Some of the world’s biggest crane crashes have caused devastation in cities and on worksites. Not only are crane accidents costly, but they can also be fatal. But there is good news — they’re often avoidable with proper maintenance for cranes and hoists. 

If you work with cranes and hoists, you’re probably aware of the danger of not doing regular maintenance and repairs. Still, with so many moving parts, it’s easy to miss something important.

We’re here to help brush up your knowledge of maintenance for hoists and cranes, so you and everyone nearby will stay safe. Read on for some essential maintenance and repair tips to keep in mind on your next inspection!

Check Alignment and Skew

A misaligned crane that skews to one side or the other may not be an obvious hazard. But the lack of alignment can cause excess stress on the whole system, resulting in damage that you might not be able to see right away.

Over time, this can increase the chances of a collapse. Make sure to always get your crane checked for alignment. 

Look for Wear on Chains and Connections of Hoists

Hoist chains and end connections can sustain a lot of wear over time. Make sure to also check them regularly visually for wear and tear. Check that nothing is stretched beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations, as well. 

Inspect Hooks for Damage

The hook is an essential part of the crane since it holds the load in place. Hooks only stay strong when they can hold the load the way they were designed to. Wear and tear or damage compromises the hook, creating a risky situation. 

A hook that’s bent or otherwise damaged loses its internal integrity. It might stretch or crack, and if this goes too far, the load might even slip off the hook. 

Before each shift, you should check your hooks to make sure they don’t show visual signs of damage. 

Make Sure Air and Hydraulic Systems Aren’t Leaking or Damaged

Valves, pumps, tanks, lines, and other parts of a crane’s air and hydraulic systems need to get inspected for damage, too. 

You should check these components every day. One small issue can result in significant problems for the operation of the crane. 

Replace End Truck Wheels as Needed

The end truck allows the bridge and hoists to move along the crane’s runway. As you can imagine, these wheels can sustain a lot of damage with regular use and need to be replaced often.

If you notice uneven or premature wear, this can also be a helpful sign that the crane is skewing. 

The Importance of Well-Maintained Hoists and Cranes

Maintaining hoists and cranes can help prevent deadly accidents. But even barring a worst-case scenario, it can also help save money and time by reducing downtime for crane repairs. 

In addition to doing your own inspections, it’s also valuable to get regular third-party inspections to keep your cranes and hoists up to par. Looking for an inspection service? Learn more about ours here!

It’s every business’s worst nightmare. You’re caught unaware by an inspection, and despite careful maintenance, you don’t pass.

Your overhead cranes will be inspected annually. Fail to pass these OSHA inspections, and your whole business could face substantial financial penalties.

Many factors go into passing, and it’s hard to keep them all in mind. Luckily, you don’t have to. That’s where we come in. 

Would you like to be completely prepared for a crane inspection? Want to have that peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is running smoothly? Then keep reading, and we’ll tell you exactly what you need to know.

OSHA Inspections Can Take Place Anytime Within 12 Months of the Last Inspection

While crane inspections technically take place every 12 months, that doesn’t mean it will be exactly a year to the day since your last one. OSHA can legally visit you at any time. The only rule for crane inspections is that OSHA must inspect your crane on or before the anniversary of your last crane inspection.

Every Modification Must Be In Line with OSHA Standards

Modifying your crane, or making it more powerful is perfectly legal. It’s not a simple case of just modifying your crane and calling it a day, however.

Every modification needs to be checked over by either a qualified engineer or the original manufacturer. 

If you’re looking to have your crane modified or modernized, such as adding a remote control feature, you need to ensure the engineers complete it according to regulations.

Other Regular Crane Inspections Are Required

OSHA inspections may only be annual, but they’re not the only ones you should carry out. 

Regular crane inspections must be carried out following federal and state laws.

Every day, the following should be checked:

• The functional operating system for maladjustment
• The condition of lines, tanks, and all other components of the pneumatic or hydraulic systems
• The hook for cracks or deformation
• Hoist chains for any issues that will affect proper function
• For excessive wear

Every month, you’ll need to ensure that a signed crane inspection record is created for:

• The condition of the hook
• The condition of hoist chains
• The condition of your running rope

Mobile Apps Can Help With Inspections

Crane inspection software is available to help you comply with regulations. These apps offer a wide range of features to simplify inspections, such as allowing workers to upload photos of faults. 

Other apps are available that break OSHA regulations down into a list. Your workers can then move through this list quickly and efficiently. 

While some apps do require internet access, others allow for offline use. Which one you choose will depend on your facility’s unique requirements.

Checklists Can Help Ensure Compliance

OSHA guidelines can be hard to understand at times, particularly if you’re not fluent in legal language. By breaking the rules down into English, and posing them as a question, you can ensure they will be understood.

For example, where regulations state motors must be checked for performance issues, ask: “Are there any problems with the motor’s performance?”

How We Can Help

OSHA inspections can be stressful, but they’re carried out to protect the safety of you and your workforce. If you need the stress taken out of inspections, contact us.

