Overhead cranes transport and lift pipes and other items on many industrial sites. However, the bulk of your attention is likely on the items being moved by the cranes rather than the machines themselves. If aged cranes start to exhibit one of the below issues, you may need to take action to repair or replace them.

Whining Noises

Any sound in an industrial facility can be tough to hear, so often any noises coming from your overhead cranes will go unnoticed. You may want to power up your crane before anything else some days to listen to how it sounds. An odd noise can be an important early indicator of more serious crane problems. For instance, whining could be from the friction between chains and pulleys. This friction can quickly wear down these crane components; remedy this situation with industrial lubricant recommended by the crane's manufacturer. Ensure that regular lubrication is put on your facility's maintenance schedule.

Damaged Chains or Pulleys

Whether because of friction or age, pulleys and chains are among the crane parts you need to monitor most. Corrosion can eat these components and put your facility at risk for accidents where a chain snaps or a pulley pops off the crane apparatus. Cracks from loads heavier than you should be lifting are also a possibility. Regular monitoring of these parts is wise. If you notice that you're replacing chains or pulleys a lot, it could be that the crane itself is not the right size or suitable for the loads your facility works with. You may need to consult a crane contractor for advice about buying a better crane.

Fraying Wires

If the cranes don't receive enough attention in your facility, the wires in your remote control box may receive even less. Assuming that all is well with those wires can cause trouble. If connections are loose, the remote box won't work and the crane won't move. Figuring out that the wires are the problem could take some time and delay work. A more serious consequence of ignoring the wires is that they can fray, which not only could interfere with crane movement but start a fire. While opening remote boxes might not be something done daily, it's certainly worth doing every few weeks. If you see faulty connections or fraying wires, an industrial election should be called. You may need to have the entire box rewired.

If crane repairs become frequent due to your focus on the machine, it's possible that a new crane is required. Buying an industrial crane is best done with good peer, retailer and manufacturer advice so that a new overhead crane can being work immediately.

For more information, contact a business such as American Equipment Inc.