Related: PM Plus, Hoist & Crane Repair and Equipment Installation
When it comes to your crane or other heavy-duty equipment you want to be sure that it will work for you when you need it to. This is why a high-quality preventative maintenance program should always be one of the number one things to ensure you are a part of. Not only will it help to reduce the amount of downtime that your equipment may experience, but it will also help to ensure that your equipment is safe to use for your employees.
The main cost that is incurred from maintaining lifting equipment such as overhead cranes can be divided up into three main categories:
Injuries
Lost Production
Direct Maintenance Costs (repair, record keeping inspection and replacement)
But why should you pay for a standardized service? If you currently are in a Preventative Maintenance Program or PM program that is standardized you may not be getting your money’s worth. A PM program should schedule routine repairs, maintenance work and inspections which will help to prevent equipment safety issues, breakdowns and prevent compliance violations, but these need to occur at a frequency that is equal to your usage.
The following chart showcases how often you should be having your crane inspected based on your usage:
Usage
Description
Recommended Frequency
Normal
This involves operations with randomly distributed loads below the rated limits for minimal cycles. Single shift operations.
Semi-Annual
Medium-HighThis involves operations with more frequently distributed loads within the maximum rated load limits for more, frequent cycles. Two or three-shift operations.
Bi-Monthly to Quarterly
Heavy
This involves operations with the constant operation of the equipment at maximum load limits at the maximum duty cycle.
Monthly
Severe
This involves operations with normal to heavy service with abnormal and extreme operating conditions and environments.
Weekly to Bi-Weekly
When you are in a PM program, which is based upon your usage rate, you will get more value out of the program because it is customized towards your needs. With the knowledge of how the machines are being used the PM program will be able to schedule repairs, maintenance work and inspections more accurately to when they are needed. This will help to prevent equipment safety issues, breakdowns and advert component failures, not only this, but it will also help you to avoid unnecessary production downtime which will save you both time and money!
Some of the Benefits of a PM Program Include:
Periodic maintenance of your crane and other equipment
Regular crane inspections and preventative maintenance
Proactive maintenance plan based on your equipment, application and duty cycle
Evaluation of the risks your crane or other lifting equipment may be under
Identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations
Reduced downtime and increased reliability of your crane and other lifting equipment
Reduced component wear
Improved equipment safety
Improved equipment productivity and maintained performance
Reduced unplanned stoppages
Scheduled maintenance visits which fit your operating schedule
Avoid unexpected costly repairs
Be able to ensure that you have a certified inspector and trained technician for all of your inspection, repair and maintenance needs
So what should you ensure included when looking into a Preventative Maintenance Program?
Does the company have a good reputation?
Do they offer an online system in which you can review reports quickly and cut down on papers?
Do they offer 24-hour emergency service? You never know when a breakdown will happen, just that when it does you want it back up and running as soon as possible.
Do they have an on-site breakdown service? This will help to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete repairs.
Finally, do they keep many of the frequently required component parts on hand?
A preventative maintenance program can help to ensure your equipment doesn’t break down as often and can extend the life of your crane, but if the program isn’t customized to your equipment and the frequency you use it then you may be wasting your money. Keep the tips discussed in this post in mind and ensure that your PM Program is the correct one for your company.
Are you currently a part of a PM Program?
Do you have lifting equipment that requires maintenance?
How often do you have your equipment maintained?
Comment below and share your thoughts!