Cranes, which are accepted in the lifting machinery category, have various models. Therefore, crane periodic maintenance and control may include more than one job and action. The materials and components of the cranes that perform lifting operations according to different weights work in a healthy way when they are regularly checked and maintained. The crane periodic control system, which is activated at this time, is critical in terms of preventing the crane from damaging any people and goods.
Importance of Crane Periodic Maintenance
Cranes, which provide the process of lifting and transporting high weight loads, can be exposed to both mechanical and structural stresses in these applications. Therefore, they face situations such as wear and tear over time. There are a number of maintenance and repair applications for these machines, which also carry the risk of failure in technical terms. Crane periodic maintenance practices minimize the risks that may occur and ensure the long life of the machines. In this way, productivity increases and possible work accidents are prevented.
Control Main Headings in Periodic Maintenance
A number of checks are carried out during crane periodic maintenance. Generally, the maintenance booklet is filled during the checks every 3 months. In periodic maintenance and controls, all electrical and mechanical parts of the machines are repaired. Maintenance and controls are applied by dividing into certain classes and main headings.
Maintenance and Control Classes
Maintenance and control classes generally appear in three different ways. While crane usage areas are determinant in control classes, applications are carried out under the name of preventive maintenance in the first stage. This maintenance, which is carried out before the failure does not occur, aims to minimize the risks that may occur in cranes. Another stage comes to the fore in case of malfunctions. It includes instant interventions made daily in order to ensure the continuous operation of the cranes. Planned maintenance is the applications that are agreed annually and carried out in certain periods. It is recommended to have crane periodic maintenance operations, which are more detailed and comprehensive, four times a year.
Main Maintenance Considerations
Crane periodic maintenance operations are applications that ensure efficient and safe operation of the machines. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent risks that may occur without interrupting the periods. However, there are main parts to be considered in these applications. These parts are as follows:
Rope and Hooks
The ropes used in cranes are among the main parts examined in maintenance and repair. Problems such as drying and abrasion are conditions that disrupt the healthy structure of the ropes. Therefore, the ropes need to be lubricated or replaced if necessary.
Hooks, on the other hand, can be subject to bending and stresses as they carry and hold heavy loads. Bent hooks carry the risk of breakage in the future. In order to use hooks in a long-lasting and healthy way, the workload limit should not be exceeded. In hook maintenance, it is checked whether there are deformations in the opening parts and processes such as sanding are performed.
Engine and Hydraulic Systems
When the engine and hydraulic systems are serviced, they are examined in detail. During this process, the engine is tested for proper operation and vibration and noise factors are analyzed. The transmission is lubricated and oil leaks are checked. Make sure that the oil levels used in the hydraulic system are appropriate.
Electricity System
The electrical system is checked in crane maintenance just like other machines. Any electrical components can make these machines difficult to operate and make them completely unusable. In crane electrical systems, it should be checked whether there are loose connections by looking at the wear and tear of the cables.
Braking and Balancing Systems
Brake systems are one of the most important parts of the safety of cranes. It is imperative that the brakes work properly and have sufficient power. Brake systems should be checked during maintenance periods and adjusted and repaired when necessary.
Rollers and Drums
Reels and drums are among the important parts of cranes. There must be a minimum of 2 turns of rope on the drums, which are the system used for lifting the load and where wire ropes are wound on the reels. If not, the pins holding the shaft pose a danger. Therefore, in the reel and drum controls, it should be ensured that the ropes are properly wound on the drum, and the wear and damage conditions of the reels in the cranes should be checked.
Periodic Control Periods and Recommended Schedule
When the crane is to be periodically maintained, there are certain control periods and recommended schedules. When the legislation and standards are examined, four applications come to the fore when performing crane controls. These are as follows:
- First check-up
- Functionality and test check
- Intermediate controls
- Periodic control/inspection
Basically, the duration of daily, weekly, monthly and annual inspections varies according to the condition of the cranes. In addition, the scope of inspections and maintenance can also be shaped according to the type of cranes. It is possible to explain the periodic controls in detail as follows:
Daily Checks
The functionality of the cranes is routinely checked on a daily basis. Especially mechanisms that do not work properly are examined. Accents such as tanks, lines, drainage pumps and hydraulic system are examined in detail. This can also include monthly inspections. Especially deformed hooks with cracks and lifting chains must be intervened. If there is excessive wear on the components of the cranes, the functional working mechanisms should be checked daily and monthly in accordance with the recommendation for use.
Weekly Maintenance
The weekly maintenance, also known as intermediate checks, includes test checks of the mechanisms with operating principle as well as functionality. Especially the controller, wire ropes, brake and electrical system are carefully checked. In cases where cranes work intensively under heavy and difficult conditions, weekly maintenance is absolutely necessary.
Monthly and Annual Controls
Monthly and annual checks are one of the maintenance processes mentioned in the legislation and regulations. Crane periodic maintenance applications performed during these periods may include daily and weekly maintenance operations. Maintenance booklets are filled and reported in periodic operations.
Crane periodic maintenance and control applications are among the processes that ensure the safe and healthy operation of the machines without interruption. There are factors to be considered in machines that work intensively under heavy and difficult conditions. Factors such as vibration and abnormal noise, which are among the factors to be considered when using a crane, may be a harbinger of an existing problem in the machine. Since 2013, Arnikon, which has 15 years of experience and experience in its field, aims to increase the operational efficiency of businesses and provide safe working environments by designing and producing high quality crane systems. If you want to have your cranes checked and have the necessary maintenance done, you can contact Arnikon.
