Your Guide to the Loader Crane

Does your company regularly resupply crane parts? Are you a dock worker that needs reliable crane operations? Do you know any engineers that need some heavy-lifting machinery?

Then loader cranes are probably the right fit for you. Also known as a knuckle-boom crane, loader cranes are instrumental in most industrial work. 

But how do you choose the right loader crane? And how do you maintain them properly?

That’s what we’re here to discuss today. Read on to learn about the different types of loader cranes and how they can be maintained. 

Types of Cranes

You might be wondering where loader cranes fit into other types. Let’s discuss some common cranes here:

Static Cranes

These types are what their name suggests. They stay in place, and mobility is minimal. This includes tower cranes that are designed to carry huge loads. 

Self-erecting cranes can hoist loads vertically and place them horizontally. Their small footprint makes them ideal for city projects. 

Mobile Cranes

These are cranes attached to vehicles such as trucks. These cranes often have 180- or 360-degree rotation. They’re often built smaller and for different terrains. 

Where Do Loader Cranes Fit?

Loader cranes, also known as articulating cranes and knuckle-boom cranes, are often attached to vehicles. This makes them incredibly mobile. 

Loader Crane Maintenance Tips

If you have a loader crane, you need to take care of it for long-term use. Here are some key tips for maintaining your loader crane:

Routine Checks 

Routine checks prevent worries about your loader crane malfunctioning during a critical project. Checking each component for wear-and-tear is crucial here. 

This also involves lubricating, moving parts, and changing oils constantly. Hiring professional maintenance crews might be worthwhile here. 

Mandatory Inspections

This is a critical strategy to keep all of your workers accountable for their equipment. If you lead a large team, it’s impossible to check on every detail yourself. 

If you issue mandatory inspections, workers will be forced to take care of your loader cranes. This boosts safety. 

Hiring inspectors during these audits would also be a great idea. Cross-referencing with industry standards will help keep your workers and project sites safe. 

Preventive Care

This form of care requires making sure all parts of your loader crane are operating at mandatory standards. If they’re below factory standard levels, it’s time to take some preventative measures. 

This keeps your crane from breaking down at inopportune times. While you might not think that your crane needs immediate care, preventative measures go a long way. 

Also, consider buying spare parts as part of preventive care. You never want to be stuck with a broken crane that doesn’t have the right parts for replacement. 

Get the Right Loader Crane Today

While different types of cranes fit various roles, loader cranes can benefit your site right away. Use this guide to help you decide whether or not your company needs a loader crane. 

Are you looking for reliable crane materials? Want to improve your loader crane handling? Contact us today, and we’ll get you started on a solution right away!

Posted in Crane.