Why does Crane-Tec recommend performing a preventive maintenance service on a quarterly basis?
Many crane owners have inspections performed on an annual basis. This is an OSHA requirement. What many companies don’t know is OSHA also requires that the crane must be maintained on a scheduled basis, complete with dated records based upon the manufactures criteria. The maintenance can be performed in house or by a third party and the schedule is based on the duty cycle of the equipment along with following the manufacturer’s requirements.
Aside from the mandatory requirements listed and their costs, there may be additional costs involved by doing only an annual inspection. Historically, cranes with only an annual inspection/preventive maintenance service incur more break downs than cranes serviced quarterly. Small problems or adjustments normally taken care of during a quarterly inspection/preventive maintenance service have become bigger problems by the time the annual inspection/preventive maintenance service is due. Deficiencies found on an annual inspection/preventive maintenance service may be multiplied vs. cranes being inspected and maintained quarterly.
When breakdowns do occur, production time is lost and repair costs rise. If one was to look at two identical cranes of the same age, running at the same duty cycle and one unit maintained quarterly, the other maintained annually; you would find that the equipment maintained annually would cost more in higher operating costs, with lost time and expensive repair bills.
Benefits of Performing a Quarterly Inspection/Preventive Maintenance Service
1) Lower your costs on repairs, including expediting costs and airfreight bills when purchasing replacement parts.
2) Decrease your equipment down time due to breakdowns.
3) Allows you, the Crane Owner and Crane Service Company to schedule repairs around your production.
4) Provides you and your staff advanced notice of equipment condition for future and existing budget requirements.
5) The above cost savings alone can be enough to allow for future upgrades or equipment replacement.
Are you proactive or reactive when it comes to maintaining your overhead cranes and hoists? Why take a chance, let a qualified Crane –Tec specialist recommend the correct program for your operation.