Emergency Stop Control
One of the most important safety features of a crawler crane is its emergency stop control. This feature is designed to quickly and safely stop the machine in the event of an emergency. In some instances, pressing the emergency stop control will halt all operations of the crane, while in others, it will only halt certain operations. If the crane is equipped with an electronic control system, it should also be fitted with an emergency stop control. This could be in the form of a button, switch, or lever that is used to immediately stop the crane.
Upper and Lower Limit Switches
Upper and lower limit switches are designed to limit the travel distance of the cranes booms and jibs. These switches will usually be programmed with a specific set of parameters such as height, width, and so forth. By ensuring that the crane is operating within these predetermined boundaries, the upper and lower limit switches help to protect the crane from damage, as well as its surrounding area and personnel.
Anti-Two-Block System
In order for a service crane to be considered safe, it must be fitted with an anti-two-block system. This system is designed to detect when the cranes hoist line is approaching the top of its travel or when the hook is touching the ground. When the anti-two-block system is triggered, the cranes operation is instantly stopped. This feature is not only important for protecting the crane and its operator, but it is also critical for ensuring the stability of the load.
Safety Clutch/Cut-Outs
The safety clutch/cut-outs on a crawler crane are designed to shut off the cranes power in the event of a dangerous situation. This safety feature is usually either manually triggered, or a part of the cranes internal system. For example, if the cranes operator is leaving his or her station, the safety clutch/cut-outs may activate, thereby shutting off the power to the crane.
Safety Lights
Safety lights are a great way to alert both the operator and all other personnel of the cranes activity. By warning others that the crane is in operation, the safety lights can help to reduce the risk of accidents. In addition to this, some safety lights are also equipped with sensors, which detect movement within a certain radius and illuminate accordingly.
Maintenance Logs
It is important to complete routine maintenance checks on all of your crawler cranes. This is not only important for ensuring the safety of the operator and other personnel, but also for preserving the internal parts and components of the crane. Furthermore, it is also good practice to keep a maintenance log, which details all of the operations that were checked and any necessary repairs or replacements that were made. This maintenance log can be a great source of reference for any future service or repairs that may be needed.
Conclusion
Crawler cranes are powerful and versatile pieces of equipment that should be respected and treated with the care that they deserve. By equipping them with the necessary safety features, such as an emergency stop control, upper and lower limit switches, an anti-two-block system, safety clutch/cut-outs, and safety lights, you can help to ensure the safety of both your crew and the crane itself. Additionally, maintaining regular maintenance checks and keeping a maintenance log can also help to minimize costly repairs, as well as provide useful insights into the overall operation of the crane.
