
Chapter 3 - Maintenance
3-4
Wire Rope Inspection Points
While inspection of the entire rope is required,
attention should be directed to these critical
points:
1. Pick-up Points for signs of wear due to
stress from repeated lifts.
2. End Attachments for corrosion and broken
wires at both ends of the rope.
3. Drums for signs of corrugation and wear
that may lead to wire damage.
4. Sheaves to ensure that each sheave has
the proper groove size and contour.
5. Abuse Points for heavy amounts of
scuffing and scraping.
It is important to perform detailed inspections of
all ropes associated with the crane. These
inspections can be divided into two types:
1. Frequent Inspection
A. All running ropes should be inspected
once each working day. These visual
observations will be concerned with
discovering damage that may be an
immediate hazard. The following
concerns should be addressed:
1. Distortion of the rope.
2. General corrosion.
3. Broken or cut strands.
B. Use caution while inspecting sections of
rapid deterioration.
C. Use caution while inspecting boom hoist
ropes. Proper inspection is critical but
difficult.
2. Periodic Inspection
A. Inspection frequency will be determined
by a qualified person and will be based
on such factors as expected rope life,
environment conditions, capacity of
typical lifts, rates of usage, and exposure
to shock loads. Periodic inspection
needs to be performed at least annually.
B. Periodic inspections will be performed by
aqualified individual and will cover the
entire length of the rope.
Only the surface wires of the rope need
to be inspected. This inspection will be
concerned with discovering damage that
may be an immediate hazard. The
following concerns should be addressed:
1. Distortion of the rope.
2. General corrosion.
3. Broken or cut strands.
4. Reduction of rope diameter.
5. Corroded or broken wires at end
connections.
6. Corroded, cracked, bent, worn, or
improperly applied end connections.
C. Use caution when inspecting the
following:
1. Sections in contact with saddles,
equalizer sheaves, or other sheaves
where rope travel is limited.
2. Sections of the rope at or near ends
with corroded or broken wires.
Wire Rope Replacement
Rope replacement guidelines are as follows:
1. Broken wires, including standing ropes with
more than two broken wires in one lay or
more than one broken wire at an end
connection.
2. Wear of one-third the original diameter of the
outside wires.
3. Distortion of the rope structure.
4. Evidence of heat damage.
5. Reductions from nominal diameters of more
than 1/64 in. (0.4 mm) for diameters from 5/16
in.(19.0 mm) and 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) for
diameters from 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) to and including
1/2 in. (13.0 mm).
Wire Rope Maintenance
Proper maintenance is key in ensuring a long
lasting rope. These three tips will help:
1. Store the rope to prevent damage.
2. Avoid objects that may scrape, bend, or crush
the wires of the rope.
3. Always keep the rope well-lubricated.
Wire Rope Maintenance