Cranes are used to help transport heavy loads from one location to another. Warehouses and other large commercial facilities will often have an overhead crane installed to help manage the heavy pallets filled with inventory that are within the facility.

Maintenance plays an important role in the safety and performance of an overhead crane. Improve the safety and performance of your overhead cranes by following these simple maintenance tips in the future.

1. Inspect Wire Rope Before Every Shift

One of the most common problems that can plague an overhead crane is damage to the wire rope that helps power the crane. Exterior wires can bend or break, the wire rope can lose its core support, and corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of the wire rope over time.

The easiest way to avoid any potential complications caused by faulty wire rope is to complete a thorough visual inspection before every shift. Any evidence of damage should result in the immediate removal of the wire to prevent a serious accident.

2. Monitor the Condition of End Truck Wheels

The end truck wheels are the components that will require the most maintenance over the life of your overhead crane. Most end truck wheels are constructed from polyurethane, alloys, low-carbon steel, or medium-carbon steel. The higher the steel content in the wheels, the harder the wheels will be.

Wear patterns on the wheels can tell you a lot about the condition of your crane. If you spot any premature wear, this could be an indication that your crane is not tracking properly. An expert should be brought in right away to inspect the crane and make any corrections needed to restore proper alignment.

3. Inspect Rigging Hardware Before Each Shift

Rigging hardware is used to help attach a heavy load to the overhead crane. Since the rigging hardware is the main contact point between load and crane, it needs to be structurally sound. Hooks, hook latches, and chains should all be inspected at the beginning of every shift.

Look for deformations or damage in the rigging hardware by checking for cracks, bending, or stretching. Replace any questionable rigging hardware components immediately to ensure a solid connection between the loads you are transporting and the crane doing the heavy lifting.

Maintaining your overhead crane properly will help extend the life of the machine and prevent any potentially deadly accidents from occurring within your facility.