Information that speeds up service
What determines the first-visit resolution rate on a breakdown call is the clarity of the information provided: the crane's capacity, serial number and year of manufacture; what the symptom is and how long it has been going on; the VFD fault code, if any; the last maintenance date.
With this information, the technician who arrives is highly likely to bring the right spare part, avoiding a second visit.
Root-cause analysis
The same part failing twice within a short interval shows that the symptom was addressed rather than the root cause. Example: if a wheel flange is wearing, replacing the wheel only postpones the fault; unless the rail line is measured, it comes back from the same spot.
Similarly, a thermal overload relay that keeps tripping may be a sign of mechanical strain rather than a motor problem. Recording the root cause in the service report prevents the next stoppage.
Common faults
| Symptom | Check first |
|---|---|
| Brake not holding | Air gap, lining thickness, spring, lining contamination with oil |
| Crane skewing sideways | Rail line geometry, wheel diameter difference, travel balance |
| VFD showing a fault | Fault code, brake timing, panel cooling |
| Control unresponsive | Battery, pairing, emergency stop, receiver power supply |
| Rope winding unevenly | Fleet angle, drum groove, rope twist |
| Limiter cutting out early | Calibration, load cell, rope friction |
| Motor overheating | Duty class match, oil, brake dragging, ventilation |
For a detailed list by symptom, use our fault diagnosis tool.
Technical terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Root cause | The actual underlying cause of a fault; different from the symptom. |
| Fault code | The code shown by the VFD or control unit indicating the type of fault. |
| Lockout–tagout | A method to prevent energy from being accidentally applied during maintenance. |
| Thermal overload protection | A protective device that cuts the circuit under excessive current to protect the motor. |
Frequently asked questions
The crane stopped, what should I do?
First make the load safe and clear the area. Then note the nameplate information, the symptom and any fault code, and call for service. Repeatedly restarting it yourself can make electrical faults worse.
Do you service other brands of cranes?
Diagnosis and repair can be carried out on cranes of various brands; spare parts availability depends on the brand and model.