Hoist Inspection hoisting direction for handling a load and prevents unintended load movement when the directional control valve is in neutral. Hydraulic pressure, applied to the release port, disengages the brake when it’ s time to lower. An integral safety component, it secures the load in the event of hydraulic power loss or operator disengagement.

The brake test inspection is essential to verify brake engagement and load-holding capacity and should be performed by a qualified crane inspector or operator. Inspect for corrosion of fasteners, hoist base, drum, etc. Be sure to repair or replace as required to maintain the structural integrity of the hoist.

Drifting of the load when controls are released indicate a potential issue with the brakes not maintaining a load securely, and could be a sign of potential sprag clutch wear or failure. Proper inspection of the brake clutch assembly is crucial to maintaining safe and uninterrupted operations.

Oil Sampling Oil sampling is an integral inspection

point and extremely important due to accelerated wear that can result from insufficient lubrication.

In planetary hoists, oil sampling is performed by taking a lubricant sample from the hoist gear cavity. The oil should be analyzed for wear metals, content, correct viscosity, lubricant deterioration, moisture or other contaminants.

To assess wear and tear effectively, compare the iron content in the oil sample to the hoist manufacturer’ s recommended practices, being sure to follow all iron containment guidelines. From a safety and operational perspective, it’ s notable that oil analysis can neither detect nor warn against a fatigue failure.

Annual Inspection

An annual inspection includes all daily and quarterly checks plus changing the lubricating oil in the hoist gear cavity after an oil sample has been taken. Refill the hoist to the proper level using only the recommended gear oil.

Whenever the oil is changed, the vent plug should be removed and inspected for damage. Make sure it is unobstructed, functional and cleaned using solvent before reinstalling.

Shock Loading

While minor shock loading may not produce noticeable damage immediately, repeated shock loads can eventually cause a failure. It can damage critical parts of the hoist, particularly those responsible for holding the load.

Under continued misuse, the service life of a hoist will be reduced and in extreme cases the resulting force can destroy the entire hoist.

Signs of damage from shock loading are often indicated by damage to the rope. Therefore, wire rope should be inspected for symptoms of corrosion, loss of metallic cross-section or broken and cut wire strands that have separated resulting from fatigue.

In addition, qualified operators and inspectors should look for shock loading red flags such as a slight downward drift when a load is on the line and the controls are released, potentially indicating component issues.

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