When dealing with heavy loads on factory floors, overhead lifting machinery such as cranes and electric wire rope hoists are irreplaceable. They serve the purpose adequately and have become an inseparable part of the daily operation. But when it comes to maintaining hoists, there are a few challenges that prove to be a bit too much. One such challenge turns up in the form of wire ropes.
Hoist Wire ropes are arguably the most vital component of a Electric Wire Rope Hoist and undeniably the most replaced one as well. They are more prone to general wear and tear over prolonged usage than the other components of the hoist equipment. They are analogous to the tires on the wheels of a car. The heavier loads lifted using the hoists and the more time it is operated for, the more wear and tear they are subjected to. Hence, they require proper maintenance in order to ensure optimum performance and long-lasting life.
Let us discuss in brief the roles hoist wire ropes play and why replacing them timely is an integral part of their maintenance.
Wire ropes are mechanical devices that consist of moving parts working in sync to support a heavy load and move it to its desired direction. The rigging and lifting industry benefits largely from the utilities of the wire rope. Especially when they are used in overhead lifting equipment such as cranes and hoists. The wire rope is attached firmly to a hoist or crane, and the load is fitted using swivels, hooks, or shackles, facilitating controlled movement. It is used in many applications to support suspension towers or bridges and lower or lift elevators.
Wire ropes have become the preferred lifting device in many industrial applications. It has its fair share of reasons as well. Firstly, the unique design allows flexibility, strength, and the ability to handle bending stresses. Depending on the rope’s material, wire, and strand structure, it will provide different sets of benefits for the specific application it is used in.
The common configurations that determine its proper usage are listed below.
Selecting the right wire rope for the right application is a process that involves careful thoughts. Thoughts involving proper analysis of the above aspects of the wire rope and the particular lifting application is required.
The following factors might prove to be impactful in damaging or breaking a wire rope.
The following scenarios would indicate that the wire rope in use needs an urgent replacement to ensure operational efficiency and workplace safety.
When the time comes for replacing the hoist wire rope, one must not go for a generic rope as it can lead to hazardous working conditions. The rope can be of the incorrect type or size and hence not be suitable for the lifting task. The identification of the wire rope on the basis of its type and size is a crucial task that needs to be accomplished while replacing a wire rope.
Proper inspection of the hoist is mandatory and helps largely in identifying the need to replace the wire rope of the hoist. One must also ensure that the inspection is performed by an appropriate technician adept in handling hoist equipment.
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