Safety Spotlight

Hoist Inspection

To inspect for indications of shock loads in planetary hoists before any failures occur, magnetic particle inspection( MPI) of the internal ring and reduction gears and periodic brake tests, should be performed.

Teardown Inspection

Teardown inspections of planetary hoists should be completed according to the usage schedule defined by the manufacturer. When a crane is used for picking up people, a complete teardown inspection is required every three to five years. This includes disassembly, cleaning and inspection and repair or replacement as required of all worn, cracked, corroded or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, brake rotors, brake plates and the drum and base.

The replacement of key internal components, including the sprag-style brake clutch and pawl if equipped with a ratchet and pawl system, is critical during this inspection to maintain safety and performance.

MPI of the internal ring gear and reduction gears must be performed to aid in detecting cracks in the ring gears due to

fatigue. All seals and O-rings should also be replaced during this phase to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage in order to ensure operational integrity.

Before a rebuilt hoist is placed back into service, it must be line pull tested to the hoist’ s rated load and dynamically tested under partial load to confirm functionality. The internal friction brake should also be tested.

After a teardown inspection is completed, gear oil should be changed after the first 100 hoist operating hours, as is recommended for any new hoist installations.

BRADEN, a company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of industrial and heavy-duty components, particularly for crane systems, recommends that records for crane inspection, as well as preventative maintenance or hoist repairs and modifications, be kept available for a minimum of four years.

A High Standard

Following safety precautions and procedures are necessary to bridge the gap between

system performance, safety and operational uptime, ensuring reliable outcomes. Continued operation of hoist with a defect in a critical component may lead to loss of load control, property damage and severe injury or death.

Periodic inspections help detect early signs of wear, corrosion or mechanical issues before they escalate into failures that could jeopardize lives, property or operations.

Anytime a hoist exhibits erratic operation or unusual noise the hoist must be taken out of service until it is inspected and serviced by a qualified technician.

Fostering a culture of responsibility through adherence to the required and necessary precautions, including periodic inspections, routine service and proactive maintenance, goes toward ensuring operational reliability and the safety of everyone involved.

Todd Razor is a Midwest U. S.-based writer and consultant covering trends in manufacturing and material handling technologies worldwide. He is president of Three Razors Media in Des Moines, Iowa.

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