CRANES’ MAINTENANCE: MECHANICAL & HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS
Cranes are extremely useful in the shipping industry. They are used in ports to load ships, onboard ships to move cargo, offshore platforms, and oil rigs. Marine cargo cranes operate in difficult conditions, such as exposure to the corrosive effects of salt water as well as weather elements such as strong winds, because crane locations are constantly subjected to such constants.
Cranes and related auxiliary equipment are critical for ship operations; any problems with them can result in an extended port stay, property damage, or even casualties. Cranes, like other heavy machinery used on the job site, require routine maintenance and inspection to ensure their safety.
A crane is made up primarily of the following sections and equipment:
Base structure of the crane
Fixed Pedestal
Moving Turret
Jib Arm
Hoist with Wire
Hydraulic & Electric Equipment
Safety Devices
The following are some general maintenance requirements that apply to almost all types of cranes:
Steel wire ropes must be lubricated along the entire length of the rope. Every component that comes into contact with the steel wire rope, including the pulley and winch drum, must be lubricated. Furthermore, the rope should be inspected on a regular basis for visible flaws as well as excessive wear and tear.
Brakes — Regular brake pad thickness inspections and service on crane brakes must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
Hydraulic systems — The hydraulic systems of the crane's core machinery should all be inspected and evaluated on a regular basis. This includes all operational components of the overall system, such as the actuator, pump, motor, accumulator, and valves. Every part that will be used should be inspected for general wear and tear, as well as cracking.
Hydraulic fluids and filters should be maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. This could include topping off, draining, and replacing the filter and fluid at regular intervals.
Rotating parts — Sheaves, bearings, and slew rings, to name just a few, are examples of the hardware and parts that enable the crane to rotate and are mainly located in the base structure. It’s crucial that all rotating parts are frequently inspected for damage and wear and that all of the parts are lubricated.
Take nothing for granted when repairing a crane or any piece of equipment that operates with it. Preventative maintenance schedules ought to include every part of a crane, such as stated above.
Our crane technicians and engineers have received training in both mechanical and hydraulic crane repairs. Personnel at Kynosoura Dockyard have many years of experience in the field of control system maintenance, conducting diagnostics and repairs for cranes of any complexity and in a timely manner. We put forth every effort to ensure that cranes operate without any interruption as we recognize the significance and responsibility of the task performed.
At KYNOSOURA DOCKYARD, we provide shipbuilding and repair services in Salamis, Greece for over 50 years. We work to provide you with high quality and safety standards that are created to meet the demands of the shipping industry on the most cost-effective basis through our shipyard and large pool of experienced labor strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean.




















