Top 5 Best Practices in Overhead Crane Maintenance

Ensuring the safety and efficiency of overhead cranes is critical for smooth operations and long-term equipment reliability. With regular use, overhead cranes inevitably face wear and tear, making proactive maintenance essential. By following best practices, businesses can prevent costly downtime, enhance safety, and extend the lifespan of their equipment.

This guide explores the top five best practices for maintaining overhead cranes, covering key areas such as regular inspections, lubrication, load testing, electrical system checks and effective record-keeping.

1. Establish a Regular Crane Inspection Routine

For effective overhead crane maintenance, it’s important to have a strict crane inspection schedule as recommended by manufacturers and regulations. Use a detailed checklist to examine all crane parts, such as chain slings, wire rope slings, nylon slings, and structural elements. Also, ensure your team is trained to spot wear and damage for timely repairs and improved safety.

Daily Inspection Checklist For Overhead Cranes

• Look over the hook, chain, and wire ropes for any visible damage
• Make sure nothing looks bent or cracked
• Listen for unusual noises during operation
• Test the controls to ensure they work smoothly

Monthly Overhead Crane Inspection Checklist

• Get under the crane and examine all connections
• Check for any loose bolts or worn parts
• Look for oil leaks or unusual wear
• Test all safety features and limits

2. Perform Regular Crane Lubrication and Liquid Checks

Create a detailed crane lubrication schedule specifying which parts need lubrication, the appropriate type of lubricant, and how often it is required. Regularly review and update this schedule based on equipment usage and environmental conditions.
Ensure that oil levels in all critical components are checked consistently, lubrication points are kept free from dust and debris, and that any signs of excess lubrication or leakage are promptly addressed. Additionally, verify the integrity of hoses and fittings, and be attentive to any unusual noises that may signal the need for lubrication.

3. Conduct Regular Overhead Crane Load Testing

As specified by UHS regulations, load testing of overhead cranes should be performed annually, or following any significant repair or alteration to ensure the crane can safely handle its rated capacity. These tests should be conducted by certified professionals to guarantee accuracy and reliability. At RGM Cranes, our LMI-accredited technicians carry out load testing in conformance to SANS 10375:2018 requirements.
Thoroughly document and review all test results to confirm the crane’s performance and identify any potential issues. This process helps maintain safety standards and prolongs the lifespan of your equipment.
Apart from regular annual load testing, there are other circumstances where a load test is required. These include:

• New crane installations
• New major component replacements
• Any structural modification or alteration

4. Regularly Inspect Electrical Systems and Control Panels

Maintaining the electrical systems and control panels of overhead cranes is essential for their safe and efficient operation. Conduct regular inspections to ensure that all wiring, connections, and components are in good condition, free from wear or damage. Look for signs of overheating, frayed wires, or any other potential hazards.
Ensure that control panels are clean and that all buttons and switches function properly without sticking or hesitation. Regular testing of emergency stop functions and other crane safety features is also crucial. By routinely checking these systems, you not only ensure reliable performance but also protect against electrical failures or crane accidents.

5. Keep Comprehensive Records

Implementing a robust record-keeping system is crucial for monitoring the health and performance of your overhead cranes. Whether digital or manual, this system should track all maintenance activities, inspections, repairs, and tests. Ensure that records are easily accessible for reviews and audits, allowing for quick reference and verification.
You can analyse this data to identify trends and pinpoint areas in need of improvement. By keeping detailed records, businesses can enhance the safety, reliability, and lifespan of their overhead cranes, ensuring smooth and secure operations.
Armed with almost 40 years of industry experience, RGM Cranes has a thorough and in-depth understanding of the regulations and requirements for lifting equipment. We’re happy to offer obligation-free quotes on the servicing of overhead cranes and lifting equipment.

We’re happy to offer obligation-free quotes on the servicing of overhead cranes and lifting equipment.