10
Section 3
Servicing, Repairs and Maintenance
1. Spreader Bar:
The spreader bar is a main load bearing assembly of a hoist. It must be treated as a critical
item and receive priority attention during thorough examination, service, repair and
maintenance work.
1.1 Connection to the jib suspension pin.
The spreader bar is suspended from the jib suspension pin by a hook with a bayonet-type
fixing slot. It is retained on the jib pin by a spring-loaded safety latch. This allows the
spreader bar to be readily detached by operating the safety latch and disengaging the bayonet
connection from the jib pin.
•Check for wear on the suspension hook. Elongation of the main suspension point must
not exceed 3mm before replacement. Note: Check Dimension: The top of a new, unworn
suspension point is 13 mm from the top edge of the hook. At 3 mm elongation this
dimension would be reduced to 10 mm.
•Check for smooth operation of the safety latch. If the latch is difficult to push down or
fails to return to the locked position the cause must be fully investigated. This may
necessitate a strip down of the spreader bar assembly
•Check for any damage that could cause improper connection to the jib suspension pin.
•Maintenance: Lubricate the jib suspension point with Rocol Sapphire grease or any
equivalent light, mineral based grease.
1.2. Central pivot pin.
The central pivot pin passes through the complete spreader bar assembly and is retained on
the underside with a pinned boss. The pivot pin carries the entire load of the lift and its
condition and operation is a very important factor in the overall safety of the hoist.
Note: Examination of the central pivot pin will require at least the removal of the lower
spreader bar cover. Full examination will require a complete strip down of the assembly (see
section 4 Dismantling spreader bar assembly. page 14). A rough assessment of wear on the
central pivot can be made while the assembly is intact. Excessive up and down movement of
the spreader bar on the central pivot provides an indication of wear on the thrust washer or
pivot pin head. Rock or side to side movement on the spreader bar can indicate wear on the
spreader bar central boss, spring spacer or the central pivot itself.
•Check the security of the ø¼”. pin through the boss.
•Check for wear on the thrust washer. Worn washers allowing excessive end float must be
replaced.
•Check for excessive wear on the diameter of the central pin. Reduction in diameter in
excess of 0.5 mm anywhere on the ø12 mm length and the pin must be replaced.
•Check for excessive wear on the head of the central pin. The head is 5mm thick.
Reduction in head thickness in excess of 1.0 mm and the pin must be replaced.
•Check for any damage or wear that could cause excessive play or threaten the security or
load carrying capacity of the spreader bar.
•Lubricate the central pivot pin with Rocol Sapphire grease or any equivalent light,
mineral based grease.
1.3 Spreader bar sling hooks and retainers.
The sling hooks are the attachment points for the sling straps and therefore when in use carry
the full load of the client. The retainers are gravity operated wire latches, designed to prevent
