How Hydraulic Clamps Can Improve Production Efficiency

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There are a vast number of clamp types. Some are bulky, while others are discrete. The key is finding ones that are accurate and produce repeatable actions.

Did you know that hydraulic clamps are superior to other clamps?

This article will cover how hydraulic clamps improve productivity. We’ll also share how hydraulic clamps work and why you need them.

Improved Productivity

Hydraulic clamp systems improve productivity and reduce cycle times. Most workloads need equipment changes with bolts tightened to the proper torque. But with hydraulic clamps, you place the item in the fixture and push a button or flip a switch.

The hydraulic clamp gives you the exact right amount of working hold. This pressure is consistent and applies an even amount of pressure, giving you a precise amount of hold, unlike a manual clamp.

Productivity means creating a reliable and repeatable process. When production elements are accurate and in place, you gain efficiency. One of the culprits of poor productivity is the misalignment of a component held by a manual clamp.

Hydraulic clamping systems allow you to position clamps in a precise manner.

The clamps also provide the exact proper movement and force. This maximizes efficiencies and is predictable in determining your manufacturing capacity.

Well-defined specifications drive the manufacturing configuration and its installation.

Selecting a suitable clamp for your application reduces future calibration delays. It also reduces downtime and provides a great ROI. The proper configuration also reduces maintenance time.

Hydraulic Clamp Manufacturers

Manufacturers for hydraulic clamps include:

  • Enerpac
  • Roamheld
  • Fabco-Air
  • Steel-Smith
  • AMF
  • Clamptek
  • SPX
  • Merkle
  • Monroe
  • Olmec
  • Berg
  • Lupold
  • Vektek
  • Kurt Manufacturing
  • Hydrokomp
  • Guthle
  • Jergens

Hydraulic Clamp System

Hydraulic clamping systems are more than the sum of their parts. Selecting the right components for your environment is critical to your productivity. In addition, the materials, fabrication process, and any machining work affect the configuration.

The fabrication process impacts the clamps needed; for instance, an articulating arm or the stroke length factors into the process. This may also affect your power source and safety needs.

Materials also factor into the original build. The rigidity and size of the material affect the clamping position and force. Even the tensile strength may need a certain level of calculated precision in the design.

How Hydraulic Clamps Work

There are three basic types of hydraulic hold-down clamps: single-acting, double-acting, and swing cylinders.

Single-Acting Cylinders

This hydraulic device works in one direction. First, the hydraulic fluid pushes the piston rod. Then, another force returns it to the start position. These use little oil and need less valving and plumbing.

The retraction speed is much slower than the push.

Double-Acting Cylinders

This hydraulic device works in two directions. First hydraulic power moves the piston rod in both directions for faster movement, thus better controlling the clamp release.

Swing Cylinders

The swing stroke involves a piston and an attached arm that rotates 90º for placement. There is a second stroke for clamping. Once released, the clamp arm raises back out of the way for workpiece loading.

Designing Your Hydraulic Clamping System

Hydraulic clamps with suitable characteristics help you save time and boost productivity. The selection process looks at cylinder types, environment, fabrication process, and materials.

Kor-Pak can examine your needs and resources. Then we can give you a long-term solution with a great ROI. So contact us today to open a helpful discussion that will drive your productivity.

 

Top 5 Job Responsibilities of a Crane Operator

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In the United States, there are over 44,000 crane and tower operators. 

Crane operators have to be well trained and knowledgeable about their equipment to be successful. In addition, being a crane operator comes with specific responsibilities that you have to meet for safety, function, and performance. 

Crane operators lift and move equipment, materials, and other items around a job site. They are essential to modern building practices, especially when building very large or tall structures. They are also necessary for loading and unloading ships and moving equipment around job sites. 

Here are the top 5 responsibilities that a crane operator has:

1. Operating The Crane 

The crane operator has a lot of power at their fingertips. They have to control a massive crane, often lifting incredibly heavy objects. This requires understanding how the crane operates, what it can lift, and what type of operations are dangerous.

Cranes can operate both inside buildings and outside, depending on what they are doing. So whether it is a crane loading a ship for transport or a crane bringing steel beams high up into a skyscraper construction, all operations are the crane operator’s responsibility to get done. 

2. Inspecting the Crane 

No matter what type of crane is being used, it must be inspected. This is to ensure that the operation is safe and that the crane is fully functioning. If any problems are detected while the inspection is underway, the crane operator’s job is to make sure that those defects or safety violations are dealt with. 

