MOBILE CRANES TESTING

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American Test Center performs a thorough test and inspection of your crane from the end of the boom down through the truck frame or undercarriage assembly. Properly maintained cranes, through a test and inspection program, are essential for safe and economical operation. Operators and their co-workers rely on these units performing structurally, mechanically, and functionally. A crane that fails could result in injury or death to your employees or costly downtime.

Cranes may have been designed initially with adequate safety factors, however, overloads, fatigue or lack of maintenance can cause problems or accidents. A thorough, regularly scheduled inspection and test program can identify potential problems before they cause injuries or downtime. Furthermore, early discovered defects are less expensive to repair than if they are left to develop into major defects.

American Test Center’s tests and inspections are performed at your site by an experienced and thoroughly trained technician. A staff of degreed engineers, Level III technicians and equipment specialists supports our technicians.

American Test Center performs the following tests and inspections:

I. STRUCTURAL / MECHANICAL

A. Visual Inspection: Complete inspection of:

1. Chassis: truck frame, sub-frame/mounting, steering elements, steering gearbox, suspension, drive line and joints, PTO, brake hoses/tubing, trailer hitch/pintle hook, hydraulic/electrical components, exhaust system and cooling system.
2. Outriggers: pads, structure/welds, beam/housing, bolts, hoses, fittings, cylinders, check valves, pins and retainers.
3. Carbody: Side Frames, Crawlers: structural/welds, track condition, drive chain, sprockets, air/hydraulic components, bolts/fasteners.
4. Pedestal: mounting bolts/welds, pedestal structure, attachment welds/bolts/pins, hydraulic/air/electric swivel joint, hydraulic components, swing drive gear box/mounting bolts, and backlash between swing pinion/bullgear.
5. Rotation Bearing: upper/lower bearing attachment weld/bolts, vertical movement of bearing, and proper torque on accessible bearing bolts.
6. Hook and Load Rollers: clearance, roller path, hook/load rollers and brackets, shafts/retainers and lubrication.
7. Machinery Deck: A-frame structure & welds, structural/welds, walkways, railings, cab panels, guards over moving parts, hydraulic oil levels/leaks, air/hydraulic components, hydraulic cylinders.
8. Drive Train: gear wear, lubrication, guards, hydraulic components.
9. Drum Shafts: main hoist, auxiliary hoists, 3rd drum, boom hoist, swivel, etc., drum conditions, clutch/brake lining, clutch/brake components, ratchet-pawl/dog system, air & hydraulic lines/components, bearing block mountings & guards.
10. Operator Cab: gauges working, control functions operational & labeled, glass condition, door latches, fire extinguisher, rating charts.
11. Gantry/Mast: structure/welds - chords & lacing, pins & bolts.
12. Backlegs: structure/welds & pins.
13. Inner Bail/Outer Bail: structure/welds, sheaves, pins & bolts, bearings, and lubrication.
14. Wire Ropes (standing/running): check for wear & broken wires, lubrication, end connections, pins, clips, and spreaders.
15. Load Blocks: hook condition, safety latch, sheaves, bearings, beckets, clips, swivel lock and structure.
16. Boom - Jib - Masts: structure/welds, pin end castings, pins, bolts, keepers, lift cylinders, sheaves, rope guides, boom stops, wear pads & extension roller assemblies.

The visual inspection includes removal of inspection cover plates as necessary to do a thorough job.

B. Magnetic Particle Inspection:
All critical welds, plates and castings of items listed in Part A during the visual inspection. Magnetic particle is used to identify surface cracks on ferrous material.

C. Dye Penetrant Inspection:
All critical welds, plates, castings made of non-ferrous material and any area requiring verification in Part B. Dye penetrant is used to identify surface cracks and works on any metallic surface.

D. Ultrasound Inspection:
All accessible pins including outriggers, pedestal, and boom. Ultrasound is a test method used to detect flaws in pins. The pins being tested must be accessible, have flat end surfaces and not have grease fittings. Use of ultrasound limits the number of pins that might otherwise have to be removed for inspection.

II. FUNCTIONAL and OPERATIONAL TEST
A functional and operational test is performed to check the operation of controls, bearings, bushings, pins, cylinders, gears, shafts, air/hydraulic/mechanical components, holding valves, parking brakes/dogs, boom stops, angle/load indicators, outriggers, and overall operation of crane.

III. LOAD TESTS
Load tests and stability tests are performed as required to meet OSHA/ANSI requirements or per your specifications.

IV. REPORT and CERTIFICATION
Test defects are listed on American Test Center test report forms and described in detail on a comments sheet. Defects are classified for degree of severity. After the test, American Test Center personnel will review the report with the company representative. A signed, dated copy of the test report listing the defects discussed is left with the representative. American Test Center encourages your representative to have all the appropriate people available after the test to review the test results and to ask questions. At our office, reports are reviewed by American Test Center’s degreed  engineering staff. American Test Center retains a copy of the test report on file. Units that need rework require verification or retest of completed work.

V. LOCATION and SCHEDULING
American Test Center schedules tests with each customer to best meet their individual requirements throughout the year. ATC has crews located throughout the United States and performs the test at your site. ATC requests that equipment be properly cleaned prior to testing to assure a thorough inspection and test. American Test Center is flexible and will work with you to meet special needs. If you have any questions, or if you would like a quotation, please call our corporate headquarters.