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5 spare parts to keep in stock for your overhead cranes and how to choose them
Overhead cranes in good condition are important for your company's productivity. But when a breakdown occurs on a piece of equipment important to your production, you need to react quickly. So how do you feel when you learn that a part needed for repair isn't available for days or even weeks? Worry and stress can quickly overwhelm you, and that's normal! A production stoppage can soon lead to significant costs.
After a 15-year career in the overhead crane service department, I've seen time and again how important it is for customers to have a contingency plan. And more specifically, to keep a stock of must-have spare parts when using overhead cranes playing a key role in the company's productivity. But why is it essential to stock spare parts for overhead cranes? How do you know which parts to prioritize?
In this article, you'll discover how to identify the key parts you need to keep in stock. We'll cover strategic reasons, a list of the 5 essential parts, and typical delivery times.
Why is keeping a stock of spare parts for your key overhead cranes so important?
If your equipment is crucial to your production, it's essential to have a solid contingency plan and strategy to ensure rapid repair in the event of a breakdown. This includes having spare parts directly on site. Why? Here are just a few reasons :
- In general, a specialized technician will carry common spare parts in his truck. But if your specialist's diagnosis reveals the need for a part he doesn't have on hand, the time needed to restart the equipment will increase.
- Replacement parts may not be available in stock from your supplier. Please note that the majority of lifting equipment parts are manufactured in Europe. This will considerably increase lead times.
- Some spare parts, such as the hoisting cable or chain, may not be in stock with your service provider because there are too many possible variants. At best, he'll keep a stock of the more standard parts, but you'll have to turn to the manufacturer for the rest.
- For a certain reason, your lifting supplier may have sold out of a part you need, lengthening the time it takes to get one for you.
- If you have a qualified technician in-house, they can carry out the repair themselves without delay (see box What is a competent technician?).
What is a competent technician?
According to the CSA standard, a qualified overhead crane technician "is a person who is adequately qualified, has received relevant training and is experienced to perform" the job. He or she must "be knowledgeable, experienced and trained in all aspects of lifting equipment and hoist operation." CSA B167-16, points 3 and 8.2.1.
As you can see, many circumstances can affect the availability of a part. So how do you know which parts you should keep in stock?
Top 5 wear parts to keep in stock for your overhead crane
Here are the five most frequently replaced parts, and why you should keep some in stock.
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1. Hook latches
The latch is the small steel tongue that closes the hook opening. This part, especially on the lifting hook, can be damaged more frequently. It is easy to detect during an operational inspection (start of shift), and simple to replace. It's an affordable part, but in the event of breakage, the equipment could be taken out of service temporarily for safety reasons.
- Tip : Keep 2 or 3 hook latches in stock for each key piece of equipment.
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2. Remote controls
Remote controls are essential, but they can be lost or accidentally crushed, for example under a vehicle. Without a remote, the equipment is unusable.
- Tip : Choose the right remote control for your needs (e.g. shock resistance). Keep a spare remote control handy (see How can I ensure safety when using a spare remote control on my overhead crane?).
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3. The most stressed electrical components
Some electrical parts, such as contactors, wear out more quickly due to intensive use.
- Tip : Keep a limited but strategic inventory of these common components. Consult your specialist for advice on the right parts for your key equipment.
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4. The hoisting cable
A hoisting cable that has been misused or exposed to improper handling can quickly become damaged. This part is more complex than it looks, and its specifications vary highly.
- Tip : See the article The hoisting cable: carrying a heavy load to learn more about this essential component and the importance of having the right replacement cable.
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5. The load break
If the brake is no longer holding the load correctly, the brake lining probably needs replacing. This intervention is essential for the equipment to be used again, as worker safety depends on it.
- Tip : It's good practice to have this part on hand and to order a new one when you use it.
That said, wear of most overhead crane parts can be detected in advance, and closely monitored through periodic inspection. This is an excellent way of avoiding surprises and anticipating which parts will need replacing in the near future.
But how to know exactly which parts you should keep in stock for your particular lifting equipment?
How do you know which spare parts to keep in stock for your overhead cranes?
The decision to store a part depends on how much downtime you can accept on a lifting device. In fact, the question is related to the critical aspect of the equipment. When it's a key piece of equipment for your production, it's advisable to at least have in stock the parts mentioned above. But if you have an alternative solution in your contingency plan to get around this problem, perhaps delays will affect you much less.
An effective way to establish a list of these parts is to consult your lifting specialist. He or she will be able to analyze your equipment model with you and, after checking the usual availability of wear parts, will be able to confirm which ones would be wise to keep in stock at your site.
STRATEGY FOR LIMITING THE NUMBER OF PARTS
Some find it useful to limit the number of parts in stock on their site by restricting the number of different equipment models as much as possible. This way, there are fewer different parts to manage. However, it's important to understand that it's not just a question of installing equipment of the same brand, but also of limiting the number of models within a brand, as parts are often not the same from one model to another. In some cases, parts may even change for the same model over time.
Once you've made your part selection, you certainly want to have an idea of the delivery times for replacement parts!
How long does it take to deliver an overhead crane spare part?
Parts delivery times vary according to many factors. But here's overview of what you can generally expect :
- Standard or common parts, in stock at your local supplier : 2 to 3 working days.
- Less frequent parts : 1 to 3 weeks.
- Rare parts or parts sold out by your supplier : 6 weeks or more.
These times depend on when the order is placed internally with your parts supplier. Your supplier cannot control the transport time, and it depends on the distance to be covered. These variations can therefore influence the actual time.
Stay productive with a contingency plan!
An unexpected production stoppage can be costly, but with proactive spare parts management for your overhead cranes, you're better prepared to minimize these risks. By keeping essential parts such as hook latches, remote controls or hoisting cables in stock, you can guarantee continuity of operations even in the event of a breakdown. And don't forget that regular inspections help you anticipate wear and tear, and plan for necessary replacements. For companies that depend heavily on their overhead cranes, anticipating these needs is not just an operational strategy – it's a crucial lever for protecting your productivity and margins.
Your next step is simple: assess your key equipment with a specialist and identify the critical parts you need to keep in stock. See our article Reactive or proactive when it comes to the maintenance of your lifting equipment? for practical advice. You can also contact us directly to schedule a personalized assessment of your needs by filling in the form at the bottom of the page.
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