Which parts are critical
A critical part is one that, when it fails, stops the crane completely and has a long lead time. The list differs by facility, but the following are typically at the top: hoist brake lining and coil, wire rope or chain, overload limiter, VFD, remote control transmitter, travel gearbox.
Keeping some of these parts on site turns a downtime of several days into a downtime of a few hours.
Finding the right part
The fastest way to request a part is to send the crane's nameplate information (capacity, serial number, year of manufacture) and a photo of the old part. For wire rope, diameter, construction and length are needed; for chain, grade and size.
If an equivalent part is to be used, compatibility must always be confirmed. Especially for brakes, wire rope, chain and safety elements, the wrong equivalent is a direct safety issue.
Frequently requested parts
| Group | Parts |
|---|---|
| Hoisting | Wire rope, chain, hook, hook block, sheave, drum components |
| Brake | Lining, coil, spring, disc, adjustment elements |
| Travel | Wheel, bearing, gearbox, coupling |
| Electrical | Contactor, VFD, thermal relay, junction box, cable |
| Safety | Limit switch, overload limiter, load cell |
| Controls | Radio transmitter/receiver, pendant control, keypad |
| Power supply | Busbar profile, current collector carbon, festoon trolley |
Technical terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Critical part | A part that stops the crane when it fails and has a long lead time. |
| Equivalent | A functionally equivalent part that isn't original. |
| Nameplate | The plate on which capacity, serial number, year of manufacture and duty class are recorded. |
| Compatibility | The mechanical and electrical ability of a part to work with the existing system. |
Frequently asked questions
Which parts should I stock?
It depends on the crane's duty class and the cost of downtime. For process cranes, brake lining, limit switches, a remote control transmitter and a VFD are typical stock items.
Can parts be found for my old crane?
In most cases, yes — if the original isn't available, a solution is found through a compatible equivalent or fabrication. Nameplate information and a photo significantly speed up the process.