Hoist brakes reduce the risk of falling loads that could result in injury and property damage. They are designed to hold a load when the motor stops driving, whether as part of normal operation, emergency stop, or power failure. When properly engineered and maintained, overhead cranes have long, dependable service lives.
However, during its lifetime, parts wear and become unreliable. Components specified during the crane's installation may become undersized for an application when manufacturing needs change. This could be a need for:
- Increased load weight (increased holding requirement and increased inertial load for stopping brakes)
- Increased operation speed (increased inertial load and thermal capacity rate)
- Increased frequency of usage (increased cycle rate and thermal capacity rate)
- Need for more precise control over hoist (increased cycle rate, inertial load and thermal capacity rate)
Regular inspections are necessary to help identify wear. Overhead crane brake systems also benefit from feedback equipment such as brake status switches, wear sensors and auto-adjust features.
Understanding how overhead crane brakes function, conducting proper shift inspections and upgrading or replacing brakes when needed ensures safe and reliable operation, which will minimize production downtime and maximize personnel safety.
Key Takeaways
- Learn about brake compatibility and selection for crane types
- Understand holding or dynamic definitions
- Determine needs for emergency brakes
- Account for overhauling loads
- Tips for brake maintenance