Blown Stick Cylinder Holding Valves, A Costly Issue.

This blog is initiated by damage to a 3 extension crane. Crushing of the control valves and receiver because of a blown stick cylinder holding valve. A costly issue – could this have been avoided with more care? The most time consuming and difficult part of knuckle boom crane operation is undocking the crane. I have seen some workers who shouldn’t perform this function. Take care during this step. Soft skills are important. As I say when training 0-8 mobile crane operators “take your time… watch the pros do it.. use techniques that protect the equipment and you”… Our technicians and pros at Crane Tech understand the importance of undocking. We have never crashed a crane undocking it because we talk about it – and take care – in every crane from Palfingers to PM’s to IMT’s to Maxilifts to Maxlifts to Cobras to Stellars to Nationals. Let’s first identify the functions. Rotate – boom – stick – extension are relevant for this discussion. Rotate the boom to a safe clearance position to prevent cab damage. Carefully remove the mechanical restrictions so the boom can move – my term is “relax” the boom. Next is to carefully use the boom up function to raise the boom. Watch for cleats that lock the boom in travel. These lock positioners need to be respected to not hydraulically overpower them and bend or break them. Worse, the added energy in the hydraulics can dangerously spring the stick out and crush anything like a hand if it’s close or – as we see infrequently – the control valves and computer located at or near the docking area. The key is to raise the boom as much as possible so the stick is “limp”. This is the desired position because the stick and its fairly heavy extension sections are raised up high. The stick is out of danger of crashing into the control boxes etc. Then and only then is the operator able to open the “envelope” – using the stick cylinder to level off the extensions. This technique takes it up and into a better location. Unfold the unit and safely extend the sections. And off to work you go – using the versatility of the boom for all of your lifting needs. Here’s why…. The stick cylinder faces a geometric disadvantage at the docking position. If you add oil through the control valve the movements are touchy and will cause a crash. Raise the boom first to maintain easy control of the stick function. Learn your boom is the best advice. Remote controls often have 50% functions that can slow the undocking cycle for more control. Repairing hydraulic components is challenging enough; meanwhile, sticking valves, faulty transmitters and receivers, worn solenoids, sequencing valve failures, cylinder leaks, counterbalance issues, holding valves, and damaged manifolds all demand precision and expertise. As a result, preventable damage creates downtime your operation simply doesn’t need. For those involved in fleet operations, we have created training modules that help operators to master the skills required to successfully undock and dock cranes without crashing into panels and controls etc. Crane tech has successfully trained many operators to avoid the pitfalls. Sure, a well‑managed fleet saves money—but it also boosts safety and helps you avoid the kind of preventable damage that takes equipment out of service.. A win – win situation. Saving you money. Crane tech promises to keep working hard to earn your business. We work as hard as you do. Whether you are in Uxbridge, Port Perry, Udora, Stouffville , Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay, Gamebridge, Kirkfield give us a call. We inspect cranes, auto hoists, elevating lift platforms, bridge cranes, knuckle booms, drywall booms, racking to name but a few. Remember that the Crane Tech Inspection team can conveniently inspect all of your lifting equipment at the same time. One call for all of your lifting equipment! Crane Tech inspects and maintains your Hoist Lifting Equipment. So, Call us at 705-734-0012. See us on Instagram. On the web www.craneservices.ca. We know your equipment best!