How to Take Good Care of Your Truck-Mounted Crane

Taking good care of your truck-mounted crane helps it last longer. Good care saves you money. This guide will show you how to keep your crane in top shape.

Why Crane Care Matters

Your crane cost a lot of money. If you take care of it, it will work for many years. If you don’t, it might break down early.

Good crane care means:

• Fewer breakdowns
• Safer operation
• Better performance
• Less money spent on repairs
• Longer working life

Top 3 Ways to Care for Your Crane

1. Use Good Hydraulic Oil

The oil keeps your crane moving smoothly. When you first buy your crane, you might get some good oil with it. But what about when you need more?

Here’s what to do:

• Buy oil from trusted companies
• Change the oil on schedule
• Don’t mix different kinds of oil
• Check oil levels often

When to change hydraulic oil:

• Every 6 months for most cranes
• More often if you use it a lot
• When the oil looks dirty

2. Apply Grease Regularly

Grease helps parts move without grinding. It’s like putting oil on a door hinge to stop the squeak.

Where to put grease:

• On all moving parts
• Where metal rubs against metal
• On joints and hinges

How to apply grease:

• Clean the area first
• Use a grease gun
• Don’t use too much
• Wipe off extra grease

When to apply grease:

• Once a week for busy cranes
• Once a month for less-used cranes
• After working in rain or mud

3. Check Your Crane Often

Find small problems before they become big ones. Regular checks save you time and money.

What to check:

• Look for loose bolts
• Check for oil leaks
• Listen for strange noises
• Watch for slow movement
• Test all controls

When to check:

• Before each use
• After heavy lifting jobs
• At the end of each week

Simple Crane Care Schedule

Crane Care Tips from Experts

1. Don’t overload your crane
   • Know your crane’s weight limits
   • Use load charts
   • Lift slowly and carefully
2. Keep it clean
   • Wash off mud and dirt
   • Clean the controls
   • Wipe down moving parts
3. Store it right
   • Park in dry areas when possible
   • Cover exposed parts in bad weather
   • Lower the boom when not in use
4. Train all operators
   • Teach proper use
   • Show care routines
   • Explain warning signs

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Problem: Slow movement

• Check oil levels
• Look for leaks
• Make sure nothing is blocking movement

Problem: Strange noises

• Apply grease to moving parts
• Check for loose bolts
• Look for worn-out parts

Problem: Leaking oil

• Find the leak source
• Replace bad seals or hoses
• Check for cracks in tanks

When to Call a Pro

Some problems need expert help from a mobile crane service company:

• Big oil leaks
• Broken controls
• Strange noises that won’t stop
• Power loss
• Safety system problems

Final Tips

Your crane truck will last longer if you:

1. Follow the maker’s care guide
2. Train all users on proper care
3. Keep good records of all maintenance
4. Don’t skip needed care to save time
5. Use only good parts and fluids

Good care might seem like extra work, but it saves money over time. A well-kept crane is safer, works better, and lasts many years longer than one that’s poorly maintained.

Remember: The small time you spend on care now saves big repair costs later!