5 Ways To Keep Your HIAB

Crane In Tip Top Shape

What We Are Going To Cover

• Lubrication of HIAB crane, types & intervals

• Hydraulic filters

• What to do with telescopic extensions

• Key operator responsibilities

• Annual inspections & services

What Lubrication Should Operators Carry Out on Their Cranes?

• Operators carry out services outlined in

operators manual

• Most important

‣ Lubricating crane every 16 running hours

or before long storage

‣ Use good quality grease

‣ EP2 grease recommended

What Types of Grease Are Available?

• Several types

‣ EP2 general type chasse grease

‣ OG high wash out type not used as much

What Other Lubricants Are Essential for the Operation of the HIAB Crane?

• Good quality lubricating oil

• Several grease points at articulating areas but

few components

‣ Latches

‣ Hose swivels

• Components that don’t have grease fitting but

are moving parts benefit from

‣ Good quality lubricating oil

‣ Manual recommends 10W40

‣ Many others available with rust inhibitors added

What About Hydraulic Oil Change Intervals?

• Very critical

• Throughout working life of crane oil becomes contaminated

• Most picked up by filters

• Still requires changing due to little amounts of condensation

and water

• Recommended to change oil at least once yearly

• Oil change includes both hydraulic oil and slewing oil

• Change in 1st year and every following year

What Should HIAB Crane Owners Know About Changing Hydraulic Filter?

• Filtering of oil is critical

• On new equipment change after first 50 hours

of service

• Recommended to change yearly

• HIAB cranes can have between 1 to 3 very

important filters

‣ 1 for remote control

‣ 1 high pressure

‣ 1 in tank hydraulic oil filter

• Easy to change instructions in operator’s manual

What Do You Recommend to Maintain Telescopic Extensions?

• New product Lube-A-Boom designed

for telescopic extension of cranes

• Nylon slide pads easily damaged with

wrong grease

• Lube-A-Boom waxy non tacky type

product coats booms

• Rust inhibitor reduces corrosion on

steel surface extensions

• Comes in tube, pail or aerosol

Atlas Polar Now Carries Full Line of Products from Lube-A-Boom

• Lube-A-Boom

• Drive fill lubricant prevents debris on boom from

contaminating product

• Open gear lubricant

• Clear Lube-A-Boom product

• Lube-A-Rope ideal for wire ropes on winches

• For information on Lube-A-Boom,

http://www.lubeaboom.com/

What Are Operator’s Responsibilities for HIAB Crane Maintenance?

• Operators responsible for equipment

maintenance

‣ Ensuring greasing and lubricating is done

as indicated

‣ Annual servicing

‣ Annual hydraulic & slewing oil change

‣ Daily crane inspection

‣ Ensure yearly qualified technician

inspection is done

• Atlas Polar installs embossed decal after

inspection

Typical Daily Operator’s Inspection for Lubrication or Maintenance Requirement?

• Not a lot of daily requirements for lubrication

• Verification of lubrication on a regular basis is required

• Daily basis is pre operation inspection

‣ Verification equipment is safe to unfold and operate

‣ Verify no damage has occurred during transporting

‣ No hazards present to personnel, equipment or material

• Atlas Polar has daily pre operation inspection check list for download

• Operators doing lubrication allows closer inspection of extensions,

cylinders, potential hydraulic problems not normally visible

Is the Annual Inspection Legislated?

• All equipment over 10 HP is

required by law to be inspected

in Ontario annually or as per

manufacturer instructions

What Would a Mechanic Do For Inspection of HIAB Crane?

• Atlas Polar uses a 36 point inspection

• Verify all hydraulic, electronic systems

plus structural components meet

Manufacturer’s specifications

• No defects

• Any faults evident have to be repaired

before certification

What Issues or Items Are Mechanics Looking For?

• Have to insure all hydraulic, electronic

and structural components in good

working order and meet manufacturer’s

specs and requirements

• Looking for any potential failure points

‣ Example: hose wear & tear from

corrosion

Lubrication and Maintenance critically important to maintain

• Reliability

• Longevity of equipment