How to Properly Inspect a Mobile Crane Before Use
Crane Safety, Mobile Cranes | Aug 17 / 23
Mobile cranes play a critical role in a wide range of construction and heavy-duty projects. Knowing how to properly inspect a mobile crane before use is crucial in ensuring the safety of the operators and the efficiency of the project. If you are not sure what needs to be done, the experts at TNT Crane & Rigging have prepared this guide to outline the systematic approach you should take when inspecting a mobile crane before operation.
How, when, and why should a mobile crane be inspected?
1. Conduct a General Visual Inspection
Start with a walk-around of the crane. Check for any visible signs of wear, tear, or damage. Look for loose or missing parts, cracks, and dents. Pay attention to the overall cleanliness of the machine. Excessive dirt or grease could be covering more serious issues. You can also make a mobile crane safety inspection checklist and check things off as you go.
2. Inspect the Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is the lifeblood of a mobile crane. Inspect the hydraulic lines and hoses for signs of leakage, damage, or wear. Ensure all the connections are secure and there is no corrosion or contamination in the hydraulic fluid.
3. Check the Crane’s Controls
Examine the crane’s control system thoroughly. Test the switches, levers, and pedals to confirm they are working correctly and smoothly. Verify that the safety lock and emergency stop functions are operational. Make sure to also check all the warning labels and indicators.
4. Evaluate the Crane’s Lifting Mechanisms
Examine the wire ropes, sheaves, drums, blocks, and hooks to see if there are any signs of wear, twisting, kinking, or corrosion. Check the wire rope’s proper reeving and ensure the load limit indicators are functional. Hooks should also be checked for any signs of deformation or cracks.
5. Examine the Outriggers
The stability of a crane depends heavily on the outriggers. Check their condition and ensure they are extending and retracting properly. Make sure to also check for any bending, warping, or signs of damage, and confirm that the pads are clean and clear of debris.
6. Inspect the Boom
The boom’s condition directly impacts the crane’s lifting capacity. Inspect the boom for any signs of damage, bending, or cracks. Check all the boom sections for proper alignment and ensure the telescoping mechanism is functioning correctly.
7. Check the Tires and Brakes
Inspect the tires for the right pressure, wear, and any visible damage. Also, check the condition of the brakes by ensuring they engage and disengage smoothly.
8. Conduct Functional Tests
After a thorough visual inspection, you should perform a functional test. This includes testing the crane’s movements (such as hoisting, telescoping, and swinging) under no-load conditions to verify proper operation.
9. Inspect the Operator’s Cab
Ensure that the seatbelts, gauges, fire extinguisher, and all other safety features are in good condition and working properly. The cab should be clean, free of any loose objects, and the operator’s view should be unobstructed.
Remember, crane inspections are not just a pre-operation requirement but should be a routine part of your overall safety program. If any issues are discovered during an inspection, the crane should be taken out of service until the problem is fixed. A well-maintained crane is key to a safe and successful project.
If you need any help with your next project or want to rent a mobile crane, please use our simple website form to get in touch. We are always ready to assist!
Mobile cranes play a critical role in a wide range of construction and heavy-duty projects. Knowing how to properly inspect a mobile crane before use is crucial in ensuring the safety of the operators and the efficiency of the project. If you are not sure what needs to be done, the experts at TNT Crane & Rigging have prepared this guide to outline the systematic approach you should take when inspecting a mobile crane before operation.
How, when, and why should a mobile crane be inspected?
1. Conduct a General Visual Inspection
Start with a walk-around of the crane. Check for any visible signs of wear, tear, or damage. Look for loose or missing parts, cracks, and dents. Pay attention to the overall cleanliness of the machine. Excessive dirt or grease could be covering more serious issues. You can also make a mobile crane safety inspection checklist and check things off as you go.
2. Inspect the Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is the lifeblood of a mobile crane. Inspect the hydraulic lines and hoses for signs of leakage, damage, or wear. Ensure all the connections are secure and there is no corrosion or contamination in the hydraulic fluid.
3. Check the Crane’s Controls
Examine the crane’s control system thoroughly. Test the switches, levers, and pedals to confirm they are working correctly and smoothly. Verify that the safety lock and emergency stop functions are operational. Make sure to also check all the warning labels and indicators.
4. Evaluate the Crane’s Lifting Mechanisms
Examine the wire ropes, sheaves, drums, blocks, and hooks to see if there are any signs of wear, twisting, kinking, or corrosion. Check the wire rope’s proper reeving and ensure the load limit indicators are functional. Hooks should also be checked for any signs of deformation or cracks.
5. Examine the Outriggers
The stability of a crane depends heavily on the outriggers. Check their condition and ensure they are extending and retracting properly. Make sure to also check for any bending, warping, or signs of damage, and confirm that the pads are clean and clear of debris.
6. Inspect the Boom
The boom’s condition directly impacts the crane’s lifting capacity. Inspect the boom for any signs of damage, bending, or cracks. Check all the boom sections for proper alignment and ensure the telescoping mechanism is functioning correctly.
7. Check the Tires and Brakes
Inspect the tires for the right pressure, wear, and any visible damage. Also, check the condition of the brakes by ensuring they engage and disengage smoothly.
8. Conduct Functional Tests
After a thorough visual inspection, you should perform a functional test. This includes testing the crane’s movements (such as hoisting, telescoping, and swinging) under no-load conditions to verify proper operation.
9. Inspect the Operator’s Cab
Ensure that the seatbelts, gauges, fire extinguisher, and all other safety features are in good condition and working properly. The cab should be clean, free of any loose objects, and the operator’s view should be unobstructed.
Remember, crane inspections are not just a pre-operation requirement but should be a routine part of your overall safety program. If any issues are discovered during an inspection, the crane should be taken out of service until the problem is fixed. A well-maintained crane is key to a safe and successful project.
If you need any help with your next project or want to rent a mobile crane, please use our simple website form to get in touch. We are always ready to assist!
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