3. Performing Routine Maintenance 

Whether it is a construction crane or a crane truck, the operator has to ensure routine maintenance is completed. This will ensure that the crane can be operated safely, without the risk of falling over or dropping a load that could kill someone beneath it. Cranes lift objects high overhead and thus must always be fully functional and safe to use. 

If more complicated repairs are required, then a professional repair service should be brought in. This is the only way to be safe and sure the work is going to be done right. 

4. Moving The Crane 

Cranes can reach a job site in several ways, and once there, they can sometimes even position themselves. For example, if the crane has to be driven to a job, it’s the responsibility of the crane operator. Or, if it has to move around a job site, the crane operator is responsible for executing these tasks safely, effectively. 

5. Cleaning and Maintaining the Hoist

The hoist assembly is what allows the crane to lift objects. Crane operators who work for construction companies, shipping companies, or crane services alike must know how to maintain their equipment and keep it clean. 

A Crane Operator Has Many Responsibilities

As you can see, a crane operator has more than one hat they must wear. Anything that has to do with the operation and safety of the crane is the operator’s responsibility. If you or your business operates a crane, feel free to contact us for any service needs. 

Where to Find an Authorized Seller for Demag Crane Parts

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Your Demag cranes have carried you from project to project with no issues over the years. But now, some of the parts are reaching the end of their lives. And to avoid experiencing costly downtime, you need replacement parts now.

Research shows that unplanned work-related stoppages cost industries across the globe billions of dollars. In addition, just one minute of downtime can easily cost companies thousands of dollars. 

The good news? If you’re looking for an authorized seller for Demag crane parts right away, Kor-Pak can help. We make the process of securing the Demag crane parts you need easy and efficient with our comprehensive inventory of crane parts.

Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know about our inventory of Demag crane parts.

Inventory of Demag Crane Parts

At Kor-Pak, we’re an authorized Demag crane dealer. That means we offer a complete portfolio of Demag products. We also provide service for Demag’s cranes, including engineering services, inspections, and repairs.

A key product in our Demag portfolio is the KBK crane system by Demag. This modular crane system’s components can easily be combined to produce individual solutions. These solutions include, for example, suspension monorail and suspension crane solutions.

What’s great about the modular crane system is that it is flexible. As a result, you can integrate it into your chosen production infrastructure, then modify it as needed.

Another Demag product offered at Kor-Pak is the universal overhead crane. This universal crane drives reliability, efficiency, and quality for your company.

Various types of universal overhead cranes are available. These include the double-girder and single overhead traveling crane, as well as the suspension crane.

However, besides offering cranes featuring welded girders, we provide crane sets, traveling cranes that are wall-mounted, and cranes with rolled sections made of steel. 

Additional Crane Parts

At Kor-Pak, we additionally offer Demag’s V-type crane. This crane is revolutionizing load handling with its creative design, which has decreased the crane’s oscillation frequency and lengthened its service life.

Finally, you may want to take advantage of our Demag process cranes. This type of crane is used worldwide in multiple industries to increase overall productivity and throughput. These industries include steel handling, steel production, aircraft, bulk/recycling handling, process integration, and paper.

Why Demag Crane Parts?

Demag remains one of today’s leading industrial crane suppliers. With Demag, you can enjoy a full range of cranes and handling technology and drives for virtually any application. In addition, you can expect high-quality service and sales support.

For these reasons, Kor-Pak is excited to offer Demag products. With our Demag parts, you can rest assured that you’ll find quality products whether you’re a major industrial enterprise or a small workshop.

How We Can Help

At Kor-Pak, we are proud to provide a variety of crane parts, including Demag parts, for purchasing agents who need to resupply their machine parts.

Our parts are also perfect for engineers who are working out custom solutions for their industrial applications. For example, if you’re a dock worker who needs to order a new crane hoist as soon as possible, we can help as well.

Contact us to learn more about how our cranes and hoists can keep you operating smoothly and efficiently for years to come. 

Top 5 Types of Heavy Equipment Machinery

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Did you know that the global heavy equipment market is projected to hit $162.4 billion by 2027? For practitioners in field-based industries, heavy equipment machinery is a necessity. However, getting the right tools for an industrial or construction project is quite daunting.

You need to evaluate your project needs and pick heavy machinery suited for that job. In this article, we discuss the five common types of heavy equipment machinery:

1. Excavators

Excavators are among the most common heavy equipment machinery used in the construction sector. They consist of a cab, bucket, dipper, and boom. The cab, which houses the operator, sits on top of an undercarriage ferried by wheels or tracks.