The oil and gas extraction industry saw 1,189 deaths between 2003 and 2013. 

During this decade, the fatality rate dropped by a third even as the industry doubled in size. Partnerships between the industry and government likely created safer work environments.

With the right safety precautions, even more of these workplace accidents can be prevented. Keep reading to learn safety tips for those working on offshore rigs.

1. Do Regular Inspections & Routine Maintenance

Regular inspections will prevent unwanted downtime for machinery repairs. Plus, workers will be safer.

Through regular inspections, spot minor issues can before they turn into expensive problems. Catching malfunctions early will save money on rig equipment and prevent lost revenue. 

2. Use Crane Cameras on Offshore Rigs

Special crane cameras can increase rig safety. The crane operator can prevent accidents by watching live footage of the crane’s movement.

Plus, the cameras provide surveillance in case an accident leads to an investigation.

3. Dress for Safety

All heavy equipment work sites have safety rules about clothing. Offshore oil rigs are no different. Safety-toe footwear is required. It’s also important to confine long hair and avoid wearing loose clothing.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is usually required on oil rigs. This includes items like hard hats, eye protection, gloves, and jumpsuits.

4. Use Fall Protection at Heights Above 10 Feet

Oil rigs are extremely tall and intricate structures. In fact, some oil rigs stand over 800 feet tall. These immense structures require regular maintenance, which puts workers at risk for dangerous falls. 

Workers should use a railing or a net if they are more than 10 feet away from a rig surface. These precautions can prevent injuries or deaths from falling accidents.

5. Report Dangerous Conditions to Supervisors 

If workers suspect a safety issue, they must report it to their supervisor. Unstable structures, chemical leaks, or improperly secured loads can be dangerous. Workers can even sustain life-threatening injuries.

If you notice these problems, fix them before the crew continues their work. Prevention is the best way to protect workers and the operation from disaster. 

6. Crane Operators Must Be Trained and Qualified

Anyone operating a crane on an oil rig has to be certified. Certification requires training on operation, safety protocols, and correct load sizes.

Workers without this certification shouldn’t be allowed to operate crane machinery. It poses a serious safety risk to all people on the rig. 

7. Always Obey No Smoking Signs

On a rig, there are many substances like petroleum and other chemicals that can lead to fires. The flick of a cigarette lighter can quickly lead to disaster.

That’s why it’s essential to obey no smoking signs. Smoking is allowed on most oil rigs, but only in designated areas. Remember that no-smoking signs are there for your own safety. 

Improve the Safety of Your Offshore Oil Rig

Offshore rigs can be extremely dangerous without the right safety protocols. It’s also essential to do regular inspections and replace worn-out parts. 

To get custom fabricated or engineered parts, contact us today. At Kor-Pak, we are experienced in the petroleum industry and can offer expert guidance. 

Purchasing your next big piece of equipment is no small task. From shipyard to construction sites, when the heavy lifting is necessary, you need quality to do it. 

There are a great many crane manufacturers out there, each of them with a promise to bring good quality equipment to you. At Kor-Pak, we have dealt with quality, and we know how to rate a good manufacturer.

Here we have our top list of quality equipment and crane manufacturers. 

Top Equipment and Crane Manufacturers

Whether you’re starting out in the industry, expanding an existing group of machines, or looking for repair parts to fix up what you have, you need to end with a cohesive whole of a crane. 

Some manufacturers specialize in specific parts, while some have a more cohesive whole product and service that they sell. In either case, it is the complement of quality pieces that end up making a strong whole.  

When you’re looking for quality equipment and crane manufacturers, consider these companies. 

1. Demag

The Demag brand is a well-known provider of quality cranes around the world. Producing a massive range of cranes, drives, and handling technology, Demag has everything you need in one place.

Demag also offers servicing of all its equipment to keep everything running at top-notch. They also optimize equipment for any system and setting, allowing anyone from a small workshop to big shipping sites.

Whether you need the full crane equipment or a few parts to improve and repair, Demag has the quality and the drive to back it up. 

2. Stromag

The tiniest of details can make the most significant difference. Every little piece in your big equipment, from brakes to couplings, is a quality piece when it comes to Stromag.

Stromag is one of the leaders in industrial equipment parts across the globe. They provide brakes, clutches, limit switches, couplings, yaw brakes, and current brakes.

Since 1932, Stromag has been an innovator in efficiency and quality materials. They aim never to overlook the smallest ideas and pieces, leaving you with confidence in your large scale equipment. 

3. SEW Eurodrive

While there are many pieces to a crane, some of the most important are the motors and controls. For the best gear motors in the entire industry, SEW Eurodrive has everything that you need.

SEW Eurodrive was the original creator of the first variable speed gear motor. The company has been crafting potent motors and systems since 1931. They have been on the cutting edge of innovation in all things motorized. 

 Quality Products, Quality Service

When looking for the best amongst the equipment and crane manufacturers, you need to know that every piece is quality. 

