An overhead crane needs regular maintenance, just like any other automobile or any piece of equipment. You need to take special steps to prolong its life. Buying an overhead crane can be an investment in itself, and you need measures to protect it. We have enlisted some common overhead crane problems that you can face and need to guard against.
WIRE ROPE DAMAGE
- There are some common wire rope problems, including damage or degradation to wire rope. The wire rope damage can be caused due to reduction of rope diameter below nominal, broken or worn outside wires, corroded or broken wires at end connections, etc.
- To prevent any damage to the wire rope, you should make sure to get it inspected before every shift. If any evidence of harm is observed, the wire rope should be appropriately disposed of to prevent further usage. It would help if you also made sure that the wire rope is lubricated adequately. Proper lubrication has many benefits, such as reduced friction, corrosion protection, and lubrication in the core, inside wires, outside surface, etc.
CRANE SKEW AND ALIGNMENT ISSUES
Being out of alignment and skewing an overhead train as it travels down the runway could mean a threat. It can create significant stress and damages the entire crane system. Such pressures caused in the system can result in accidents, crane failure or derailment, equipment downtime, productivity loss, and costly repairs and replacement of parts.
The signs which indicate crane skewing are loud scraping sounds, broken or cracked wheel flanges, abnormal wear on the wheels, wheel bearings, and rails, extra power required to move the crane through some regions of the runway, among others.
The best way to prevent overhead crane skew and alignment issues is to have your crane regularly inspected by a reputable third-party service provider. A crane service provider can survey your crane rails and runway systems to identify and correct any issues before they become more significant problems.
- EXCESSIVE WEAR
If there’s any component of overhead cranes that can require frequent maintenance, replacement, or adjustment, it is the end truck wheels. The wheels will naturally wear down due to everyday use of the crane and will need to be replaced over time. Revolutions tend to wear out faster on a crane installed using an existing rail system instead of a new installation. The railway should be aligned appropriately and inspected.
To avoid premature wear, your overhead crane runway system should be designed, tested, and regularly inspected by a reputable overhead crane manufacturer. Any signs of premature wear will indicate the possibility of a more significant problem that should be addressed and corrected before the problem compounds itself.
BENT OR DAMAGED HOOKS
The overhead crane uses a hook to hold a load in a particular and precise direction while lifting. When the weight isn’t supported as intended by the chorus, it compromises the internal integrity of the hook and can increase the chance of it bending, stretching, or cracking. The load can also slip off of the theme if it stretches out the throat opening. Regular inspection of hooks should also be done at the beginning of each shift to check for any damage.
