If you use cranes on your job sites on a regular basis, then you know how important they can be to getting certain work done. The last thing you need is for them to conk out on you in the middle of a job, which is why it’s essential for you to maintain them properly. Here are some tips that will help you take care of your cranes and keep them in good shape.
Schedule regular oil changes.
Just like any other vehicle, a crane needs to have its oil changed regularly. If you put off oil changes, it could cause problems with your engine and force you to make costly repairs later. It would be prudent to have an oil change done when you first get your crane and then continue doing oil changes throughout the life of the machine. It will pay off in the long run.
Inspect your lubrication.
There are many moving parts contained within a crane, and just about all of them need to be lubricated properly. Wire ropes should be lubricated, and when you clean them, you want to make sure you don’t remove the lubricant during the process. You should also inspect your machine just about every time you use it to check the lubrication levels.
Keep an eye out for loose bolts and other parts.
Is there something on your crane rattling or a bolt that is obviously looser than it should be? It can be easy to overlook these things since you get used to seeing them after a while. Nevertheless, every single bolt on your crane should be tightened as soon as you notice it getting loose. Even just one loose bolt can throw your whole crane out of whack and cause issues later.
Keep track of your maintenance.
You might be surprised by how many crane operators don’t keep accurate records as far as maintenance goes. How are you supposed to know when to maintain a crane if you don’t know when you did it last? Whenever you do any kind of maintenance on your crane, write it down and then reference it later. Bookkeeping is a big part of using a crane.
All of the cranes available through Astro Crane are well maintained and built to last. Contact us at 978-429-8666 today if you would like to obtain a crane from us for your next construction project.