Hydraulic excavators rely on hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders, and hydraulic fluid to function. They are ideal for digging foundations and trenches, forestry mulching, and material handling. You can also use them in general landscaping, open-pit mining, and snow removal.

2. Bulldozers

As a large-tracked heavy machine, a bulldozer has excellent mobility and ground holding capabilities. Their distinct application areas include mining, construction, and road building. Thanks to their wide tracks, they can move over muddy or sandy grounds without sinking.

Bulldozers comprise transmission systems that offer great tractive force when in use. Its machine parts include a heavy metal blade used in shoving debris/soil and pushing objects. In addition, bulldozers come with a ripper on the back used to break ground surface rock.

3. Compactors

Compactors come in three designs, which include the road roller, rammer, and plate compactor. Road rollers help compact crushed rock on slabs or stone foundations. Due to their smaller feet, rammer compactors help compact backfills in narrow trenches for gas or water supply pipes.

Plate compactors come with a vibrating baseplate used to compress gravel or soil for a stable subsurface. Both rollers and plates rotate rapidly to compact the matter underneath them. Choose a compactor with adequate power to compact soil or stones in the required depth.

4. Cranes

Cranes come equipped with sheaves, chains, and a hoist rope to lower and lift materials. They help load and unload freights in the transport industry and assemble materials in the manufacturing sector. You can also use them to move materials in the construction industry.

Tower cranes are the most common types of cranes used in constructing tall buildings. They are usually attached to sides of horizontal structures or fixed on a concrete slab. Choose a crane depending on the moving distance, lift height, and weight of the load.

5. Concrete Pumps

Concrete pumps help transfer liquid concrete into the area where you need to lay it down. They can either be mounted on a trailer/truck (line pump) or attached to a truck or semi-trailer (boom pump).

Evaluate your concrete output for a construction project before choosing a concrete pump. You should also consult with a heavy machinery mechanic to see if the pump specification suits your project.

Looking to Buy Heavy Equipment Machinery?

The heavy equipment machinery discussed above is suited for different projects and job sites. Always identify your need for getting the equipment and learn the maintenance needs before buying/renting it.

We offer an extensive collection of hoists and cranes for diverse industrial applications. Our experts also provide repairs, modernizations, and upgrades on the tools sold. We’ll help you get the right equipment once you contact us.

What to Look For When Purchasing Industrial Parts

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In most manufacturing companies, buying industrial parts is an essential task in running daily operations. However, it can be expensive, so it is crucial to have the proper procurement and purchasing process.

You want to buy high-quality equipment that is the best fit for the job at a reasonable price.

Here are things to consider before committing your budget.

Price Negotiation

When considering where to get industrial parts, you should compare quotes from several different suppliers. You may be able to negotiate the price down if a supplier is prepared to beat a competitor’s offer. You might also be able to negotiate a discount for buying parts in bulk.

Decide whether you will buy used or new industrial parts. If you’re on a tight budget, buying used equipment could be an option.

Keep in mind that the lowest price may not be the best option if it compromises on quality. On the other hand, more expensive equipment may cost less in repairs over the long run and offer higher precision that minimizes costly mistakes.

Workforce Engagement

Determine how much work your employees will need to do to manage different types of equipment. Fully automated systems require a smaller workforce, freeing up the budget for other areas of the business. You should ensure you know how many employees you will need to install the parts and keep the equipment running.

Consumption Needs

When you buy industrial parts, you need to know how much power they will consume and the type of connection they require. If the equipment requires large amounts of energy, you may need to install a commercial electricity connection.

You should be aware of how much energy the equipment will consume and whether different industrial parts have different consumption patterns. That will help you to plan the energy costs involved in your operations.

Maintenance

You should make sure you understand the maintenance requirements for the parts you purchase and whether they are suitable for your equipment. For example, when buying crane parts, the safety of the equipment is of the utmost importance to prevent accidents and comply with industry standards.

Find out whether you will need to install equipment such as ventilation to get the best out of the machinery. Will you be able to do the maintenance work yourself, or will you need to arrange and pay for regular servicing? Some suppliers offer tailored contracts for parts and maintenance as part of their aftermarket services.

Warranty and Insurance Coverage

Given the expense of buying industrial parts, it is essential to have warranty coverage. Check the details of the supplier’s warranty and what it covers. You may opt to buy an extended warranty for extra coverage.

You might also need to buy an insurance policy for construction equipment to cover damage caused by a natural disaster or fire.

