What Works Hardest On An Overhead Crane?

Most overhead cranes are in a production environment. They are used for extended hours of time and do a great deal of repetitive work.  During this time what part of the crane works the hardest?

If you answered, an electric motor or the holding break, then you were close, but not correct. It’s the wire rope. Wire ropes by their very nature are simple machines that must bend, move and stretch in order to hold the load they are lifting. Unfortunately, many times this simple fact is forgotten. Inspection of the rope often gets overlooked for other more noticeable issues and maintenance of the wire rope is often put off due to the production schedule.

It doesn’t have to be difficult though. At the start of the shift, or prior to the use of the crane by a different operator, according to U.S. OSHA 1910.179 a visual rope inspection shall be done to make sure there is no cause for alarm.

• Are there breaks in the individual wires?
• Are there any flattened areas or kinks on the rope?
• Is there any bird caging where the wire rope is coming apart?
• Any other issue that raises a concern?

If so then the crane should be removed from service until a qualified inspector can make a final determination regarding safety OR the wire rope can be replaced.

Regardless, NEVER use a crane with damaged wire rope. Replacing the rope as soon as it is showing signs of wear is one of the best practices a company can have. In fact, it would be safe to say that the hoist rope should probably be replaced 3 to 5 times more than any other item on an overhead crane.

So we leave you with this thought… when was the last time you inspected your overhead crane’s wire rope? According to OSHA, it must be inspected and documented by a qualified inspector on a monthly basis.

If you are not sure what you need to do, then contact Crane Tech.  We can provide further direction that may include  Overhead Crane Operator training or Overhead Crane Inspector training. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.  Remember Safety through Education is more than just our motto, it is our guiding principle.