How to Tell if Your Crane or Winch Needs Repairs

Quality maintenance, servicing, and timely crane repair is essential to keep your crane or winch running safely and efficiently.

At SuperService™, we recommend that our customers have their cranes and winches properly inspected by a qualified technician at least every 12 months to avoid unnecessary damage or breakdowns.

Between inspections, it is important to regularly monitor your equipment and keep an eye out for signs of failure or impending failure.

So, what should you look for?

Wear

Cracks, distortion, or significant wear can compromise the safety and performance of your crane or winch. Regularly check the following parts and mechanisms for early warning signs:

• Structure and welds
• Outriggers/footpads
• Hydraulic cylinder and hoses
• Winch ropes
• Hook blocks and latches
• Sheaves and drums
• Pins
• Bearings
• Shafts
• Rollers
• All locking devices

Shiny Surfaces

Shiny surfaces in your moving parts could be a sign of abrasion due to friction and wear.

While abrasion damage is slow to accumulate, the end result could be the failure of a key structural component of your crane which you want to avoid at all costs. Regular preventative maintenance with SuperService™ includes identifying any areas we believe are susceptible to abrasion and resolving these quickly before issues arise.

Corrosion

Corrosion can cause loss of strength, compromised systems and integrity. Bolts, rivets, and other fasteners should be checked to ensure they are not loose, failed, or significantly corroded.

The equipment structure, including the boom and jib, should also be inspected for deformities, cracks, and corrosion. This is all included in SuperService™ inspections and services.

Leaking Engines

Gas, diesel, or electric engines should all be inspected for safety-related problems, such as leaking exhaust, and to ensure the proper operation of emergency shut-down features. If you notice any fluids leaking from your heavy equipment, don’t take any chances – give SuperService™ a call.

Leaking or Blistering Hoses

Many cranes have a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, and otherwise pressurized hoses. These hoses and their fittings should be regularly inspected for any indication that a leak may be present.

Check the outer hose covering for blistering or deformation, as this could be a sign of part failure or an impending failure. The pumps and motors that the hoses are connected to should also be inspected for unusual noises and vibrations, low operating speed, excess heating of fluid and low pressure.

Leaking Cylinders

Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders should be checked for drifting caused by fluid leaking across the piston. Rod seals and welded joints should be inspected for leaks as well.

Cylinder rods should be checked for scores, nicks, or dents — as should the casing, or barrel. Rod eyes and connecting joints should not be loose or deformed. Your expert team at SuperService™ can check all rods and joints to provide you with complete peace of mind.

Check Related Equipment

All related equipment which is not part of the crane system but works in tandem with your crane or winch should be regularly checked to ensure they’re working optimally and safely.

Hooks are bent to begin with; however, misapplied weight can distort the hook in a manner which the mechanism was not intended for, compromising the hook’s integrity.

Ropes used in the process should be lubricated  regularly, as dry, brittle ropes will be more prone to breakage. Slings should be regularly checked to ensure they are free from cuts, abrasions, and contamination such as oils, chemicals and paint.

Super-tip: Always listen for changes in the noises that your crane, winch, or related equipment makes during usage – this could indicate a lack of lubrication, wear and tear, internal failure or worse.

Your machine’s health is paramount to its output and the success of your business. A machine not working to its full potential is costing you time and money. The proactive team at SuperService™ is here to ensure this doesn’t happen and works with you to keep you moving.

Give us a call to discuss your specific crane or winch maintenance and repair needs. We have a dedicated Brisbane workshop and mobile technicians available in Brisbane and the Greater Brisbane region.

Call SuperService on 1300 895 895 or visit www.sservice.com.au

 

Want to learn more about crane inspections? Check out Crane Inspections: Who, Why, and How Often?