Maintaining a crane is no small expense. Parts degrade, failures occur, and regular maintenance only delays the need for replacements. When a part needs replacing, you’re faced with a choice: invest in new parts or go with refurbished ones. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down to help you make a cost-effective choice for your crane. New Crane Parts:...

Last month, I saw a contractor lose a $50,000 contract because their crane was down for three weeks waiting for a critical part. The financial loss was significant, but the reputational damage was even greater. This experience underscored a vital lesson: in the lifting industry, your spare parts strategy is essential for survival. The Hidden Costs of Poor Parts Management Let’s be honest...

  Cranes play a pivotal role in construction, shipping, and industrial sectors, performing heavy lifting tasks with precision. However, when crane brakes fail, the consequences can be severe—disrupting operations, escalating costs, and compromising safety. Understanding the causes of brake failures and implementing preventive strategies is essential for maintaining safety and...

As a crane operator or fleet manager, keeping cranes in peak condition is essential. While it might be tempting to skip maintenance, thinking a minor issue can wait, this approach can lead to costly consequences. Here's why establishing a preventive maintenance schedule is crucial for your operations. The Necessity of Preventive Maintenance Picture this: you're on a job site, everything is...

  Cranes are indispensable in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipping, where they play a vital role in lifting heavy loads with precision. However, when electrical components malfunction, even the most robust cranes can come to a halt, leading to costly delays. Troubleshooting these issues doesn't have to be daunting. It often involves identifying common problems and...

Last month, I stood on a Chicago street, marveling at a massive crane as it lifted steel beams high into the sky. It was a powerful reminder of how crane parts and human expertise come together to create the towering skyscrapers that define our cities. As someone who writes about construction, I’m continually fascinated by the engineering behind these incredible machines. Pushing the...

  On a crisp autumn morning, the construction site buzzed with activity. The familiar scents of fresh concrete and diesel filled the air. Suddenly, a loud clang shattered the rhythm, bringing everything to a standstill. A crane had stalled mid-lift, its load precariously suspended above the workers below. Fortunately, no one was injured, but it quickly became evident that this was not a...

Last month, I visited an old friend who runs a crane rental business in Texas. As we walked through his yard filled with towering cranes, he pointed to his newest acquisition—a state-of-the-art automated crane with smart safety features. "Ten years ago, I would've laughed if someone told me I'd be operating cranes with tablet computers," he chuckled. "But here we are, and I can't imagine...

Muhidin, a seasoned crane operator turned maintenance manager, shared a story that left a lasting impression. "I thought I was saving money," he recounted, "but that counterfeit bearing almost cost us dearly." He had chosen a non-genuine crane part to replace a worn-out bearing, only for the crane to seize mid-operation two weeks later. Luckily, a vigilant rigger prevented a major disaster....

Crane outriggers are built tough. They have to be—these hydraulic arms are what keep a crane stable during heavy lifts. But even tough components wear down over time. The big question is: when should you repair a damaged outrigger, and when is it safer (and smarter) to replace it entirely?   Here’s how to make the call.   First, Understand What’s at Stake Outriggers...