How Much is Enough When it Comes to Annual Inspection?

Bill writes:

I keep running into the question “How do we complete the annual PM (preventative maintenance) per the manual unless we open up the gear box and inspect the internals?”  This question is centered around the annual inspection task to inspect “Load Bearing Parts.” 

Item 3 on the annual inspection of a CEW Hoist states: LOAD BEARING PARTS:  CHECK FOR WORN, CRACKED OR DISTORTED PARTS, SUCH AS SUSPENSION HOUSINGS, OUTRIGGERS, CLEVISES, YOKES, HOOK BLOCKS, SUSPENSION BOLTS, SHAFTS, LOCKING DEVICES AND BEARINGS ON HOIST (ALSO ON TROLLEY, IF SO EQUIPPED)

Some crane millwrights feel that to complete this task they need to open up the gearbox and inspect the gears and shafts within the gearbox.  How does Yale interpret this task?  Is there a time-frequency when Yale would recommend inspection of the internals of the gearbox?

Our Columbus McKinnon training team answers:

We encounter this question frequently while conducting our inspection and maintenance training classes.

The ASME B30.16 defines load bearing / load suspension parts as follows; “the load suspension parts of the hoist are the means of suspension (hook or lug), the structure or housing that supports the drum or load sprocket, the drum or load sprocket, the rope or load chain, the sheaves or sprockets, and the load block or hook.”

Brakes, load and holding, gearing, motors, etc. are mechanical parts. They are part of the drive train.

ASME B30.16-2.1.3(b) states, “Covers and other items normally supplied to allow inspection of components should be opened or removed.”

In Table 2 of ASME B30.16, required inspection items are prefaced with “Evidence of.” 

There are several indirect ways of checking for and detecting (finding “evidence of”) excessive wear or abnormal operation of internal parts. If gearbox oil is not degraded, there are no metallic particles attached to the drain plug, the hoist raises and lowers properly (with and without a load), and there are no strange or abnormal sounds from the gearbox, it is unlikely that serious problems exist. If this inspection causes suspicion, refer to ASME B30.16-2.1.3(c) “A designated person shall determine whether conditions found during inspection constitute a hazard and whether disassembly is required.”

I hope this answers your questions.  We cover this topic and many others in our Inspection and Crane & Hoist maintenance schools.  Please visit the CMCO Training website for more information.