Crane Truck Maintenance

Crane trucks can perform many of the same tasks as a normal crane, with the added benefit of being much easier to move due to the truck body. However, a crane truck needs regular maintenance like any piece of equipment. That’s why the experts at DTI Trucks have created this guide to crane truck maintenance. 

Alignment 

Repeated usage can see a crane become misaligned over time. Essentially, the crane starts to lean towards one side or the other. The misalignment will cause the crane to make loud sounds while in operation, causing premature wearing in the motor drives. If the misalignment becomes extreme enough, your crane truck might even tip over! That’s why regular inspection and maintenance is so important. 

Chains and Hook

While a crane’s chains are designed to last through years of heavy lifting, they still need to be inspected every once in a while. If you notice any serious damage, signs of wear and tear, or major corrosion, it’s time to replace the chains. All connections and joints need to be cleaned and lubricated at least once or twice a year. We recommend having the operator document the chain’s condition on a monthly basis for safety’s sake. As for the hook, be ready to replace it should it become too bent to be usable. 

Air and Hydraulic Systems

A typical crane setup will employ air and hydraulic systems in order to move heavy loads. Naturally, these systems need to be carefully monitored and maintained. 

Wheels

Since the wheels of your crane truck will need to support the weight of whatever you are lifting, you’ll need to be even more scrupulous about maintaining them than you would with a normal truck. Inspect them regularly for excessive tread wear, and try to keep them within the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range.

Lubricants 

As with any machine, a truck crane’s moving parts need to be kept well-lubricated. This includes the gearbox, hydraulic brake actuator, open gear, bearing, gear coupling, bolts, joints, and wire rope. Different parts may need different lubricants, so check your owner’s manual for specifics. Bear in mind that some lubricants are designed to be used in cold weather, while others are for warm weather. You’ll need to switch them out as needed. 

Shop crane trucks at DTI Trucks. We operate dealerships in Denver and Wheat Ridge, Colorado. We also offer parts ordering, servicing, fabrication, towing, and rentals.