5 Ways To Keep Your HIAB
Crane In Tip Top Shape
What We Are Going To Cover
• Lubrication of HIAB crane, types & intervals
• Hydraulic filters
• What to do with telescopic extensions
• Key operator responsibilities
• Annual inspections & services
What Lubrication Should Operators Carry Out on Their Cranes?
• Operators carry out services outlined in
operators manual
• Most important
‣ Lubricating crane every 16 running hours
or before long storage
‣ Use good quality grease
‣ EP2 grease recommended
What Types of Grease Are Available?
• Several types
‣ EP2 general type chasse grease
‣ OG high wash out type not used as much
What Other Lubricants Are Essential for the Operation of the HIAB Crane?
• Good quality lubricating oil
• Several grease points at articulating areas but
few components
‣ Latches
‣ Hose swivels
• Components that don’t have grease fitting but
are moving parts benefit from
‣ Good quality lubricating oil
‣ Manual recommends 10W40
‣ Many others available with rust inhibitors added
What About Hydraulic Oil Change Intervals?
• Very critical
• Throughout working life of crane oil becomes contaminated
• Most picked up by filters
• Still requires changing due to little amounts of condensation
and water
• Recommended to change oil at least once yearly
• Oil change includes both hydraulic oil and slewing oil
• Change in 1st year and every following year
What Should HIAB Crane Owners Know About Changing Hydraulic Filter?
• Filtering of oil is critical
• On new equipment change after first 50 hours
of service
• Recommended to change yearly
• HIAB cranes can have between 1 to 3 very
important filters
‣ 1 for remote control
‣ 1 high pressure
‣ 1 in tank hydraulic oil filter
• Easy to change instructions in operator’s manual
What Do You Recommend to Maintain Telescopic Extensions?
• New product Lube-A-Boom designed
for telescopic extension of cranes
• Nylon slide pads easily damaged with
wrong grease
• Lube-A-Boom waxy non tacky type
product coats booms
• Rust inhibitor reduces corrosion on
steel surface extensions
• Comes in tube, pail or aerosol
Atlas Polar Now Carries Full Line of Products from Lube-A-Boom
• Lube-A-Boom
• Drive fill lubricant prevents debris on boom from
contaminating product
• Open gear lubricant
• Clear Lube-A-Boom product
• Lube-A-Rope ideal for wire ropes on winches
• For information on Lube-A-Boom,
http://www.lubeaboom.com/
What Are Operator’s Responsibilities for HIAB Crane Maintenance?
• Operators responsible for equipment
maintenance
‣ Ensuring greasing and lubricating is done
as indicated
‣ Annual servicing
‣ Annual hydraulic & slewing oil change
‣ Daily crane inspection
‣ Ensure yearly qualified technician
inspection is done
• Atlas Polar installs embossed decal after
inspection
Typical Daily Operator’s Inspection for Lubrication or Maintenance Requirement?
• Not a lot of daily requirements for lubrication
• Verification of lubrication on a regular basis is required
• Daily basis is pre operation inspection
‣ Verification equipment is safe to unfold and operate
‣ Verify no damage has occurred during transporting
‣ No hazards present to personnel, equipment or material
• Atlas Polar has daily pre operation inspection check list for download
• Operators doing lubrication allows closer inspection of extensions,
cylinders, potential hydraulic problems not normally visible
Is the Annual Inspection Legislated?
• All equipment over 10 HP is
required by law to be inspected
in Ontario annually or as per
manufacturer instructions
What Would a Mechanic Do For Inspection of HIAB Crane?
• Atlas Polar uses a 36 point inspection
• Verify all hydraulic, electronic systems
plus structural components meet
Manufacturer’s specifications
• No defects
• Any faults evident have to be repaired
before certification
What Issues or Items Are Mechanics Looking For?
• Have to insure all hydraulic, electronic
and structural components in good
working order and meet manufacturer’s
specs and requirements
• Looking for any potential failure points
‣ Example: hose wear & tear from
corrosion
Lubrication and Maintenance critically important to maintain
• Reliability
• Longevity of equipment
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