Mobile Crane servicing and parts replacement
Sales Email: quote@mobilecrane.co.za
Spares Email: parts@mobilecrane.co.za
Rental Email: hire@mobilecrane.co.za
Telephone: 010 300 0107
Whatsapp (all hrs): 084 076 4165
Parts and service Enquiry form
Regular Servicing is essential
Mobile cranes play a pivotal role in industry, from construction to logistics and their reliability is paramount. A mobile crane can have a life in excess of 30 years if it is well maintained and serviced regularly, and considering the capital outlay, every mobile crane owner would like to see the usefull life of their mobile cranes ecxtended to the maximum. Extending the life of a mobile crane not only saves money but also ensures the safety and efficiency of operations.
Typical Mobile Crane Lifespan
The lifespan of a mobile crane primarily depends on factors such as maintenance, usage patterns, and the quality of components. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a mobile crane will last, they are designed to endure extensive use over many years. Under normal usage conditions, which would involve regular maintenance and responsible operation, a well-maintained mobile crane can last for 20 to 30 years or more. In the used crane section of this website you will from time to time find mobile cranes that are older than 30 years and still in good working order and could easily last another 10 years if maintained well.
EXTENDING a MOBILE CRANEs USEFUL LIFE
Extending the useful Life of a Mobile Crane
Regular Maintenance
The cornerstone of maximizing crane lifespan is, regular, diligent maintenance. Implement a strict maintenance schedule that includes daily, weekly, monthly, and annual checks. This should cover everything from lubrication and fluid levels to inspecting critical components like cables, hooks, and hydraulics. If a cranes parts needs replacing or repairs need to be done, do not leave it, this could have far reaching safety concerns as well as cause other parts to be at risk.
Operator Training
Ensure that crane operators are well-trained and certified, including refresher courses from time to time. Proper operation reduces wear and tear on the crane and prevents accidents.
Load Management
Respect load limits and avoid overloading the crane. This would form part of the rigger training and refresher courses. Excessive loads or loads near the maximum limit of the cranes capacity can strain the crane’s structure and components, leading to premature wear.
Inspect and Replace Components
Regularly inspect and replace worn or damaged components, such as cables, sheaves, and brakes. Use high-quality replacement parts, and consider remanufactured or reconditioned parts for cost-effective and reliable solutions. We will discuss the difference between reconditioned and remanufactured parts below. For older cranes, new OEM parts may not always be readily available but we are well known for the provision of reconditioned and remanufactured parts for older cranes.
Storage
When the crane is not in use, store it in a dry, sheltered environment to protect it from the elements. Proper storage prevents corrosion and extends the crane’s life. Complete the inspection schedule and look for any signs of wear or fluid leakage. This can often be a very good time to identify any problems with the crane.
Conscious Operation
Consider the operating environment. Harsh conditions, like extreme temperatures or corrosive atmospheres, can accelerate wear and tear. Take measures to protect the crane accordingly. Use in mining, manufacturing and engineering environments can mean extreme operating environments. Consider the wear and tear on parts and components and where necessary conduct more frequent inspections. For crane hire companies, pricing your crane rentals in extreme environments should have a loading factor depending on the environment.
Routine Load Testing
Periodic load testing helps identify potential issues and ensures the crane’s continued reliability. We highly recommend frequent load testing for best performance.
Record Keeping
Maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repairs, including load test results. This data helps track the crane’s history and informs future maintenance decisions. This is also a very improtant factor that may have a significant impact on the resale price of 20 year old crane.
Upgrade Technology
Consider retrofitting older cranes with modern technology and safety features to improve their efficiency and extend their lifespan. Remote controls, cameras, stress notification devices, levelling monitors and outrigger pads all have a positive effect on the performance of the mobile crane.
Consult with Experts
Periodically seek advice from crane experts or OEM manufacturers to ensure you’re following the best practices for your specific crane model. Manufacturers like to stay in touch with their customers, so if you purchase a used cranbe, reach out to the manufacturers and advise them of the make, model and serial number of the crane you have purchased. This will ensure that you are in their database and you will be kept abreast of any industry updates.
Mobile cranes are significant investments, and their longevity is crucial for the provision of services across a wide array of industries. By adhering to a strict maintenance regimen, employing responsible operation practices, and investing in high-quality components and upgrades when necessary, it’s possible to extend the usefiul life of mobile cranes. With proper care, these workhorses can serve reliably for several decades, ensuring safe and efficient operations throughout their long service life.
The Difference between reconditioned and remanufactured parts
There is often confusion around the differences between remanufactured, reconditioned and used crane parts.
Remanufactured parts
- Remanufactured means to make the entire part as good as new to EOM specifications.
- Completed to the standard of the Original Equipment Manufacturer
- Meticulous inspection of core material to adhere to OEM tolerances
- Replacement of all wearable and/or failure-prone components
- All replacement parts need to be of the same process and standard of any OEM parts
- Fastidious build process and strict standards yielding consistent product
- Stripped down, cleaned, examined and 100% tested
- The final automotive part is completely re-engineered, improved and essentially indistinguishable from the new part
Reconditioned parts
- Serviced by cleaning and inspecting but only replacing worn and broken components.
- There are no universally agreed upon standards by which reconditioned parts can be compared to one another or to new parts. Meaning some parts may be serviced to functionality and others to OEM Spec.
- Parts are reused if they fit within “acceptable wear” parameters
- Quality of unit is inconsistent thus, warranty may be limited
- Shorter life expectancy when compared to remanufactured automotive parts
- Completely dependent on abilities, judgment and experience of the mechanic rebuilding
Sales Email: quote@mobilecrane.co.za
Spares Email: parts@mobilecrane.co.za
Rental Email: hire@mobilecrane.co.za
Telephone: 010 300 0107
Whatsapp (all hrs): 084 076 4165