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Winter Crane Maintenance Tasks

Top 10 Crane Preventative Maintenance Tasks To Do This Winter

As winter approaches, colder temperatures and harsh weather conditions can significantly impact your crane’s performance. While it may be tempting to skip routine checks, winter is an ideal time to schedule preventative maintenance inspections during planned downtime. In addition, stocking up on worn parts from ULS ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected issues, whether you own a wall-mounted, free-standing or column-mounted jib crane. To keep your cranes operating safely and efficiently this winter, here are the top 10 maintenance tasks to prioritise.

1. Keep Fuel and Hydraulic Tanks Free of Snow and Ice

Ice and snow can contaminate fuel and hydraulic systems, causing significant performance issues. Make sure to clear the tops of tanks regularly to prevent ice and snow from getting into the system. This simple task can prevent costly damage and keep your crane functioning smoothly.

2. Change Filters Regularly

Winter temperatures can thicken fluids used in cranes, especially if fluid formulas change. Regularly replace filters for fuel, hydraulic, and heating systems to ensure free-flowing fluids. Blocked or dirty filters can strain the system and reduce efficiency, so frequent changes are crucial during the colder months.

3. Warm the Engine Before Heavy Use

Operating your crane in freezing temperatures without letting the engine reach its optimal temperature can cause long-term damage. Before running the crane aggressively, allow the engine to fully warm up. This ensures smoother operations and reduces wear and tear on critical engine components.

4. Take Extra Care with Hydraulic Tank Heaters

If your crane uses hydraulic tank heaters, exercise caution. Heated hydraulic oil moving through cold valves can cause them to stick, leading to system malfunctions. Always check valve temperatures before pushing heated oil through the system.

5. Use Thinner Hydraulic Oil in Extreme Cold

Cranes operating in temperatures below -6°C may experience problems with standard hydraulic oils. Switching to a thinner viscosity oil can help, so long as it's compatible with your system’s seals, pumps, and valves. If you change the oil for winter operations, make sure it’s still appropriate for warmer weather or plan to switch it back once the season changes.

6. Prevent Ice and Snow from Clogging Intakes and Exhausts

Ice and snow can block intakes and exhausts, which can lead to serious mechanical issues. Regularly inspect your crane for ice build-up and clear it from critical areas to prevent blockages and avoid performance disruptions.

7. Clear Ice from Cable Reels and Wire Ropes

Ice buildup on cable reels and wire ropes can add extra weight and cause improper rolling of sheaves in the boom tip and block. This can trigger errors in the load moment indicator (LMI) system. To prevent this, slowly run the hoist to break the ice off the rope, or gently tap it loose with a flat rubber mallet.

8. Drain Water from the Fuel System

Water in the fuel system can degrade fuel quality, and in colder months, it can cause even more significant issues. Ensure that your fuel system is regularly drained of any water to avoid freezing and the formation of ice within the fuel lines.

9. Check Fuel Pumps for Proper Operation

Idle cranes are prone to fuel system issues like “gumming up.” Make sure to check your fuel pumps regularly to confirm they are functioning properly. Routine inspection will prevent costly breakdowns and keep your crane running efficiently when you need it most.

10. Store Cranes Indoors or Under Cover

Whenever possible, store your cranes and hoisting equipment indoors to protect them from the elements. If indoor storage isn’t feasible, cover the crane with a large tarp to shield it from snow and ice. Proper storage helps to extend the lifespan of your equipment and reduce the likelihood of winter-related damage.

Stock Up for Winter with ULS

Whether you need to replace worn parts, upgrade specific components, or invest in a new crane, now is the ideal time to ensure your fleet is ready for the season ahead. ULS offers a wide range of crane and hoist spare parts, accessories, and remote control systems to help keep your operations running smoothly through the cold months. 

 

Need a new crane? Browse our range of cranes here, and contact our friendly team for help with crane installation if you need help. Should your crane breakdown, we also offer both standard routine repair work to any crane, 365 days a year. ULS are always on hand to help you choose the best crane, keep it in the best possible condition, and help you if it falters. Get in touch with our team of lifting equipment experts on sales@ulslifting.com, on 01384 986 026.