Repair, maintenance, overhaul of cranes - when to do them!
What are cranes used for?
Overhead cranes are classified as crane equipment. They are used in shipbuilding, metallurgy, construction and production plants. They are used for horizontal and vertical transport of usually very heavy objects. Even the smallest malfunction or failure can result in the necessity to immobilise the equipment and in work stoppages. In order to avoid such situations, so that they do not occur too often, overhaul and inspection of overhead travelling cranes should only be commissioned to proven professionals.
Overhead crane inspections
The frequency of inspections of cranes is specified in their operating instructions. If this is not available, inspections are carried out on the basis of technical knowledge and the technical condition of the machine. During the inspection, all machine components and parts are checked. They are checked for correct operation, wear and tear and other parameters that affect operational safety and efficiency.
Maintenance
Crane maintenance is the replacement of operating fluids, hydraulic hoses and other components that may have worn out during the use of the machine. Maintenance is a preventive measure designed to prevent or slow down the wear and tear of the machine. Through regular maintenance, we can keep the equipment in the best possible technical condition.
Renovation
Overhaul is the most complex service that is performed for, among other things, cranes. We can then replace one or many parts. The market offers many spare parts that we can use for repairs, which makes overhaul quite easy to perform. However, there are cases when the damaged parts that need to be replaced are no longer manufactured. Specialised equipment repairers are able to make such parts to order based on a design or documentation.
Modernisation
Modernisation of cranes is usually the renewal of their mechanical structure or power supply system. This allows users of cranes to adjust the parameters of the device to the current requirements of technical supervision or location conditions. The modernisation of cranes includes, among other things, modernisation of the drive system, automation and power supply components, as well as the control system.
Renovation and repair
Comprehensive overhaul and repair of overhead cranes enables us to keep the equipment in good working order so that it can be used smoothly and efficiently. This minimises the risk of breakdowns or mishaps, which can be very costly.
The overhaul of an overhead crane should be preceded each time by a diagnosis of the equipment. It should not be limited only to fixing the faults reported by the customer.
It is worth calling the crane service if:
- The manufacturer's stated service life will expire;
- You will notice the first signs of wear on the structural components of the unit;
- We want to extend the scope of the unit's work;
- We want to reduce the cost of regular maintenance;
- There are changes in the current standards or regulations that condition the operation of cranes;
- The current capacity of the crane is too low in relation to demand.
Repair of cranes
Repairing equipment leads to upgrading it. Ultimately, it leads to rebuilding the equipment, improving it and making it safer. Typically, hoists, trolleys, control systems and other installations are replaced. Replacement of operator cabins also occurs.