Overhead Crane Lubrication System: Classification and Maintenance Operation Points

Against the backdrop of sustained rapid global economic growth, crane machinery is being used more and more widely; in particular, the market demand for special-purpose lifting equipment that can adapt to various special working conditions continues to rise. The lubrication of each crane mechanism is a key link in ensuring safe production, maintaining stable mechanism operation, and extending equipment service life. The lubrication condition of each mechanism must be taken seriously, and the overhead crane lubrication system must be checked frequently to ensure it is working properly.

Overhead Crane Lubrication System Classification

Lubrication for Most Overhead Crane Mechanisms

These lubrication points include: wheel bearings, horizontal guide wheel bearings, wheel equalizer pin bushings, fixed sheave bearings, wire rope equalizer pin bushings, drum bearings, and the like. Some use a manual high-pressure grease gun to inject grease into each oil cup periodically; a centralized lubrication system can also be used as required.

The specific use of the centralized lubrication system (configured as required) is to periodically use a grease pump to inject grease into each lubrication point through a distributor, so that each lubrication point is fully lubricated. The grease pump can be divided into a manual pump or an electric pump. In addition to the fixed installation form, a mobile electric lubricator cart is also used.

The manual pump pumps out grease by manually operating the handle.

After the electric pump is powered on, it performs the oil suction and pressure function, pumping grease out of the oil reservoir. Because it is equipped with alarm devices such as a pressure switch, a low oil level switch, and a cycle switch, it achieves fully automatic lubrication by means of the electric control box (see the figure below).

The mobile electric lubricator cart is formed by an electric pump equipped with a mobile cart, oil drum, oil pipe, grease gun, and cable (see the figure below).

Overhead Crane Wheel Flange Lubrication

A graphite lubricator or a wheel oiler is used for lubrication (selected as specified in the contract) to reduce the resistance between the wheel and the side of the rail and extend the service life of the wheel and rail.

The graphite lubricating block in the graphite lubricator presses against the inner wheel flange (the graphite lubricating block forms an angle of about 42–45° with the wheel plane), and is adjusted to apply a certain pressure. When the wheel rotates, the graphite continuously lubricates the wheel flange. The elastic element in the lubricator keeps a certain pressure of the graphite against the inner wheel flange.

The oiling wheel of the wheel oiler contacts the inner wheel flange and is more than 3 mm above the wheel tread; its rotation axis forms an angle of about 40° with the wheel tread, and it is adjusted so that the oiling wheel has slight pressure against the wheel. The rotation of the wheel drives the oiling wheel pressed on the flange, so that the oiler oil pump works and continuously applies oil to the flange.

Overhead Crane Wire Rope Lubrication

A single-strand wire rope oiler or a mobile wire rope oiler is used to lubricate the wire rope with lubricating oil.

The single-strand wire rope oiler consists of an oil tank, oil pipe, oil pump, mounting bracket, oiling wheel, and other parts. The oiling wheel contacts the wire rope wound on the fixed sheave, applying a small amount of oil to the wire rope passing over that fixed sheave. When the hoisting mechanism is working, the contact between the wire rope wound on the fixed sheave and the oiling wheel produces friction that drives the oiling wheel to rotate, putting the oil pump into working condition and continuously supplying oil to the oiling wheel; the oil seeping out of the oiling wheel lubricates the wire rope.

The mobile wire rope oiler consists of an oil tank, oil pipe, oil pump, mounting bracket, guide rail, oiling wheel, and other parts. The oiling wheel contacts the wire rope wound on the drum; the rotation of the drum drives the oiling wheel to rotate accordingly, putting the oil pump into working condition and continuously supplying oil to the oiling wheel; the oil seeping out of the oiling wheel lubricates the wire rope.

Overhead Crane Reducer Lubrication

Generally, the overhead crane reducer uses oil bath lubrication; when required by the contract or needed during reducer operation, forced oil pump lubrication is configured.

Other Lubrication Points

Other lubrication points are equipped with oil cups and can be lubricated by periodic oiling.

Overhead Crane Lubrication Maintenance Operation Points

The service quality and life of each crane mechanism depend to a large extent on frequent and correct lubrication. Specifically, a lubrication schedule can be formulated with reference to the recommended lubricating oil and grease grades and the addition times below, according to the actual conditions of on-site use, and the lubrication condition of the equipment should be checked frequently.

Generally, the lubrication condition of each lubrication part should be checked every three months, with oil added or replaced. For cranes used frequently or used under harsh environmental conditions, the oiling cycle should be shortened as appropriate to ensure good lubrication.

Cindy

Naber: +86 191 3738 6654

E-posta: cindywang@hndfcrane.com

Ben Cindy, vinç sektöründe 10 yıllık çalışma deneyimim ve çok sayıda profesyonel bilgi birikimim var. 500'den fazla müşteri için tatmin edici vinçleri seçtim. Vinçlerle ilgili herhangi bir ihtiyacınız veya sorunuz varsa lütfen benimle iletişime geçmekten çekinmeyin, uzmanlığımı ve pratik deneyimimi kullanarak sorunu çözmenize yardımcı olacağım!