When you are ready to make your next big purchase, Kor-Pak is here to distribute the equipment you need at a price you can be confident with. Contact us today for more information. 

If you work in the material handling industry, your overhead crane is arguably one of the most essential pieces of equipment you use. The good news? It’s becoming easier and easier to increase an overhead crane’s lifespan.

This is all possible because various types of modern technology are making overhead cranes more productive. And, of course, the more productive they are, the more money you save.

The question is, are you taking advantage of these technologies, which are designed to add greater value to the lives of today’s crane operators?

Here’s a rundown on the three best updates for modern overhead cranes, and how they can take your work to the next level long term.

Upgraded Brake System

Updated brake systems remain one of the most in-demand upgrades among the users of overhead cranes.

That’s because the latest brake designs offer features like automatic adjustment, which helps to ensure that braking is balanced. It also ensures equal wear on your brake pads. As a result, you’ll prolong the life of your brake and reduce your maintenance costs in the long run.

Variable Frequency Drive

This type of drive offers ramped and smooth deceleration and acceleration when you use it on a hoist application, trolley application, or bridge application.

The result? Your motor will run cooler, which means more equipment control for you. Also, load spotting will be easier, and you’ll also experience softer equipment stopping and starting.

This feature additionally increases your brake’s life for the crane’s traversing direction. Specifically, a variable frequency drive will stop your motor and use your brakes for parking rather than stopping.

OmniPulse DDC

This microprocessor-based control is another must-have for the serious crane operator. 

Why?

Because it can improve your torque control and motor speed, in addition, it will lead to improved serviceability as well as minimized downtime.

Another benefit of this revolutionary update for modern overhead cranes is that it can reduce your maintenance expenses and energy costs. It will furthermore improve your safety.

How We Can Help with Overhead Cranes

We are a top provider of a wide range of equipment, ranging from overhead cranes to gantry cranes, hoists, and even ship-to-shore cranes. Also, we are proud to offer top-of-the-line crane upgrades and modernizations.

We also offer crane components that are hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical. Furthermore, we provide end trucks as well as spare parts.

Our additional offerings include 24/7 support, training, crane inspections, and repairs.

Through our company, you can gain access to parts that are difficult to locate or that are older. Or you can take advantage of today’s state-of-the-art equipment for cranes.

Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can meet your unique crane-related needs today.

Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reports falling equipment or objects caused an average of 44 crane-related deaths per year in the U.S. 3/5 of these deaths. 

When was the last time your crane was inspected and maintained?

OSHA mandates regular crane inspections by qualified individuals. However, routine inspection and crane repair services aren’t just a safety concern. A major breakdown at the wrong time can affect your construction schedule. 

Worse, it could cost you far more than the cost of a small scheduled fix. Avoid inspection and regular minor repairs at your own risk.

Read on to learn more.

Regular Maintenance to Avoid Accidents

Crane manufacturers and OSHA recommend inspections based on time in use. 

OSHA and ANSI required crane inspections, performed daily and monthly, plus periodic inspections, performed monthly or annually are typical. However, most crane users opt for the absolute minimum scheduled crane inspections.

For example, instead of frequent inspection, they opt for quarterly. Where periodic inspections are suggested, an operator might haphazardly choose a cursory annual look. 

The Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) service classification, the use environment, and the duty cycle of a crane determine how frequently a crane needs maintenance. The duty cycle refers to lift frequency, the carry distance for loads, and the percentage of the crane’s capacity used.

The most efficient way to keep track of this information is online. A small transponder monitors and records this information for automatic crane repair services reminders and inspection alerts.

Crane Repair Services to Think About

Taking a crane out of service for an extended period is an expensive proposition. Here are five typical maintenance chores that can have dire results if skipped.

1.  Wire Rope Flaws

Birdcaging, corrosion, or internal core wear are all signs of an overdue inspection or crane repair services. Inspect the wire rope before every use. Regular lubrication reduces wear.

2. Alignment Flaws and Excess Wheel Wear

A crane skewing as it travels down the runway causes stress and damage to the entire crane system. This wears runway beams and wheels and destroys the working lifespan prematurely.

3. End Truck Wheel Wear

Through the course of a crane’s life, the wheels wear down due to normal use. Regular replacement prevents failure.

4. Hook Damage

Hooks are made with specific loads in mind. Incorrect loads or overloads place wear on parts not designed for carrying the stress. 

5. Electrical Wear and Tear

Contact interruptions between conductor bars and the collector or radio interference in the push-button pendant or radio controls signal the need for repair. Any breaks, no matter how intermittent, deserve a look. 

All of these conditions can be minor, but if ignored, can cause significant failures.

Maintenance Programs Save Money and Lives

Complete inspection records and frequent monitoring of small problems keep significant repairs and downtime at bay. They also happen to be required by law. 

Choose crane repair services that offer common-sense inspection and maintenance with high-quality, long-lasting parts. Want to compare replacement parts for your overhead crane?  Contact our experts today!