Daily Maintenance and Inspection Methods for Cranes (Part 1)

1.1 Lubrication of the Crane

When it comes to crane maintenance and upkeep, we should first understand that crane care can generally be divided into four key categories: functional testing, lubrication, safety inspections and adjustments—where safety checks and adjustments encompass both mechanical and electrical components. Additionally, from a timing perspective, maintenance can be categorized into daily inspections, as well as regular check-ups, routine maintenance, and more extensive repair work.

When it comes to lubricating cranes, let’s first address the issue of replacing the gearbox oil. For cranes that were installed earlier, the gearbox oil should be changed for the first time after 200 operating hours—or every 2 months, whichever comes first. During this initial oil change, be sure to flush the gearbox thoroughly with fresh oil, and don’t forget to clean the magnetic drain plug as well. After this first oil change, under normal operating conditions, the oil should be replaced annually. For larger gearboxes, however, the oil-change interval can be extended slightly—depending on the actual condition of the oil. When adding new oil, take care to prevent dirt and dust from entering, ensuring the oil remains clean and free from contaminants. And remember: adding too much oil isn’t necessarily better—stick to the recommended amount for optimal performance.

For bearing lubrication, crane bearings are typically lubricated using a centralized system. On the hoist trolley, grease fittings are concentrated along the trolley’s end beams, while on the main carriage wheels, they’re grouped at the carriage’s end beams. However, some individual grease fittings may be distributed separately—make sure none are missed during the greasing process. The lubrication cycle for the bearings aligns with the regular maintenance schedule. After greasing is complete, always replace the sealing caps on the fittings to prevent rust from forming.

1.2 Inspection of the Complete Vehicle and Peripheral Components

For this section of the inspection, we begin with a check of the trolley tracks: randomly verifying that the track bolts are securely tightened, visually assessing the tracks for straightness, and examining their wear condition to determine whether the trolley wheels are showing signs of rail biting. Next, we inspect the slip lines: checking for straightness, ensuring the mounting brackets and bolts are properly fastened, confirming the safety of the slip-line joints, and verifying that the power indicator lights are functioning correctly. Following that, we examine the main power cable: making sure the cable is securely fixed and free from any damage. Then, we inspect the connection between the trolley and the end beam, checking for loose or broken bolts. Afterward, we move on to inspecting the trolley’s secondary rails, which follows the same procedure as the primary trolley tracks. Finally, we conduct a limit switch check to ensure the limits are operating properly and effectively.