Tips For Safe And Effective Hydraulic Crane Operation

Cranes are an invaluable tool on many job sites. They help with everything from lifting and moving heavy equipment to construction materials. But, like any other machinery, they need to be operated safely and effectively to avoid accidents.

Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

Make Sure the Ground Is Stable and Solid Beforehand

Operating a hydraulic crane requires a stable and level surface. This is important for two reasons. First, the crane could tip over if the ground is not level or stable enough. The crane's base is not as wide as its boom, which means it has a higher center of gravity. A higher center of gravity means less stability, so the crane is more likely to tip over.

Second, if the ground is not level, the crane's load could shift, causing the crane to tip over or drop the load. The crane could even sink further into the ground under its own weight, making things very difficult (and dangerous) for the operator.

To avoid these problems, always inspect the ground before using the crane. If the ground is not level, use hydraulic jacks to level it out. You may also need to use plywood or other materials to create a level surface.

If you're using a hydraulic crane that needs to be attached to a vehicle, make sure the vehicle is properly secured. This way, even if the crane tips over, the vehicle will help prevent it from falling completely.

Don't Overload the Crane

This one seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how often people try to overload their crane. Remember, the crane has a maximum load capacity. This is the absolute maximum weight the crane can safely lift.

If you try to lift more than the maximum load capacity, two things could happen. First, the crane could tip over since it's lifting more weight than it's designed to handle. Even if it doesn't tip over, the hydraulic system could fail, causing the crane to drop its load.

In addition, the crane's boom could break since it's being strained beyond its limits. This can happen suddenly without warning, which could be very dangerous for the operator and anyone nearby.

To avoid these problems, always check the maximum load capacity of your crane and never try to exceed it. If you're not sure how much weight your crane can lift, ask a hydraulic crane service technician for help. They may already have performed a load test to determine the crane's maximum capacity.

Reach out to a company like Industrial Engineers Inc to learn more.