Cranes play a big role in many large construction sites; there’s simply no way many jobs could get done without these tools. But they can be major safety hazards if not taken care of properly to both those operating the machine and everyone else on the site.
One of the areas of the machines that often get overlooked is the crane wheels. They should regularly be inspected and upgraded to ensure the machine can work properly and everyone involved isn’t at risk. Sometimes it isn’t easy to know when the best time for replacement is.
Luckily, we’ve created a guide to help you know when it’s the time!
Obvious Signs of Wear
A visual inspection of each part of the machine should be a part of your preventive crane maintenance routine. Often, there will be undeniable signs of crane damage that can be caught early and replaced with no problems.
As you look at your crane wheels, pay particular attention to the treads and how they’re wearing down. Uneven wear can be a sign of another problem. But you can also tell how effective the wheels will be and if it’s necessary to change them or keep an eye on them for the next little while.
Increased Load for Jobs
Not every construction job is the same, and so the same equipment or parts on that equipment will work no matter what. Some jobs will have a higher load, which means you’ll need different wheels to accommodate that extra weight.
Each wheel will come with specifications for what they’re capable of, which will show you whether you need to replace it or not.
Taking a closer look at the wheels is a great way of crane troubleshooting to avoid running into problems that will slow the whole project down.
Routine Maintenance
It’s tempting to skimp on your crane maintenance schedule and try to stretch out the life of your parts and machinery as long as possible. But that can lead to even more expensive upgrades down the road.
Routine, regular maintenance will extend the life of your crane by eliminating damage caused by broken or worn-out parts.
If you can replace worn-out parts before they break, they won’t have the opportunity to cause damage to other areas or give out entirely. The extra effort and money upfront will pay off every day you don’t run into a huge problem.
When to Replace Crane Wheels
There’s so much to manage on a construction site, and all of the tiny details make a huge impact on the job’s success. Even the crane wheels and their replacement can slow everything down or, worse, cause an accident that stops production altogether.
It’s important to pay close attention to your crane parts to keep things running as smoothly as possible. An inspection doesn’t have to be a major undertaking, but it should be someone’s responsibility to make sure it gets done when it should and that anything that’s found can be taken care of quickly.
If you need parts for your construction equipment or you’re interested in overhauling your cranes, contact us today!