How much do you know about the maintenance of truck-mounted cranes?

The truck-mounted crane, also known as truck with crane, is an extremely versatile piece of equipment with a wide range of applications. It can be utilized in garden construction, engineering construction, factory warehouses, and many other settings. Given its extensive usage, proper maintenance of the truck-mounted crane is of utmost importance. When a vehicle is well maintained, its performance is enhanced, and its service life is significantly extended. There is indeed a wealth of knowledge regarding the maintenance of truck-mounted cranes, and let’s share it with you today.

The pipe connections and fixed seals play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the truck-mounted crane‘s hydraulic system. Any looseness or oil leakage can lead to a reduction in hydraulic pressure, affecting the lifting and operating capabilities of the crane. Regular inspections of these components are essential to ensure the integrity of the system.

For example, a loose pipe connection can cause hydraulic fluid to leak out, not only wasting valuable resources but also potentially creating a safety hazard. The leaked fluid can make the work area slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, a leaky seal can allow air to enter the system, which can cause erratic operation and reduced performance.

During the inspection, carefully examine each pipe connection for signs of looseness. Check for any visible signs of fluid leakage around the seals. If any issues are detected, they should be addressed immediately. Tightening loose connections or replacing damaged seals can help prevent further problems and ensure the smooth operation of the crane.

The fasteners on a truck-mounted crane hold the various components together and ensure the structural integrity of the vehicle. Loose fasteners can lead to instability and potential failure of the crane. Special attention should be paid to the fasteners between critical components such as the crossbeam and the chassis frame, the slewing bearing and the crossbeam and the column.

The crossbeam and chassis frame connection is essential for the stability of the crane during lifting operations. A loose fastener in this area can cause the crane to sway or even tip over, posing a serious threat to the safety of operators and bystanders. Similarly, the fasteners between the slewing bearing and the crossbeam and the column must be secure to ensure smooth rotation and proper functioning of the crane.

During the inspection, use a wrench or other appropriate tool to check the tightness of each fastener. If any fasteners are found to be loose, they should be tightened to the specified torque. Regular inspections of these fasteners can help prevent accidents and ensure the long-term reliability of the crane.

The control switch and pressure gauge of the power take-off are important components that control the operation of the crane’s hydraulic system. A malfunctioning control switch can prevent the crane from operating properly, while an inaccurate pressure gauge can lead to incorrect readings and potential overloading or underloading of the system.

Regular inspections of the control switch should include checking for proper operation, smooth movement, and no signs of damage or wear. The pressure gauge should be checked for accuracy and any signs of damage or leakage. If any issues are detected with the control switch or pressure gauge, they should be repaired or replaced promptly.

For example, if the control switch is stuck or not responding properly, it may be necessary to clean or replace the switch. An inaccurate pressure gauge can lead to incorrect adjustments of the hydraulic system, potentially causing damage to the components. By ensuring the proper functioning of these components, the operator can have better control over the crane and ensure safe and efficient operation.

The hydraulic oil and lubricating oil are essential for the proper functioning of the truck-mounted crane‘s various systems. Insufficient levels of these oils can lead to increased wear and tear on the components, reduced performance, and potential damage.

For the hydraulic system, regular checks of the hydraulic oil level are necessary. Low hydraulic oil levels can cause the pump to cavitate, reducing the efficiency of the system and potentially causing damage to the pump and other components. Additionally, contaminated hydraulic oil can lead to clogging of filters and valves, affecting the performance of the system.

Lubricating oil is also important for the proper functioning of the crane’s moving parts. Insufficient lubrication can lead to increased friction, wear, and heat generation, potentially causing damage to the components. Regular checks of the lubricating oil level and quality can help prevent these issues.

During the inspection, check the hydraulic oil and lubricating oil levels using the appropriate dipsticks or sight glasses. If the levels are low, add the required oil to the specified levels. Additionally, check the quality of the oils for signs of contamination or degradation. If necessary, replace the oils according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The wire rope is a critical component of the truck-mounted crane, responsible for lifting and supporting heavy loads. Regular inspections of the wire rope and its accessories are essential to ensure the safety and reliability of the crane.

Check the wire rope clip to ensure it is firmly attached and holding the wire rope securely. A loose or improperly installed wire rope clip can cause the wire rope to slip or detach, leading to a dangerous situation. Additionally, check that the wire rope is properly seated in the groove of the pulley or sheave. A misaligned wire rope can cause excessive wear and potential failure.

Inspect the wire rope for signs of damage such as kinks, creases, wear, rust, and broken wires. Any of these conditions can weaken the wire rope and increase the risk of failure. If the wire rope shows signs of severe damage, such as more than 10% of the wires being broken or a diameter reduction exceeding 7%, or if it has discolored due to overheating, it should be replaced immediately.

