How Long Will A Crane Last?

Many industries require the use of a crane for lifting heavy items and transporting them efficiently and with precision. When we say heavy loads, we mean it. For example, a Wolff 255B can lift a load of 14 tons at 100m a minute on a single line pull. However, many other cranes are slower.

One of the things that we get asked at CY Electrical & Cranes is how long a crane can last before it is time to scrap it and replace it. Obviously, this can vary and there are a number of factors which will affect it.

The average life of a crane can vary between 15 years and 50. Obviously, the quality of materials used in construction will have an effect, but then so will the weather. A crane is out in all weathers, no matter what, and the working parts of the crane can be affected. Too high and too low temperatures can cause issues. Parts can freeze and deteriorate. Oil will deteriorate as well.

Dust, metal shavings, and other impurities that can arise on many construction sites will also have an effect as they can aggravate the wear and tear of parts and the oil as well. Acidic substances in rainwater will cause corrosion and damage to the structural surface of many components. And of course, the working life will be affected by how long the metal structure lasts before showing fatigue cracks.

Overloading Or Too High A Speed

Another factor is if the crane is consistently overloaded or operated at too high a speed for a long period. Again, this can cause structural damage. Conversely, operating within the standard capacity of the crane will prolong the life.

Of course, maintenance is critical and needs to be carried out in order to eliminate faults.Safety is paramount when operating any crane. Bolts should be checked and tightened where necessary.

Another factor is what the crane is doing. Gantry cranes are heavy duty and always lifting large loads, and their lifespan can be as little as 10 - 15 years.

No matter what, at CY Electrical & Cranes, we’ve got you covered. We have every spare part that you could need – and if we haven’t, we know where to go to find those elusive parts. So, you might need Ravioli slip rings, for instance, or round slings. Ravioli slip rings are used in all sorts of machinery, not just cranes. They are used in microscope and support arm lamps, surveillance systems, and even wind turbines. No matter, we can get you what you need.