Mobile cranes need to be regularly maintained to identify whether there are any faults, damage or deterioration that could lead to equipment failure during a lift. Preventative maintenance can also prevent expensive repairs by not allowing damage to deteriorate or worsen over a longer period of use and time.
Failure to properly maintain a mobile crane can create major risks for crew members and may even cause extensive property damage. Evidently, equipment failure can result in increased project costs and project timelines.
How often do cranes need to be inspected?
Different types of mobile cranes require different types of inspections to which are either carried out routinely and prior to crane operations. A pre- lift inspection will look at different elements of the crane’s functionality and part in comparison to a routine check.
Pre-Operational Checks
Pre-operational checks are performed prior to the operation of the crane. This daily check is an essential safeguard measure to ensure the crane is safe to operate.
Some checks that are conducted in pre-operational checks are:
• Administrative information (e.g., crane registration is up to date)
• Signage and charts (e.g., warning placards in place)
• Controls and indicators (e.g., fuel gauge and engine gauge)
• Air, fluids, and their associated systems (e.g., engine oil level and battery oil level)
• Safety items (e.g., fire extinguisher and counterweight)
• Structural and operational items (e.g., telescoping boom and boom cylinders)
Routine Inspection (Monthly or Quarterly)
Routine inspections should be carried out quarterly or monthly, depending on the type of crane and the associated manufacturer’s recommendations. Importantly, if the crane has not been in use, it is still important to carry out all inspections as the crane could have deteriorated when not in use. Most commonly, corrosion and external damage.
Some checks that are conducted in routine inspection checks are:
• Crane functions and controls
• Emergency and safety switches
• Lubrication
• Verify the accuracy of load moment indicator (LMI) and rated capacity indicator (RCI) devices with a test lift using a certified test weight
• Filters, fluid levels and leaks
• Visual inspection and measurements of critical parts (e.g., brakes, gears, fasteners, pins, shafts, wire ropes, sheaves, locking devices and electrical contractors)
• Signage (e.g., warning signs and control markings)
• Wheels and tyres wear
• Any other items nominated in the crane manufacturer’s handbook
It is important to note that annual, and major inspections, are also an non-negotiable for crane maintenance, and are carried out on a less regular basis. An annual inspection being annually, which focuses on any possible damage that may have been missed in the monthly checks. Whereas, a major inspection must be carried out at the end of the cranes recommended operational lifespan, which is allocated by the manufacturer, or at least 10 years from when the crane was first commissioned. All structural and mechanical components of the crane are analysed in this inspection.
We ensure that all Lindores our cranes are operable, safe, and maintained correctly, to ensure that we can help you lift your game.