Saturday 24 September 2011

Dangerous Cranes

I think most will agree that hydraulic crane safety should be of paramount importance and I would like to mention just a few observations about the use of this potentially dangerous piece of machinery.
In my opinion the safest type of crane has been designed to prevent overloading. Not just on the main lift but more importantly where you pick up a load and then telescope out. As the telescope extends increasing its length the main lift cylinder pressure also increases in proportion.
Now some cranes have load sensing devices that will disengage the telescope so that overloading cannot occur and stop the telescope extending when the maximum load is exceeded.
Also the counterbalance valve can also relieve and lower the load in a controlled way.
However there are some cranes that I have come across where they have been fitted with a simple hand valve with all blocked centre ports. These cranes have often been salvaged and the hydraulics replaced by people not proficient in hydraulic systems or crane design. Unwittingly the users of these cranes are just waiting for disaster to strike, at best causing costly damage and at worst serious injury.

See more on www.hydraulicbrain.com

very best
Bob

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