Cranes and lifting equipment are too important to be left in any kind of condition that is less than perfect. If you want to ensure that you get the most out of your lifting equipment and, indeed, that it is perfectly safe to use, then you must get it repaired as soon as you notice any kind of issue with it. This is part of your duty of care to your staff, as well as to yourself and to your company. Crane repairs can save you a lot of time, money and potential problems in the future if you carry them out swiftly.
How do you know if a crane needs repairing?
All cranes, be it the smallest jib crane or the biggest gantry crane, can malfunction at any time. This is especially true of older pieces of equipment – they will begin to deteriorate with age. You might notice that they are not performing to the best of their abilities, in which case, you should seek a repair straight away. This will help to prevent any further, more serious, damage in the future.
You should be carrying out regular crane inspections, under LOLER and PUWER. When these inspections take place, make note of any advisories and keep an eye on them. If the crane does begin to show signs of damage, then this is a sign that it needs a repair.
You should never wait until the damage to a crane is serious. Whenever you see any signs of wear and tear, see if the crane needs repairing immediately. With something as potentially dangerous as a malfunctioning crane, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Finding a crane repairer
Begin by consulting the crane manufacturer, who may have some guidance and may have recommended repairers that they can refer you to. You could also contact the supplier of the crane, as they will often be specialists in the particular type of crane that you have and will be able to offer your repair services themselves. Even if they cannot, they might well have some useful business contacts for you.
How much should you spend on a crane repair?
It is important to balance the cost of the repair. If the damage is major, such as a broken arm or a significant dent or hole within the frame, then you might be looking at a high cost for repair. If you want to be confident in your decision, think about consulting a few different repairers to get quotes. This will help you to get an idea of a reasonable cost. If the repair costs and higher than the crane’s worth, think about scrapping it. You shouldn’t be paying to repair machinery that is too old, as the repairs won’t be worth your money. If this is the case, then it will be more cost-effective in the long run to buy a new item of lifting equipment.