Crane Inspection & Maintenance Daily, Monthly & Yearly Checklist

Overhead cranes are essential pieces of equipment in many industries, and proper maintenance is crucial to ensure their safe and efficient operation. In the following, the main items needs to be checked and maintained on Daily, Monthly & Annually  crane inspection and maintenance are presented for your reference. Please Yuantai Crane engineer or your crane original manufacturer and supplier to get more information.

Daily inspection

In addition to daily maintenance, it is important to perform a daily inspection of your overhead crane. This can include checking the condition of the wire rope or chain, the functioning of limit switches and brakes, and the condition of electrical components.

• Check the condition of the wire rope or chain: Inspect the wire rope or chain for any signs of wear or damage such as kinks, frays, or broken strands. If any signs of wear or damage are found, the crane should be taken out of service until the issue can be addressed.
• Check the functioning of limit switches and brakes: Test the functioning of all limit switches and brakes to ensure that they are operating properly. If any issues are found, the crane should be taken out of service until they can be addressed.
• Check the condition of electrical components: Inspect all electrical components such as wiring, connections, and control panels for any signs of wear or damage. If any issues are found, the crane should be taken out of service until they can be addressed.

Daily maintenance:

It is important to perform daily maintenance on your overhead crane to ensure its safe operation. This can include tasks such as checking the oil level, lubricating moving parts, and checking for any signs of wear or damage.

Daily maintenance is an important part of ensuring the safe operation of an overhead crane. Here are some tasks that can be included in daily maintenance:

• Checking the oil level: It is important to check the oil level in gearboxes and other components on a daily basis to ensure that they are properly lubricated. If the oil level is low, it should be topped up according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Lubricating moving parts: Moving parts such as bearings, gears, sheaves, and hooks should be lubricated on a daily basis to ensure their smooth operation. The type and amount of lubricant used should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Checking for signs of wear or damage: During daily maintenance, it is important to check for any signs of wear or damage to load-bearing components such as hooks, wire rope or chain, and structural components. If any signs of wear or damage are found, the crane should be taken out of service until the issue can be addressed.

Performing daily maintenance on your overhead crane can help prevent accidents and ensure its safe operation. By checking the oil level, lubricating moving parts, and checking for signs of wear or damage on a daily basis, you can help keep your crane in good working condition.

 

Weekly inspection:

A more thorough inspection of your overhead crane should be performed on a weekly basis. This can include checking the condition of hooks and load-bearing components, as well as inspecting the condition of the runway and support structure.

Here is a checklist for weekly overhead crane inspection and maintenance:

• Check the condition of hooks and load-bearing components: Inspect all hooks and load-bearing components such as sheaves, bearings, and shafts for any signs of wear or damage. If any issues are found, the crane should be taken out of service until they can be addressed.
• Inspect the condition of the runway and support structure: Check the condition of the runway and support structure for any signs of wear or damage such as cracks or deformation. If any issues are found, the crane should be taken out of service until they can be addressed.
• Check the condition of electrical components: Inspect all electrical components such as wiring, connections, and control panels for any signs of wear or damage. If any issues are found, the crane should be taken out of service until they can be addressed.
• Test the functioning of limit switches and brakes: Test the functioning of all limit switches and brakes to ensure that they are operating properly. If any issues are found, the crane should be taken out of service until they can be addressed.
• Check the oil level in gearboxes: Check the oil level in gearboxes and other components to ensure that they are properly lubricated. If the oil level is low, it should be topped up according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Lubricate moving parts: Lubricate all moving parts such as bearings, gears, sheaves, and hooks according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use the correct type and amount of lubricant.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspection and maintenance of your overhead crane. This can help ensure its safe operation and prolong its lifespan.

• Keep records: Keep detailed records of all inspections and maintenance performed on your overhead crane. This can help you track its condition over time and identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Address issues promptly: If any issues are found during a weekly inspection, it is important to address them promptly. Failing to do so can result in unsafe operation or further damage to the equipment.

