Your industrial overhead crane is probably one of the most important pieces of equipment within your business. This means that it's important to keep it operating properly. Ensuring that those who use it or who work near it are safe is important as well, and a daily inspection can help. These are some of the main things that you should check on your overhead crane each day.

1. Hooks

The hooks on your overhead crane are the first point of contact for the heavy loads that your equipment carries, so it is critical to check them to ensure that they do not have any cracks or other problems. Even minor cracks, rust or deterioration should not be ignored. It's a good idea to keep extra hooks on hand so that you can swap them out as needed; then, you can ensure that you always have safe hooks in place.

2. Hoist Chains

Not only do the hooks carry a heavy load, but the hoist chains do as well. It is important to use the same type of chain that is suggested by the manufacturer; even a minor difference in weight can have a big impact on the safety of your overhead crane's operation. Make sure that the chains are not rusty, broken or cracked by doing a visual inspection each day.

3. Hydraulic Parts

If the hydraulic parts on your overhead crane give out at an unexpected moment, it can cause your load to be dropped. Not only can this be extremely dangerous, but it can also result in expensive damage to the items that you are moving and to your equipment. Carefully check all hydraulic parts to make sure that they are not leaking any fluid or making strange noises. If you notice any problems whatsoever, you should stop using your overhead crane until a professional is able to come out and inspect and repair these parts.

4. Operating Mechanisms

Check the controls that control your crane's operation, and perform a quick test each day before starting work with your equipment. It is better to find out that the controls are faulty when there isn't anything on your crane than when you are moving a heavy load.

Taking the time to perform a quick inspection of your overhead crane can help prevent injury and damage to your equipment. These are some of the main things that you should check during this inspection.

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