Don’t neglect proper servicing of your crane! Proper maintenance will improve the safety of your workers and the productivity of your operations. A proactive approach will save you time, money and peace of mind.
Be Familiar With Your Chain Hoist
What kind of chain hoist do you have? There are many different types of load chains. Stainless steel chains are commonly used in work zones with corrosive chemicals. Chains with hardened cases are designed for use on electric hoists, while many other types of chains are more commonly used for hand-operated hoists.
Making sure that your operators are familiar with the unique specifications of your particular chain will go a long way toward helping them catch signs of wear and tear on the chain. However, there are some common signs to look out for when inspecting your chain. Consider seeking professional help with crane servicing if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms.
- broken or bent links
- signs of stretching
- abnormal stiffness
- kinks or twisted links
- signs of wear such as gouges or cuts
- loud popping noises that issue from the chain while under load
- chemical damage or any signs of corrosion
Clean and Lubricate Your Chain Regularly
Regular cleaning is the best way to ensure that your chain hoist works as smoothly as possible without needing constant repairs or maintenance. Rust and debris are the most common offenders when it comes to your chain wearing down over time. Regular cleaning may seem tedious or unnecessary, especially if you have recently purchased or installed a new chain, but it will go a long way toward preserving the life of your chain.
Before cleaning, make sure that you have an acceptable solvent for your chain type. You can do this by checking with the chain’s manufacturer and learning which cleaning solvents are recommended for your product. You might be using an inappropriate solution without even knowing that it is a suboptimal cleaning solution. The worst-case scenario is that you are using cleaning substances that could actually damage your chain over time and cause it to fail.
After cleaning, the second most important factor in chain health is lubrication. Always remember that a dry chain is more likely to suffer damage than a well-lubricated one. Be cautious of operating a dry chain especially when working in extremely hot or arid conditions. And just like with your cleaning solvent, check with your manufacturer to ensure that you are using the proper lubrication for your chain type.
How often should you clean and lubricate your chain hoist? This will depend on your daily and periodic maintenance routine.
Keep up With Daily and Monthly Maintenance and Inspections
Regulations require that your chain hoist should be inspected daily, on any day that the equipment is in use. These daily checks usually require a visual inspection which can be done fairly quickly by the operator. Visual inspections should watch out for any signs of wear or damage on the chain links, such as those listed above.
Monthly or periodic inspections are also required by law. These types of periodic inspections are more detailed than daily inspections. They usually require putting slack into the chain or even removing the chain in order to more thoroughly inspect all aspects of the equipment.
Remember to always document any signs of damage that you find. Proper documentation will help you fix those nagging problems that keep popping up over time. It will give you a consistent look at the health of your equipment, especially if it is being used by multiple operators. And if you ever have any sort of incident, be it minor or major, you will be glad that you kept proper documentation of your regular inspections.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to call a professional when in doubt. Sometimes regular inspections are not enough, and you’ll need to enlist the help of a crane or scissor lift service.
Don’t Hesitate to Call if You Need Help From a Professional
Always remember that investing time and money into the health of your equipment in the short term will likely save you time and money in the long term. Your regular checks and maintenance routines will keep the service calls to a minimum, but when it comes to operating heavy machinery, it is always best to seek professional help sooner rather than later.
