You Earn Success

Proper lift equipment maintenance not only prolongs machine life, but it is also the first step toward keeping workers safe on the job.There are a number of maintenance considerations specific to cranes that equipment maintenance technicians should keep in mind.

How to Maintain hooks

-Before use, hooks must be inspected by an experienced rigger.

-Remove a hook from service if any of the following are in evidence:

a. Cracks, nicks or gouges

b. Twist exceeding 10 degrees from plane of unbent hook

c. Damage or malfunction to the latch

d. Throat opening exceeding 15 percent

e. Wear exceeding 10 percent of original dimension

f. Damage from heat

g. Unauthorized repairs

-Cracks, nicks and gouges should be removed by a qualified person. Grind lengthwise, following the contour of the hook.

-If removing the damaged area results in a loss of more than 10 percent of the original dimension, the hook must be replaced.

-Never repair, alter or reshape a hook by welding, heating, burning or bending, unless approved by the hook manufacturer.

-When lifting, ensure the hook, not the latch, supports the load. The sling or lifting device must always be seated properly in the bowl of the hook.

-Never side load, back load or point load a hook. All reduce hook strength and create an unsafe condition. Point loading can reduce hook capacity as much as 60 percent.

But the most important thing to keep in mind when you are responsible for repairing and maintaining cranes or any other type of equipment is to follow manufacturer-recommended service intervals. Remember the old saying: Maintenance doesn’t cost, it pays!

If you have decided to acquire a piece of used equipment, do so only using recommended retailers, such as Tradebridge Connect. If you are unsure how to buy pre-owned construction equipment, you can then buy new equipment from the main dealer, however, this may cost you considerably more.