Repair of HDS cranes

What are cranes?

HDS cranes belong to the group of cranes. HDS cranes are used for unloading and loading various types of goods and are used in almost every industry, such as transport, construction and the service sector. Thanks to their compact design, we can reach almost any place, which distinguishes HDS cranes from other cranes.  

In order for the equipment to function well, to be efficient and, above all, to be safe during use, regular maintenance must be carried out.  

Who can operate HDS cranes? 

In order to operate HDS cranes, it is necessary to have the relevant UDT qualifications. In order to obtain them, a specialised course must be completed. Only a person with qualifications confirmed by a state examination from the Office of Technical Inspection can become a hydraulic truck crane maintainer.  

Tests to which HDS cranes are subject 

HDS cranes are subject to three types of testing. These are: 

• Periodic examinations - periodic examinations at intervals to be determined by the manufacturer, but at least once a year. Their purpose is to check that the recommendations of the previous survey have been implemented and that no new damage has occurred during use that could affect safety when using the machine.  
• Ad hoc in-service tests - These are examinations that are carried out when necessary. Their scope is determined by the need and the circumstances in which they are carried out.  
• Ad hoc post-accident and post-crash examinations - They are carried out following a breakdown or an accident during the operation of the HDS crane. Their purpose is to determine the technical condition of the machine and the cause of the breakdown.  

How often is HDS maintenance carried out? 

Maintenance of hydraulic truck cranes must be carried out at the times specified in the machine's operating instructions. Following its provisions, the maintenance technician is obliged to check the technical condition of the drive mechanisms, lifting links with their attachments and braking systems.  

It is also important to check the operation of the control, signalling and lighting devices, as well as the safety components and movement limiters. It is a good idea to check the supporting structure and the fire protection installation once a year.  

By carrying out regular maintenance checks, we can quickly rectify faults and malfunctions in the cranes.  

What are the most common failures of HDS cranes? 

Operational hazards when using HDS cranes are caused by damage to the hydraulic system, in particular, leakage of hydraulic fluid. Fluid leakage, as well as clearances occurring in the working parts of the unit, are most often the result of overloading the unit or incorrect maintenance.  

Popular faults with HDS cranes are also damage to the crane's structure, failure of the controls or mechanisms that are responsible for gripping the loads being moved. Accidents and failures can be caused by overloading the crane, working on unstable ground or not stabilising the hydraulic truck crane correctly. 

What to do if the device malfunctions? 

If a malfunction, failure or accident occurs while the crane is in operation, the equipment must be shut down immediately. A post-failure or post-accident survey must also be carried out. Once the examination has been passed, the machine can be used again.  

Maintenance of cranes 

Maintenance inspections of cranes are a series of activities carried out to detect malfunctions, malfunctions as early as possible and to ensure correct, as well as safe, operation. This also helps us to avoid downtime in operations.  

During maintenance inspections, the following are checked: 

• Technical condition of the drive; 
• Load-bearing tendons;  
• Braking system;  
• Operation of movement limiters and other safety features;  
• Correct operation of signalling and lighting; 
• Correctness of crane operation; 

Also performed are: 

• Assessment of the device's technical condition;  
• Repair or replacement of components that are damaged;  
• Cleaning of machine components; 
• Setting activities.