Get Advice on Selecting the Best Industrial Parts

Buying industrial parts for your business is an important task that requires extensive research. You need to make sure the parts are a good fit for your equipment, are straightforward to install and maintain, and come with the right coverage in case something goes wrong.

Kor-Pak can help. Contact our team for a consultation on selecting the best industrial parts for your equipment. We can help you achieve the most efficient production, avoiding costly downtime.

5 of the Most Important Crane Safety Tips

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A crane is a powerful piece of machinery capable of carrying out many important and impressive tasks. However, when misused, it is also capable of causing catastrophic damage to crane operators, site workers, and even the public. Unfortunately, injuries and fatalities involving cranes are far from unheard of.

For this reason, following proper crane safety practices is of the utmost importance. Below, we’ll run through some of the most important to remember. Then, read on for five of the most crucial pieces of crane safety advice.

1. Make Sure All Crane Operators Are Properly Qualified

It should go without saying, but one of the most fundamental pieces of crane safety advice is always to ensure that any crane operators are qualified and have received the proper training. This is important not only for safety but also for compliance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in place stipulating that only trained and certified individuals may operate cranes on job sites.

2. Read Operating Manuals Thoroughly

Even when a crane operator has received the necessary training to operate a train, it is still imperative that they always read the operator’s manual before beginning to work with a new type of crane. Cranes can differ vastly from one another in terms of load capacities and even operator controls. To ensure the safe operation of an industrial crane, operators must read and understand the operating manual.

3. Always Stabilize Cranes Before Rigging

It’s vitally essential to stabilize a mobile crane before any rigging begins. This will prevent the crane from tipping over and potentially causing an accident. Stabilization can be achieved through outriggers or other stabilizing features and should be carried out according to the instructions of each crane.

4. Perform Regular Inspections

A lot of crane safety, in the end, comes down to the person operating the crane; however, you must maintain the crane properly. To ensure cranes continue to function safely, you should carry out regular inspections to make sure everything is working as it should be.

5. Learn to Use Proper Communication and Hand Signals

One of the most key elements on any site—particularly for a crane operator—is clear communication. Good communication can be the difference between a successful task and a fatal mistake. 

There are standardized hand signals and communication protocols that facilitate the safe operation of cranes. It is essential that everyone on site knows what these are and that the crane operator uses them each time taking new action.

Always Follow Crane Safety Guidelines

To maintain a productive, compliant, and safe site, it is crucial to always make sure that proper crane safety guidelines are being followed. If you’ve got questions about cranes or crane safety, or you’d like to book an inspection, get in touch with us today. We have the knowledge and experience to make sure your site keeps running as it should.

A Brief Guide on Crane Hoists

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When there’s work to be done, an overhead crane does the heavy lifting. Bridge, gantry, monorail, and jib cranes all share something in common — a reliance on crane hoists.

Engineers, operators, and purchasing agents who work with crane equipment have probably heard of hoists. But what exactly are crane hoists, and what types of crane hoists are there?

What Does a Crane Hoist Do?

A hoist is easily the most critical part of an overhead crane. While steel beams and other structures provide stability to cranes, the hoist is the only part that performs the lowering and lifting of loads. 

There are two main parts to hoists: the power source and the lifting medium. The power source options include pressurized air or electric power.

Hand-powered hoists can lift lighter loads. The lifting medium is typically a chain or wire.

Chain Hoists

Chain hoists rely on metal chains to lift loads. The chain often runs through sprockets. As a result, many crane operators consider chain hoists to be relatively low-maintenance and more cost-effective than wire ropes.

Benefits of using a chain-based hoist include:

  • The option of adjusting the height by changing the chain
  • A more compact size that doesn’t require a drum
  • Durability
  • Portability
  • Capacity (up to several tons of lifting power)

Chain hoists are more limited on lifting speed than wire hoists, and they may not be reliable at heights greater than 20 feet. Still, many crane operators consider chain ropes an economical and reliable lifting mechanism for many jobs. 

Wire Hoist

As the name suggests, wire hoists rely on steel wires to lift loads. Operators release the wire from a grooved drum. The hoists can be powered pneumatically, electrically, or manually. 

Wire hoists have several advantages over chain alternatives. Wires allow loads to be lifted more quickly. Other advantages include:

  • The ability to lift loads to higher heights than chain hoists
  • Severe duty classification options (class D, E, and F)
  • Smooth and quieter operations
  • The ability to lift 10 tons and above 

For heavy jobs, a wire hoist will lift heavier jobs to greater heights than chain hoists. Wire hoists require more space than most chain hoists, though the wire options are generally more expensive to buy. Crane maintenance is often similarly more costly. 

