people per year on average.
Unfortunately, these accidents can quickly happen if they are not maintained properly, which is why hiring a crane service company is a wise idea.
Here’s a rundown on three things your crane service company should cover when maintaining, checking, and servicing your cranes.
1. Crane Wire Rope Degradation or Damage
A damaged or degraded wire rope is a common issue associated with overhead cranes, so be sure that your chosen crane service company evaluates your rope’s condition.
Several operating conditions may affect your rope, including stresses, bending, and loading conditions. The materials you handle, abrasion, and corrosion can also reduce your wire rope’s life.
Depending on your rope’s condition, it may need lubrication to protect it against friction and corrosion. Alternatively, it may need to be replaced.
2. Worn Crane Brakes
Your crane brakes should also be regularly inspected by a professional. This is important because your drum brakes play a crucial role in your service performance, for example. In addition, your caliper disc brakes will help to keep loads from falling in emergencies.
Signs that your brakes require repair include a screeching or squeaking sound. In addition, you may notice that your brakes are not moving smoothly. Or you might notice your brakes looking rusty.
An inspector can help you to repair your brakes or to replace them to maximize your equipment’s efficiency and your workers’ safety.
3. Damaged or Bent Crane Hooks
A crane inspection is also helpful for identifying damaged hooks, which can pose a significant safety risk.
If a crane hook cannot hold loads in precise directions due to bending or cracking, your loads may slip off. In addition, the hook could struggle with loads in the future or eventually break.
A crane service company can let you know if they see any cracks or bends in your hook, in which case a repair or replacement is in order.
How Our Crane Service Company Can Help
As a leading crane service company in Illinois, we take pride in conducting complete inspections of our valued clients’ overhead cranes.
As part of our inspections, we visually check the conditions of all structural components, switches, and electrical devices. In addition, we produce full written reports listing all safety, NEC, and OSHA deficiencies. We also highlight all recommended repairs, as well as quotations for labor and parts.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can keep your cranes operating in the top-tier condition in the months and years ahead.