Although hanging and crane scales are built to perform heavy lifting and weighing functions, they are still a precision instrument that needs to be maintained on a regular basis just like all of your scale products.

Not only is crane scale maintenance crucial from an accuracy standpoint for your business, it’s also very important from a safety standpoint to avoid mechanical failure that can put your employees in an unsafe position.

In order to keep maintenance top of mind, we have put together the below crane scale maintenance checklist that is easy for you to follow:

1. Initial Inspection

During the machine start up and prior to any use, the crane scale hook and shackles or lifting eyes should be inspected. It’s important to check for wearing and cracks and tighten the shackle pin and nut.

2. Every 3 Months

At least once a quarter, you should have a visual inspection performed by a designated internal person making records of any apparent external conditions that may seem alarming to provide the basis for future inspections.

Again, check for wearing or cracks, the hook safety brackets and tighten the shackle pin and nut if it needs tightening.

3. Every Year

On an annual basis, maintenance should be performed by an authorized service provider such as Active Scale to check for gaps and cracks using magnetic powder. If you find something alarming during your quarterly internal inspection, you should contact an authorized service provider immediately.

In addition, every year calibration should be performed on the crane scale. Active Scale offers affordable calibration services from our trained professional technicians using traceable Measurement Canada Certified Mass Standards ranging from high precision Class II scales to Class III industrial scales, and Class IIIHD high capacity scales.

Bonus Safety Tips!

As we mentioned before, maintaining your crane scale is critical to the safety of you and your employees. With that being said, here are some safety tips to always keep in mind when operating a crane scale or operating around one:

  • Always be alert
  • Keep an eye on suspended loads
  • Never work or pass under suspended loads
  • Check hooks, carbines, rings, rope slings, cables, chains and other components for excessive wear or damage and replace/repair before using the scale again
  • Check safety bracket on crane hooks
  • Be certain the load is balanced
  • Lift the load slowly and work at the appropriate speed
  • Avoid vibrations, shock loads, and torsion

As the largest manufacturer of electronic truck scales, portable scales and weigh systems, Active Scale provides digital battery powered crane scales and tension Dynamometers in capacities varying from 500 pounds to 500,000 pounds, including high heat resistant models for use in foundries. Many of our models are also available with wireless handheld or wall mount indicators capable of units, zero and tare functions.

Contact Active Scale today to discuss your weighing needs and for recommendations on hanging scales that will meet your lifting and weighing requirements.