INTRODUCTION 500E2 SERVICE MANUAL
1-22 Published 08/16/19 Control # 112-05
Environmental Conditions
The life expectancy of wire rope may vary due to the degree
of environmental hostility. Variation in temperature,
continuous excessive moisture levels, exposure to corrosive
chemicals or vapors, or subjecting the wire rope to abrasive
material can shorten wire rope life. Frequent inspections and
maintenance of the wire rope is recommended for preventing
premature wear and to insure long-term performance.
Dynamic Shock Loads
Subjecting wire rope to abnormal loads shortens the ropes
life expectancy. Examples of this type of loading are as
follows:
• High velocity movement followed by abrupt stops
(hoisting or swinging of a load).
• Suspending loads while traveling over irregular surfaces
such as railroad tracks, potholes, and rough terrain.
• Moving a load that is beyond the cranes rated capacity.
Lubrication
The object of rope lubrication is to reduce internal friction and
to prevent corrosion. New lubricant needs be added
throughout the life of the rope. It is important that lubricant
applied needs to be compatible with the original lubricant.
Consult the rope manufacturer for proper lubricant. The
lubricant applied shall be of the type which does not hinder
visual inspection. Those sections of rope which are located
over sheaves or otherwise hidden during inspection require
special attention when lubricating rope.
During fabrication, ropes receive lubrication which provides
the rope with protection for a reasonable time if stored under
proper conditions. After the rope is put into service, periodic
applications of a suitable rope lubricant are required. The
wire rope lubricant should have the following characteristics:
• Be free from acids and alkalis and should have sufficient
adhesive strength to remain on the ropes.
• Be of a viscosity capable of penetrating the interstices
between wires and strands.
• Not be soluble in the medium surrounding it under the
actual operating conditions (i.e. water).
• Have a high film strength.
• Resist oxidation.
Remove dirt from the rope before applying lubrication. Use a
stiff wire brush and solvent, compressed air, or live steam to
clean the rope. Lubricate the rope immediately after
cleaning. Methods of lubrication are bath, dripping, pouring,
swabbing, painting, or pressure spray (Figure 1-4). Apply the
lubricant at the top bend in the rope because at that point the
strands are spread and more easily penetrated. Do not
lubricate a loaded rope. The service life of wire rope is
directly proportional to the amount of lubricant reaching the
working parts of the rope.
Precautions and Recommendations During
Inspection
• Always use safety glasses for eye protection.
• Wear protective clothing, gloves, and safety shoes as
appropriate.
• Measure the rope’s diameter across crowns of the
strands when determining if rope has become damaged,
refer to Figure 1-5.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