For example, a kinked wire rope can cause stress concentrations and reduce the strength of the rope. Worn or rusted wire ropes can also be prone to breakage. By regularly inspecting and replacing damaged wire ropes, the operator can ensure the safety of the lifting operations and prevent accidents.

The surfaces of the parts of the truck-mounted crane can be damaged or deformed due to various reasons such as impacts, overloading, or corrosion. Such damage can affect the structural integrity and performance of the crane.

Inspect the surfaces of the crane’s components for cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. Check for any deformation of the metal parts, which can indicate excessive stress or improper loading. Additionally, look for signs of corrosion, which can weaken the parts and reduce their lifespan.

If any damage or deformation is detected, it should be evaluated by a qualified technician to determine the extent of the problem and the appropriate course of action. Minor damage may be repairable, while more severe damage may require replacement of the affected parts.

For example, a cracked boom can be extremely dangerous and must be replaced immediately. A dented chassis frame can affect the stability and handling of the vehicle. By regularly inspecting the surfaces of the parts, potential problems can be detected early and addressed before they lead to serious consequences.

The synchronous wire rope that drives the telescoping of the boom is an important component that ensures the smooth operation of the crane. A loose wire rope can cause the boom to extend or retract unevenly, affecting the stability and accuracy of the lifting operations.

During the inspection, check the tension of the synchronous wire rope. If it is found to be loose, adjust the nut or other tensioning device to tighten the wire rope. Ensure that the wire rope is properly tensioned to prevent slippage and ensure accurate telescoping of the boom.

For example, if the wire rope is too loose, it can cause the boom to extend or retract too quickly or unevenly, potentially causing damage to the crane or the load. By maintaining the proper tension of the wire rope, the operator can ensure the safe and efficient operation of the crane.

Operating the truck-mounted crane and checking the sound and temperature of the hydraulic system can provide valuable information about its condition. Unusual sounds or excessive temperatures can indicate problems with the system.

Listen for any abnormal noises coming from the hydraulic pump, valves, or cylinders. Unusual sounds can indicate wear, damage, or air in the system. Check the temperature of the hydraulic oil using a thermometer or by feeling the oil lines. Excessive heat can indicate overloading, clogged filters, or a malfunctioning cooling system.

If any abnormal sounds or excessive temperatures are detected, the crane should be shut down immediately and the problem diagnosed by a qualified technician. Continuing to operate the crane with a faulty hydraulic system can lead to serious damage and potential safety hazards.

Note: The fastening bolts of the slewing bearing are 10.9-grade high-strength bolts. Under normal working conditions, the pre-tightening force of the bolts should be checked once after 100 hours of operation after installation, and then checked once every 400 hours of operation. The truck-mounted crane should be filled with lubricating grease once every 100 hours of work. When filling, slowly rotate the slewing bearing to ensure good and uniform lubrication. The sealing strip should also be checked frequently for its sealing performance. Water or other foreign matters should be prohibited from entering the raceway.

The slewing bearing is a critical component of the truck-mounted crane, and its fastening bolts must be maintained properly to ensure the stability and safety of the crane. The 10.9-grade high-strength bolts provide the necessary strength and durability to withstand the heavy loads and stresses of operation.

Regular checks of the pre-tightening force of the bolts are essential to ensure that the slewing bearing remains securely attached. After installation, the bolts should be checked after 100 hours of operation and then every 400 hours thereafter. Any loosening of the bolts should be corrected immediately to prevent potential failure.

Lubricating the slewing bearing is also important for its proper functioning. The truck-mounted crane should be filled with lubricating grease once every 100 hours of work. When filling, slowly rotate the slewing bearing to ensure that the grease is distributed evenly and provides good lubrication. This helps reduce friction and wear on the bearing and extends its lifespan.

The sealing strip around the slewing bearing should be checked frequently for its sealing performance. Any damage or deterioration of the sealing strip can allow water or other foreign matters to enter the raceway, causing damage to the bearing. If the sealing strip is found to be damaged, it should be replaced promptly to prevent further problems.

Whether it is a large part or a small part on the truck-mounted crane, it should be checked frequently. Sometimes small parts may also cause serious consequences.

In conclusion, proper maintenance of the truck-mounted crane is essential for its safe and efficient operation. By regularly inspecting and maintaining the various components of the crane, potential problems can be detected early and addressed before they lead to serious consequences. The maintenance tasks described above are just some of the important aspects of caring for a truck-mounted crane. Operators should also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and consult with qualified technicians for specific maintenance procedures and schedules. I hope these little common sense about the maintenance of truck-mounted cranes shared by the author can be helpful to everyone!