Monthly inspection:

A monthly inspection of your overhead crane can include tasks such as checking the alignment of the crane and runway, inspecting the condition of electrical components and connections, and testing the functioning of safety devices.

A monthly inspection of an overhead crane is a more thorough inspection that should be performed to ensure the safe operation of the crane. Here are some tasks that can be included in a monthly inspection:

• Check the alignment of the crane and runway: Check the alignment of the crane and runway to ensure that they are properly aligned. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly to prevent unsafe operation or damage to the equipment.
• Inspect the condition of electrical components and connections: Inspect all electrical components and connections for any signs of wear or damage. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly to prevent unsafe operation or damage to the equipment.
• Test the functioning of safety devices: Test the functioning of all safety devices such as limit switches and brakes to ensure that they are operating properly. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly to prevent unsafe operation or accidents.

Here are some tips for conducting a monthly inspection and maintaining your overhead crane:

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspection and maintenance of your overhead crane. This can help ensure its safe operation and prolong its lifespan.
• Keep records: Keep detailed records of all inspections and maintenance performed on your overhead crane. This can help you track its condition over time and identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Address issues promptly: If any issues are found during a monthly inspection, it is important to address them promptly. Failing to do so can result in unsafe operation or further damage to the equipment.

It is important to note that monthly inspections should be performed by a qualified professional who is trained in overhead crane inspection and maintenance. Additionally, any repairs or maintenance tasks should be performed by a qualified professional according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Half year maintenance:

Every six months, it is important to perform a more thorough maintenance on your overhead crane. This can include tasks such as changing the oil in gearboxes, inspecting and adjusting brakes, and performing a load test to ensure the safe operation of the crane.

Every six months, it is important to perform a more thorough maintenance on your overhead crane to ensure its safe operation. Here are some tasks that can be included in half-year maintenance:

• Change the oil in gearboxes: It is important to change the oil in gearboxes and other components according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This can help ensure the smooth operation of the crane and prolong the lifespan of its components.
• Inspect and adjust brakes: Inspect all brakes on the crane to ensure that they are functioning properly. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly to prevent unsafe operation or accidents. Brakes should also be adjusted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure their proper functioning.
• Perform a load test: A load test should be performed on the crane to ensure its safe operation. This involves lifting a load of a known weight to verify that the crane is capable of safely lifting its rated capacity.

Here are some additional tasks that can be included in half-year maintenance:

• Inspect and lubricate wire rope or chain: Inspect the wire rope or chain for any signs of wear or damage such as kinks, frays, or broken strands. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly. The wire rope or chain should also be lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Inspect and lubricate hooks and load-bearing components: Inspect all hooks and load-bearing components such as sheaves, bearings, and shafts for any signs of wear or damage. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly. These components should also be lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Inspect and clean electrical components: Inspect all electrical components such as wiring, connections, and control panels for any signs of wear or damage. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly. Electrical components should also be cleaned to prevent the buildup of dirt or debris that could interfere with their operation.

 

Annual inspection:

An annual inspection of your overhead crane is crucial to ensure its safe operation. This can include tasks such as inspecting the condition of structural components, testing the functioning of safety devices, and performing a thorough inspection of all electrical components.

An annual inspection of an overhead crane is a crucial part of ensuring its safe operation. Here are some tasks that can be included in an annual inspection:

• Inspect the condition of structural components: Inspect all structural components of the crane such as the bridge, runway, and support structure for any signs of wear or damage such as cracks or deformation. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly to prevent unsafe operation or accidents.
• Test the functioning of safety devices: Test the functioning of all safety devices such as limit switches and brakes to ensure that they are operating properly. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly to prevent unsafe operation or accidents.
• Perform a thorough inspection of all electrical components: Perform a thorough inspection of all electrical components such as wiring, connections, and control panels to ensure that they are in good condition and functioning properly. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly to prevent unsafe operation or accidents.

