Wire Rope

There are many signs of deterioration to look for in wire rope, some requiring immediate replacement and some indicating the rope should be monitored closely. Corrosion could be cause for replacement. Other reasons a wire rope might need to be replaced include:
•    Three broken wires in one strand or a total of six broken wires

•    Flat spots on the outer wires, and those outside wires are less than two-thirds the thickness of the unworn outer wire

•    A decrease in diameter, which indicates a core failure

•    Distortion such as kinking, crushing or birdcaging

•    Noticeable discoloration caused by heat damage

•    A diameter reduced from nominal size by 1/32 inch or more

•    Broken wire protruding or looping out from the core of the rope

Replacement wire rope may cost $300 to $400, but a dropped load due to broken rope could cause thousands of dollars of damage and/or injury.

Hook

Hooks must be monitored carefully for safety reasons. A hook should be removed from service and repaired if any of the following conditions are present:

•    Bending or twisting

•    Increased throat opening

•    Wear that exceeds 10 percent of the original dimension

•    Cracks, nicks or gouges

•    Deformed or malfunctioning latch

A broken or missing latch could result in a dropped load or, if found by an inspector, fines.

If maintenance items are identified during daily inspection, the crane should be taken out of service until the necessary replacement or repair is completed. IMT crane manuals feature an inspection checklist, and the company offers a Crane and Vehicle Log for recording inspections, tests, maintenance and repairs to help keep the crane in safe and productive condition.

Additional crane inspections and service should be performed according to manufacturer-recommended intervals and applicable regulations. IMT recommends performing monthly, quarterly and annual inspections, each with their own specific list of items. With strict adherence to inspection guidelines and requirements — starting with daily inspections — operators can help ensure safe operation, minimize downtime and control repair expenses.

About the author

Terry Cook is the product manager of commercial products at IMT. He is responsible for leading the company’s line of commercial products and helping drive business strategy for the segment. Cook has worked at IMT for more than 25 years, serving in various roles including customer satisfaction manager, quality control, technical support manager, quality supervisor and manufacturing engineer.

Learn about IMT’s products in this 2014 video. The company offers service vehicles, cranes, hydraulic loaders and air compressors for tire, construction, material handling, mining and utility markets worldwide.

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