Which Option Is Right for Me?

A chain hoist is cost-effective and highly durable. If your company plans on taking projects that require higher and heavier lifting, an investment in a wire hoist may save you from having to upgrade your crane system. To view all our crane-related products, visit our product page. 

Hoist Suspension Systems

Both chain and wire hoists can be mounted in several ways. A hook-mounted system uses a hook that is built into the top of a hoist. An operator attaches the hook to the top of a crane system.

A lug-mounted system can glide using rollers. Trolly-mounted systems use a motorized engine to move the hoist latterly slowly. 

Upgrade Your Overhead Crane Hoist Today

Picking the right crane hoist for your lifting needs is one of the most critical decisions overhead crane operators and engineers can make. 

We’ll help you find what you need at a competitive price. So contact us today to let one of our experts equip you with a suitable hoist for your job. 

5 Signs Your Construction Equipment Needs Repairs

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Construction equipment can’t last forever, and sooner or later, you’ll need to repair it.

But how do you know when you need to repair equipment? We wanted to help by giving you some signs that your construction equipment might need some repairs.

Keep reading to learn the five common signs you may have failing equipment:

1. Visual Inspection

If you notice any of the following visual signs, get your construction equipment checked by a repair service:

  • The construction equipment is leaking hydraulic fluid (from the lines, valves, or hoses)
  • The construction equipment has hydraulic fluid dripping from it
  • Minerals have built up in your construction equipment’s lubricating oil

A professional service can check for these problems. They will inspect construction equipment that runs thousands of hours each year. If you take care of construction equipment repairs right away, you’ll save money in the long run on maintenance costs.

2. Abnormal Noise

If there is a strange noise coming from construction equipment, make sure to get it looked over by a repair service.

Some construction equipment noises include a grinding noise and a squealing noise. A repair service can check construction equipment for these problems by performing a “sound test.” But, first, they’ll need to shut down the construction equipment to avoid any abnormal sounds.

If you’re in doubt about construction equipment, have it checked out before damages cost more than repairs. There are enough costs in the construction industry — excessive wear does not need to be one.

3. Excessive Vibration

If your construction equipment vibrates too much, someone should check it right away before it breaks, and it costs more money to fix.

This is especially true if the vibration was not an issue with construction equipment before the maintenance work (for example, when there was a tire change). In this case, vibrations may be a sign of construction equipment problems.

4. Mechanical Problems

If construction equipment is trying to move but can’t, then you might have mechanical problems.

For example, construction equipment may be unable to move because of a problem with its tires or wheels. If construction equipment starts to develop mechanical problems, get them checked out by a repair service before the damage worsens and construction equipment costs rise.

Leaving mechanical problems unchecked can cause construction delays. It can also mean construction equipment will break down more often. Intervening will save construction management time and money.

5. Temperature Changes

If you notice any temperature changes coming from inside or outside your construction equipment, this could indicate a problem, and you should immediately take action.

Too many temperature changes can affect the properties of materials and the efficiency of construction equipment. This could make it dangerous or even ruin a construction project if the equipment doesn’t work right.

Temperature changes in construction equipment can mean that fuel burns quicker. A repair service can help you to prevent more damage from happening.

Fix Your Construction Equipment Today

Now that you know the signs to look out for, you can determine if your construction equipment needs repairs.

If construction equipment is starting to show signs of wear or problems, don’t wait! Contact a construction repair service right away.

Request a quote by contacting us today. 

Industrial Brakes: Purpose and Applications

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We often associate braking systems with everyday cars and commercial vehicles moving along the highway when talking about braking systems. So it makes sense that industrial brakes are brakes used for heavy equipment such as construction excavators, backhoes, or skid steers. Yet industrial brakes also are found on processing equipment, medical imaging equipment, and many other applications. Understanding the purpose of these components allows you to set up, install, and maintain the industrial brake for your machinery.

Purpose of Industrial Brakes

Industrial brakes are designed to slow or stop the mechanical movement of components or systems. This process is done by using friction as the braking device will absorb the kinetic energy. There are other brakes available based on their purpose and how they may slow or stop mechanical movement. These components are called holding brakes and dynamic brakes.

Holding Brakes: Holding brakes are used to keep a component or machine in a stopped position until some other action is taken to release the hold.

Dynamic Brakes: Dynamic brakes will apply friction to bring a running mechanical component to a complete stop as the rotating load winds down.

