Although lifting gear is important when it comes to lifting or lowering loads, the maintenance and condition of it should not be neglected. Maintenance can include repairs, replacements, services and testing equipment to make sure that they are in working condition. Ensuring that your gear is well cared for and maintained has many benefits in the workplace, therefore it should be a practice that is implemented in every project that uses lifting equipment such as hoists or winches. Here at Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services, we hold strong values when it comes to having lifting gear that is well maintained and looked after. That’s why we offer servicing and testing for winches, hoists, lifting gear and rigging so you can be assured that your equipment is in the best condition.
From the benefits of frequently checking your equipment to how you should go about maintaining them, take a look at Atlas Winch & Hire Services’ take on lifting gear!
Importance of Maintenance
The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations state that the workplace and equipment should be maintained and in working order at all times. It is recommended that lifting equipment should always receive an initial examination and assessment, with following check-ups occurring on a yearly basis. If you are instead hiring lifting gear, ensure that you check the inspection record to confirm that it is in working order. Whether it be the winch cable or the lifting sling, every piece of equipment should be checked.
So why exactly is it so important?
Lasts Longer
Any heavy machinery usually requires frequent maintenance to ensure it lasts for the long run. If you carry out regular inspections on the equipment, you can identify any issues before they get any worse. By doing so, you can arrange a repair or replacement before the damage becomes unsafe. If you were to leave the repair to the last minute, this will cost you a lot of money to repair. Also, machinery that is dirty and unclean tends to wear out quick. Therefore it might be advisable to clean your equipment straight after its use, or you could alternatively invest in waterproof covers. By doing so, you will save more money in the long run as a complete replacement won’t be needed.
Health and Safety
Maintaining your equipment plays a pivotal role when it comes to adhering to health and safety regulations. Before you use the equipment, you should check that it is safe to use. If you inspect the vehicle and identify defects, then this can result in a health and safety risk. Without completing regular maintenance of equipment, you might notice a faulty part which can lead to a serious injury. Therefore it is paramount that you maintain your equipment to ensure you and others are safe. For instance, using a defective winch cable has the possibility of serious injury, so it’s important to stay on top of this at all times.
Efficiency
Not only does maintenance allow you to strictly follow health and safety guidelines, but it can also improve efficiency when working. Ensuring that equipment is in peak condition can reduce the risk of breakdowns or malfunctions from happening in the future. For example, replacing the winch products when needed can ensure the equipment is running at peak performance.
At Atlas Winch & Hire Solutions, we are here to give you a helping hand when it comes to the maintenance of your machinery. Whether it be servicing, testing or refurbishment, our knowledgeable and experienced engineers are here to ensure your machinery is in the best condition possible. Not only that, but we can also provide training on how to use winch products effectively to ensure you are using the machinery to the best of its ability.
How to Maintain your Mobile Hoist
As aforementioned, if a piece of equipment is poorly maintained then this can result in both major expenses or a failure to adhere to health and safety regulations. It is important that you know what you’re doing when maintaining your equipment. Here are just some of the things you should consider when maintaining your mobile host.
- Lubricant Oil – Although lubricant oil is important to keeping the machinery running smoothly and efficiently, it is important to know how much to use. For instance, if you use a small amount of lubricant then this can cause friction and increase the chances of wear and tear happening. Yet if you use too much lubrication, then there might be a build-up of grease which can lead to further issues.
- Replacing Lifting Sling – The lifting slings could be considered the most important component of lifting equipment and therefore it is important that you have one in working order. You should frequently check the slings and try to identify any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any twists in the material then you should get a replacement. For future reference, you should always plan how much you are going to lift and whether your slings have the facilities to cope with it.
- Waterproof Cover – The weather, as well as mud or dirt, can have a serious impact on the functionality of machinery. Not only can it cause the machinery to stop operating, but it can also force it to break down completely. Therefore by having a waterproof cover this means that the machinery is protected and you won’t have to spend money on a completely new replacement.
- Checking for Loose Bolts – Having loose bolts on your machinery is something else that you need to stay vigilant about.
Using the Right Winch
There are several types of winches available, that’s why it’s important to know that you are using the most appropriate winch for the job you are carrying out. For instance, some winches are best suited to the marine industry, whereas they might fall short if they were to be used in a different industry such as construction. See the different types of winches below and what industry they would best be suited for.
Electric Winch
This winch’s motor is powered through the use of a battery or a power source, which is best suited for quick but light use. Considering that the battery drains quickly, it’s important to limit its usage. Not only are they easy to install, but transporting it from one vehicle to another isn’t a problem either.
Air Winch
These winches are unique in the sense that they are powered by compressed air. Having the benefit of being environmentally friendly, these winches are best used in the oil and gas, marine and construction industry.
Hand Winch
As suggested by its name, these winches are hand-operated. These winches work particularly well in wet conditions where power outlets aren’t available, meaning that they are most effective in woodland areas.
Hydraulic Winch
Using fluid power, this winch uses less energy than its electric counterpart. By using a hydraulic system with a motor pump between the generator and winch, this winch could best be known by its pulling power. It could be said that these winches are effective when working underwater, which makes them ideal for the marine industry.
Using the Right Hoist
Similarly to winches, it is important to distinguish the differences between hoists and what functions they serve. It can sometimes be difficult identifying which hoist would be best suited to you and your needs. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of hoists:
Manual Hoists
Also known as chain falls, this lifting device is hand chain operated. Versatility is a strong point of the manual hoist, as it is suitable for a wide range of lifting tasks. However, it’s important to consider that the load capacity will be much smaller than other types of hoists. These are best used in areas where there is no power source.
Mobile Hoist
These hoists are especially useful because they can be dismantled and transported around. Mobile hoists have the ability to lift material loads of up to thirty metres.
Electric Hoist
These hoists use an electric motor to lift the load, meaning that the process is quicker and more efficient. Not only that, but these electric hoists also allow the operator to have control when it comes to lifting and controlling speed.
Get your Lifting Slings from Atlas Winch & Hire Services
If you are looking to have your lifting gear maintained, then Atlas Winch & Hire Services are the perfect company for you. Offering servicing, testing, training and more, we are a company that prides itself on ensuring your lifting gear is in the best condition possible. Not only that, but we also specialise in providing our customers with different types of winches and hoists. Whether it be an air winch, electric winch or you are simply looking for a lifting sling, we have got you covered. Regardless of the size of your project, we are here to assist you. To find out more about the services that we offer, visit our website today. Alternatively, give us a call on 01899 221 577 for Scotland or 01371 859 555 for Essex.