How to prevent crane wheels from climbing the rails, with special attention to issues with the trolley brakes and gearboxes.

For running mechanisms with either centralized or individual drive systems, the methods to prevent and mitigate crane wheel flange contact with the rail should differ. This can be achieved through careful inspection, meticulous adjustment, and correction of any misalignment in the installation of wheels and rails—paying particular attention to potential synchronization issues between the motors, brakes, and gearboxes on both sides of individually driven running mechanisms.

1. Limit the ratio of bridge span L to wheel gauge K. During normal operation, overhead cranes allow for a certain degree of free inclination between the wheel flanges and the rails—specifically, a small lateral movement distance (typically 20–30 mm) is permitted between the wheel flanges and the rail sides. The greater this clearance, the less likely track biting will occur. Additionally, whether track biting happens also depends on the L/K ratio: the larger the ratio, the smaller the allowable free inclination, making track biting more likely. Therefore, it’s advisable to choose a smaller L/K value. Experience shows that an L/K ratio below 5 to 6 is generally more favorable.

2. The centrally driven running mechanism features a total of 4 wheels, with 2 serving as the driving wheels. These driving wheels are equipped with tapered treads (with a taper ratio of 1:10), mounted inwardly at their larger ends, and paired with convex-top rails. During operation, the crane undergoes several oscillations, which automatically adjust its direction of travel, thereby minimizing friction between the wheels and the rails.

3. The centrally driven operating mechanism requires turning or replacing the active wheels on both sides if they have different diameters.

4. By applying lubrication to the wheel flanges and rail sides, we can reduce running friction resistance, thereby minimizing wear on both wheels and rails.

5. Regularly inspect the bridge structure for deformation and promptly correct any deviations to ensure it meets technical specifications, thereby addressing rail biting issues at their root. During inspections, if discrepancies are detected in wheel diagonal measurements, verticality, or horizontal alignment, adjustments should be made without delay.

6. For separately driven mechanisms, if the rotational speeds of the drive motors on both sides differ, the motors should be replaced with identical models manufactured by the same factory. Additionally, if the brakes on either side are not operating in coordination or vary in tightness, the brake adjustments must be made accordingly.

7. For transmission systems with excessive play, inspect or replace components such as couplings and gearboxes.

8. For tracks with issues, perform inspection and adjustments according to the technical requirements for track installation; also, promptly remove any debris from the tracks.