Cranes are capable of lifting and transporting heavy loads at a level far superior to what would be possible with human labour alone. But as with all lifting equipment, cranes require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate so that risks to personnel can best be reduced.
Every season can present different challenges for cranes owing to the specific weather and overall environmental conditions the crane may be subjected to.
In winter, colder temperatures bring the potential for rain, wind, snow and ice which can all affect the crane components in various ways.
Here is an overview of some of the top aspects to look out for when maintaining your crane in the colder months.
Preventing Snow And Ice Accumulation
It is possible for snow and ice to contaminate fuel and hydraulic systems on a crane, which can result in performance issues and complete malfunctions. Furthermore, snow and ice may also accumulate on cable reels and wire ropes.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast so that you can plan the necessary works to clear snow and ice from the crane before an issue can occur.
Portable cranes offer an advantage in this regard, as these cranes can be moved elsewhere during bad weather. Therefore, if you require a crane for outdoor applications, a portable crane may offer greater flexibility compared with standard cranes which cannot be protected from bad weather as easily.
Inspect Moving Parts
Cranes must be inspected at regular intervals regardless of the time of year. However, cold temperatures can increase wear and tear on a crane and can also thicken lubricants.
It’s important to use lubricants that are cold-weather-rated on all moving parts such as bearings, gears and wire ropes. Likewise, all bushings, pins and pivot points should also be inspected and greased appropriately.
The cranes most at risk are those which operate at sub zero temperatures. In such instances, it may also be the case that standard hydraulic oils are not compatible. Instead, an oil with a thinner viscosity may be required during the colder months.
Test The Brakes
Braking performance on a crane can be impacted due to moisture buildup or frozen components.
Before using the crane, the components of the brakes including the brake pads, discs and drums should be inspected for wear. It is also important to check whether any physical buildup (i.e. ice) or corrosion is impacting the braking efficiency.
Educating Crane Operators On Winter Safety
Since every crane is different in terms of type and size, it can also be the case that the specific steps required to maintain the crane during winter are not universal.
That’s why it’s important that employers train crane operators on winter safety, including based on the nuances of the crane.
For example:
- Ensuring that crane operators understand how cold weather can affect crane safety and performance
- Encouraging warm-up procedures and fluid checks before the crane enters full operation
- Checking the crane has the required fluids (i.e. engine oil and hydraulic oil) before use
- Using cold-weather-rated lubricants
- Examining electrical components including any insulation to ensure they are free from corrosion
- Inspecting moving parts and monitoring for potential changes that can be caused by low temperatures
It is a good idea to put together a checklist to outline the exact steps required based on the cranes operated within your facility. As part of this, it’s essential to consult the crane manual for advice on the frequency of inspections, plus how to ensure safe use of the crane in colder temperatures.
Find Out More About Our Mechanical Handling & Lifting Equipment
Is it time your workplace operations benefited from increased lifting capacity?
Metreel can supply your business with a variety of crane types based on the application needs and overall lifting requirements.
Head over to our mechanical handling page to view our full range of industrial lifting solutions.
Alternatively, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or fill out our contact form to speak to our team about your lifting requirements.