What issues should we pay attention to when using a crane to extend its service life？

Cranes are essential lifting equipment in industrial plants, warehouses, and other places. How should we operate and maintain cranes during operation? Is proper operation and maintenance essential to extending their service life?

1. Strictly adhere to operating specifications and avoid overloading.

Overloading a crane can directly damage the hydraulic system, steel structure, and transmission components, and is the primary factor in shortening its service life. Operators must strictly adhere to the equipment's rated lifting capacity. Overloading or tilting or slanting the crane is strictly prohibited. Avoid sudden starting, braking, or luffing to minimize mechanical shock. Furthermore, before lifting, inspect the condition of components such as the spreader, chain, and wire rope to ensure secure connections and prevent excessive load on the equipment due to spreader failure.

2. Establish a regular maintenance program.

Daily maintenance is fundamental to extending the life of a crane. Check key equipment components daily: Check the wire rope for broken or worn wires and lubricate them promptly; check the hydraulic system for leaks and ensure the oil level and quality meet standards; and ensure the brake system is sensitive and the brake pads are properly worn. Regularly lubricate and maintain moving parts such as the slewing mechanism and luffing mechanism. Perform a comprehensive monthly inspection, focusing on checking steel structure welds for cracks and loose bolts. Replace aging components promptly to avoid operating with defects.

3. Ensure Environmental Adaptability

Harsh environments can accelerate the aging of crane components. When operating outdoors, pay attention to protecting them from rain, moisture, and sunlight. After rainy days, clean any accumulated water from the equipment and dry out the electrical system to prevent short circuits. In hot weather, check the hydraulic oil cooling system to prevent excessive oil temperatures. When idle for long periods, store the equipment in a dry and ventilated area. Apply anti-rust oil to exposed metal parts and cover the electrical control cabinet to prevent dust and moisture from entering. For corrosive environments (such as ports and chemical sites), use corrosion-resistant components and perform regular anti-corrosion treatment.

4. Emphasize Operator Training and Troubleshooting

The operator's professional level directly affects the performance of the equipment. Regular training is required to ensure that operators are familiar with the equipment structure, operating procedures, and emergency response methods to prevent damage caused by improper operation. Once any abnormality is found in the equipment (such as abnormal noise, vibration, performance degradation), it must be stopped immediately for inspection and repair by professionals. Unauthorized disassembly or forced operation is strictly prohibited to prevent minor faults from escalating into major damage and ensure the long-term stable operation of the equipment.