Routine maintenance on your facility’s equipment is necessary to ensure a safe working environment, and for staying at peak efficiency.
By implementing several preventative procedures and performing them on a regular basis, you can keep your small hoist crane performing optimally, as well as avoid extended downtime in your operations.
Whether your facility has a davit, bridge, or workstation crane, the first step in keeping it in good shape is cleaning and lubricating its hoist chain. Over time, dust and debris can build up on the chain itself which is likely to lead to rusting and cause the chain to become stiff.
For the best results, and for safety precautions, you should first dismantle the hoist before cleaning and then oiling the chain.
Aim to do this once or twice a year, depending on how frequently the machinery is used.
By performing inspections each day and month on the hoist and crane, you can extend the effectiveness of your equipment.
We recommend that once a day, a visual inspection is completed by an operator to check for any issues. This can be done either at the beginning or end of the day, but it should be done consistently.
In addition, more thorough inspections are recommended on a monthly basis that document any existing damage, wear, or areas of possible concern.
Crane alignment should be one section that’s emphasized.
After a while, lifting devices can become misaligned. If an operator notices the crane leaning to one side, immediate action should be taken to repair and service the machine.
Misalignment of a crane is a workplace hazard, and therefore should be inspected for every day.
Furthermore, checking and replacing the wheels of a gantry crane regularly ensures that it is always moving properly.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health) compliance requires that inspections involve functional testing of the equipment in 3-month intervals.
Each quarter, perform a service load test, meaning the maximum load expected during the life span of the crane and hoist.
Performing these tests can not only give you peace of mind knowing that your equipment is operating properly, but any issues that are not obvious during routine inspections will be much easier to evaluate.
If your company needs to hold regular performance testing on your small hoist crane, T&M Cranes offers load and hook testing, as well as OSHA inspections on a scheduled or emergency basis.
One way to easily identify issues before they arise is to first learn about what issues could exist. Being aware of common problems with chain hoists or cranes helps you identify an issue once it occurs, and resolve the problem quickly.
Take the time to read the specifications and understand how the equipment operates.
Investing in new parts to upgrade your current crane systems will save you from having to purchase a brand new system in the future.
When you partner with T&M, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your system to inspect for structural soundness, operation, as well as performance.
Then, we’ll review any maintenance records in order to fully understand your specific equipment’s history. Once your crane’s needs are evaluated, we can replace worn parts with new, modernized components to keep your machine in optimal condition.
By taking a proactive approach with your older systems, you can increase your efficiency, and save costs down the line.
From OSHA inspections, load tests, and component replacements to equipment rebuilds and repair, T&M offers the services you need to maintain your crane systems for years to come.
Our services will help you remain compliant with OSHA, and we can conduct emergency inspections when needed.
Reach out to us today so we can keep your operations running smoothly.
