Derailment (off track) of cranes could be very futile for human life and for the machinery installed below it. It could lead to complete damage of the crane as well and losses mounted may not be recoverable. This can happen to a new crane as well, so be aware.
However nothing happens suddenly — look for the warning signs of derailment.
Warning signs of derailment
- If you find that the wheels are producing screeching noise while travelling in a certain area in the bay length
- If the wheel flanges are wearing off
- If the Rail is getting weared off
Action Steps to be taken to avoid Derailment
- 1. Check the rail alignment – if the alignment is not within tolerance then follow the second step
- 2. Check the diameter of all the wheels : in case the diameter of one of the wheel is more than the other, this wheel will move faster than the other wheels and will cause crane to skew, and hence either the wheel flanges or rail will wear off.
Remedy – change all the wheels
- 3. Also check the gap between the rail and the wheel flanges if it is more than 25mm, then there is more allowance for the crane to move laterally and skew. When the crane is in extreme skew condition the more lateral forces are applied on the wheel flange, causing the wheel flanges to either break or wear and also may cause rail wear and ultimately Crane derailment.
Important TIP
So do not avoid the screeching noise it may cause derailment of the crane at a later date.
