Daily wear and tear often damage crane parts. Although cranes are designed to withstand tough and harsh environments, some of their parts are highly prone to damage.
OSHA suggests that crane owners and inspectors must conduct crane inspections daily, monthly, and yearly. At CWSA, we emphasize the importance of OSHA requirements as it not only helps in cutting repair costs but also prevents deadly crane accidents.
Cranes are made up of several small and big parts. Some of these parts are highly vulnerable to wear and tear damage. Over time, this leads to downtime and sudden breakdowns, thereby increasing business costs and escalating the risk of accidents. Through conducting inspections, installing crane warning systems, and spotting potential problems, crane operators can keep delicate crane parts working smoothly.
This blog talks about the four most vulnerable and damage-prone crane parts. So let’s get started.
1.Hoists
Cranes either come with chain hoists or rope hoists. Most advanced, modern equipment are laced with cutting-edge, non-breakable chain hoists for superior operational safety. However, hoists are still considered one of the most essential yet fragile crane parts.
A hoist is a mechanical component designed to perform one primary crane task. It helps crane operators to lift and load material vertically. Different hoists have different height and weight limits as well as rated capacity. This is where many crane operators forget the significance of meeting rated capacity requirements to prevent hoist breakdowns.
One of the most effective ways to make your crane’s hoist last long is to install robust LMI and RCI systems, crane cameras, and warning lights to stay on top of the hoist function.
2.Crane Hooks
A crane hook is a component used for clutching and moving up the loads. Crane operators operate the hooks. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most common types of crane hooks include circular hooks, triangular hooks, and trapezoidal hooks. Although crane hooks may seem like a basic crane part, they require your undivided attention.
Crane hooks are used to lift heavy loads and move them from one place to another. It’s usually laced with a safety latch which prevents it from loosening the grip and slipping off weights. However, daily hook inspection before and after each shift is highly recommended. Look for warping, corrosion, bending, and discoloration signs. Sometimes, the hook and reinforcing ropes can get disengaged, making the connection unsafe.
A load block is another part that helps in the assembly of the hook with swivels, sheaves, nails, pins, and frames. With specific types of chains and ropes, load blocks allow crane operators to use the hook for material movement while meeting specific rated capacity limits.
3.Cable Reels
Cable reels are another part of a crane, highly prone to wear and tear and corrosion. It’s designed to deliver power, balance, and strength to the crane hook. Crane cable reels are available in different varieties, but all of them possess a simple design.
Cranes mostly use steel wires that are commonly made with an alloy of carbon and steel. This alloy has immense strength and is very tensile. However, cable reels can get damaged over time. We recommend you inspect them daily and buy replacement cable reels at CWSA.
Buy High-End Crane Safety Equipment at CWSA in the US
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta deals in crane safety products, including RaycoWylie RCI and LMI systems for cranes. From RaycoWylie RCI and LMI systems, wireless anemometer for cranes, and i4500 LMI for Telescopic Boom Crane to i4507 RCI system, we have it all!
We’re a trusted nationwide crane safety products supplier in the USA. Buy excellent RaycoWylie products, LMI and RCI systems, and Load links, etc., today.
For more details, contact us now.