Equipment or components may require a holding brake, a dynamic brake, or a combination of the two. Drum brakes and disc brakes are considered dynamic brakes. Disc brakes are appropriate for applications that need high torque but do not have space limitations for the brakes. Meanwhile, drum brakes are used for applications that need lower torque and may have space limitations. Drum brakes may use an electrohydraulic thruster, electromagnetic solenoid, hydraulic release, or pneumatic release for their operations.

Types of Industrial Brakes

Industrial brakes may also be further broken down by their functions or by how they are powered. These types include:

  • Spring-loaded brakes: Brakes that slow-moving loads and will hold static loads in place only when the release mechanism is turned off.
  • Hydraulic release brakes: A type of spring-loaded brake that provides adjustable torque by using hydraulic energy.
  • Fail-safe brakes: Fail-safe brakes shut down the application’s movement immediately due to issues or power loss.

Applications for Industrial Brakes

Many industries have applications that use industrial brakes. Typical industries include manufacturing, warehousing, energy, oil & gas, medical, food processing, steel mills, and many others. Some applications include:

  • general industrial equipment
  • mining winches
  • conveyor belts
  • overhead cranes
  • steel rolling systems
  • wind turbines

Industrial Braking Systems for Your Operations

Designing equipment systems requires knowing how the braking system will impact mechanisms down the line. Relying on a company that not only supplies high-quality brakes but also provides servicing and parts allows you to come up with the best design approaches that better align with your operational needs. In addition, you can stay competitive in your industry if the components and systems can be upgraded to match the growth of your operations, as you will have efficient and scalable processes.

If you require brakes for your applications or wish to inquire about industrial brakes suitable to your industry, reach out to Kor-Pak.

Crane Maintenance: Procedures For Servicing Cranes

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When a facility needs to move heavy equipment and supplies to other areas, workers may use overhead cranes. Overhead cranes allow loads to move across the space through the air instead of along the floor. These cranes are used along with other materials handling equipment for more efficient processes.

Since this equipment goes through daily use, workers should engage in crane maintenance to ensure equipment runs optimally and that any worn or damaged components are serviced at the right time.

Crane Maintenance Procedures

Maintenance procedures should align with the manufacturer’s crane maintenance and repair recommendations. There are many overhead cranes in use, along with different types of load lift attachments. Using the manufacturer’s directions makes it easier to design a preventive maintenance program for that specific crane so that no components are overlooked.

In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides maintenance requirements for overhead cranes and gantries. Here are some basic procedures for servicing cranes.

Inspection

Before performing maintenance, staff should inspect all aspects of the crane to identify any warning signs of damage or excessive wear and tear. Types of inspections you may perform include an area evaluation, preliminary equipment check, and daily equipment safety check. The daily equipment safety check should focus on the bottom block assembly, all electrical and power systems, the brake systems, and all miscellaneous items.

Hook Maintenance

Hook maintenance involves replacing hooks with wide openings from the standard 15% nominal opening. You should also replace hooks with permanent deformations or section wear that reaches a 10% height.

Pulley Maintenance

Pulleys with a 10% wall thickness for sheaves or rope wear that’s 25% of its diameter at the bottom should be replaced. Rims that are cracked or damaged should be replaced as well. Check the pulley to see if its rotation is flexible and doesn’t jam.

Brake Maintenance

The brakes, brake drum, and wire rope should be inspected carefully. The pin should not have more wear than 5% of its diameter. Also, the side wheel and brake shoe should have a gap that is equal to each other.

When evaluating the brake drum, ensure that the surface temperature does not exceed 200 degrees Celsius and that the groove surface area should be around 60% with a depth of 3mm. In addition, the wire rope should have no broken strands as the rope along the drum should be tightened.

Reducer Maintenance

Check the reducer for any leaks while looking for any loose screws along with the feet, bolts, and joints. In addition, you will want to inspect the wear of the teeth on the reducer, as the wear should not be more than 15% along with the crane housing mechanism.

Additional Maintenance

Additional servicing may focus on lubricating all lubrication points, replacing failed safety devices, and motor replacement. You may also need to replace any pins or screws that are badly worn, and check the reel for damage.

Keep in mind that maintenance standards exist for other types of cranes. For example, OSHA also has requirements for crawler locomotive and truck cranes. So you need to develop a preventive maintenance program that reflects the components present in your crane that will require a constant inspection on a daily or periodic basis. For more information about crane maintenance, contact Kor-Pak.