• Moving Parts: Apply synthetic grease that’ s rated for cold weather to all joints and pivot points. You’ ll also want to do daily checks on lubrication points and pay close attention to valves and seals as these are prime spots for ice-related damage.
Warming Up Always run the engine through its warm-up cycles. This helps protect hydraulic parts before they’ re put under load. Letting the engine run allows oils to circulate and reach operating temperature
Cold weather can also impact how much weight your crane can safely handle. Steel gets more brittle when it’ s freezing, reducing its ability to absorb shocks. Because of this, you often need to reduce the amount you’ re lifting compared to warmer months. It’ s also a good idea to check your manufacturer’ s guidelines, but when in doubt, lift less.
Wind is always a factor in crane operations, but in winter, it can be even more unpredictable. Snow and ice can add extra surface area to loads, making them more susceptible to wind.
Check the forecast regularly, paying attention to wind speed and expected gusts. Anemometers that measure wind speed at the crane and on the load can provide realtime data.
Know your limits by
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