Here are some additional tasks that can be included in an annual inspection:

• Perform a load test: A load test should be performed on the crane to ensure its safe operation. This involves lifting a load of a known weight to verify that the crane is capable of safely lifting its rated capacity.
• Inspect and lubricate wire rope or chain: Inspect the wire rope or chain for any signs of wear or damage such as kinks, frays, or broken strands. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly. The wire rope or chain should also be lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Inspect and lubricate hooks and load-bearing components: Inspect all hooks and load-bearing components such as sheaves, bearings, and shafts for any signs of wear or damage. If any issues are found, they should be addressed promptly. These components should also be lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

It is important to note that an annual inspection should be performed by a qualified professional who is trained in overhead crane inspection and maintenance. Additionally, any repairs or maintenance tasks should be performed by a qualified professional according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

Lubrication of a crane:

Proper lubrication is essential for the smooth operation of your overhead crane. It is important to lubricate all moving parts according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, using the correct type and amount of lubricant.

Proper lubrication is essential for the smooth operation of an overhead crane. Here are some things to keep in mind when lubricating an overhead crane:

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubricating your overhead crane. This includes using the correct type and amount of lubricant, as well as lubricating at the recommended intervals.
• Lubricate all moving parts: All moving parts on an overhead crane should be lubricated to ensure their smooth operation. This can include bearings, gears, sheaves, wire rope or chain, and hooks.
• Use the correct type of lubricant: It is important to use the correct type of lubricant for each component on your overhead crane. Using the wrong type of lubricant can result in increased wear and reduced lifespan of the component.
• Apply the correct amount of lubricant: It is important to apply the correct amount of lubricant to each component on your overhead crane. Applying too much or too little lubricant can result in increased wear and reduced lifespan of the component.

Proper lubrication is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of an overhead crane. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations and lubricating all moving parts using the correct type and amount of lubricant, you can help keep your crane in good working condition.

Crane parts to be lubricated:

There are several parts of an overhead crane that require regular lubrication. These can include bearings, gears, sheaves, wire rope or chain, and hooks.

There are several parts of an overhead crane that require regular lubrication to ensure their smooth operation. These can include:

• Bearings: Bearings are used to reduce friction between moving parts on an overhead crane. They should be lubricated regularly to ensure their smooth operation and prolong their lifespan.
• Gears: Gears are used to transmit power between different components on an overhead crane. They should be lubricated regularly to ensure their smooth operation and reduce wear.
• Sheaves: Sheaves are used to guide the wire rope or chain on an overhead crane. They should be lubricated regularly to ensure their smooth operation and reduce wear on the wire rope or chain.
• Wire rope or chain: The wire rope or chain on an overhead crane should be lubricated regularly to reduce friction and prolong its lifespan.
• Hooks: Hooks are used to attach loads to the crane. They should be lubricated regularly to ensure their smooth operation and reduce wear.

 

What needs your attentions on overhead crane inspection and maintenance ?

• Effective daily safety inspections: Performing effective daily safety inspections is crucial to ensure the safe operation of your overhead crane. This can include checking for any signs of wear or damage to load-bearing components, ensuring that all safety devices are functioning properly, and listening for any unusual noises that may indicate a problem.
• Travel limit switches functioning properly: It is important to ensure that all travel limit switches on your overhead crane are functioning properly. These switches prevent the crane from traveling beyond its intended range and can prevent accidents or damage to the equipment.
• Wire rope condition: The condition of the wire rope on your overhead crane is crucial for its safe operation. It is important to regularly inspect the wire rope for any signs of wear or damage such as kinks or frays.
• Chain hoist condition: If your overhead crane uses a chain hoist, it is important to regularly inspect the condition of the chain. Look for any signs of wear or damage such as cracks or distortion.
• Unusual noises coming from the crane: If you notice any unusual noises coming from your overhead crane during operation, it could indicate a problem. Stop using the crane immediately and have it inspected by a qualified professional.
• Exposed wiring in the pendant pushbutton station: If you notice any exposed wiring in the pendant pushbutton station on your overhead crane, do not use the crane until it has been inspected by an experienced electrician or crane service professional.
• Following OEM recommended schedules for inspections: It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended schedules for inspections on your overhead crane. Failing to do so can result in unsafe operation or reduced lifespan of the equipment.
• Remedy defects in a timely manner: If any defects are found during an inspection of your overhead crane, it is important to remedy them in a timely manner. Failing to do so can result in unsafe operation or further damage to the equipment.
• Proper lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for the smooth operation of your overhead crane. Failing to lubricate moving parts properly can result in increased wear and reduced lifespan of the equipment.
• Avoiding improper operation (side pulling, lifting overcapacity, etc.): It is important to avoid improper operation of your overhead crane such as side pulling or lifting loads over its rated capacity. Doing so can result in unsafe operation or damage to the equipment.

 

Training of operators:

 Proper training of operators is crucial for the safe operation of an overhead crane.

Training of operators is crucial for the safe operation of an overhead crane. Proper training should include the following topics:

• Capacities of equipment and attachments: Operators should be trained on the rated capacities of the crane and its attachments, and should understand the importance of never exceeding these capacities.
• Purpose, use and limitation of controls: Operators should be trained on the purpose, use and limitations of all controls on the crane. This includes understanding how to operate the crane safely and efficiently, as well as knowing when not to use certain controls.
• How to make daily checks: Operators should be trained on how to perform daily checks on the crane to ensure its safe operation. This can include tasks such as checking the oil level, lubricating moving parts, and checking for any signs of wear or damage.
• The energizing sequences, including pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical sequences: Operators should be trained on the proper sequence for energizing the crane, including any pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical sequences that must be followed.
• Start-up and shutdown procedures: Operators should be trained on the proper procedures for starting up and shutting down the crane. This can include tasks such as checking that all safety devices are functioning properly before starting the crane, and ensuring that all loads are safely secured before shutting down the crane.
• Emergency shutdown procedures: Operators should be trained on the proper procedures for performing an emergency shutdown of the crane in case of a malfunction or other emergency situation.
• General operating procedures: Operators should be trained on general operating procedures for the crane, including safe lifting practices, proper communication with other workers, and how to avoid common hazards.

Maintenance of any overhead crane system requires effective daily safety inspections. You should establish a safety regimen based on the inspection checklist listed above. If you notice any malfunctions, unusual noises, or unusual movements, you should stop using the crane immediately.

FAQs

How frequently should overhead cranes be checked?

Overhead Cranes must be inspected annually by several government agencies. You should conduct your own inspections throughout the year to promote safety. Some checks should be carried out every time the crane is utilized, while others can be carried out on a less frequent basis. The following checks should be carried out:

• Inspections on a regular basis - daily equipment inspections
• Periodic inspections are performed bimonthly, quarterly, or annually.

What is the overhead crane preventative maintenance checklist?

A preventative maintenance checklist, also known as a daily maintenance checklist, for an overhead crane is something that all crane operators should keep in their back pocket to refer to as they begin their day to ensure safety and productivity while the overhead crane is in use. OSHA 1910.179(j) classifies daily inspections as frequent inspections and requires a signed daily inspection checklist. All "operating mechanisms" (hoists, cranes, and their moving parts), hoist chains, hooks, and other objects must be inspected on a regular basis, according to OSHA. Many of these things necessitate daily visual inspections as well as monthly inspections complete with certification records.

Who should verify the safety and maintenance of overhead cranes on a daily basis?

The crane operator should undertake daily overhead crane safety checks. More extensive inspections, such as periodic inspections, should be performed by a fully qualified engineer or trained inspector.

Why should I have my overhead crane inspected?

Inspection of machinery on a regular basis can detect mechanical faults early, lowering the chance of injuries or costly equipment failures. Repair expenses may be high, however addressing issues ahead of time might help prevent operating disruptions or suspensions. Inspections of above cranes are also a preventative strategy. Incorporating inspections into employee training can help decrease problems caused by inappropriate use while also encouraging a better understanding of the equipment.

Another reason for crane inspections is OSHA compliance. Failure to maintain your equipment up to date might result in costly downtime and indirect financial consequences.