DAVIT & CRANE MAINTENANCE

1. Inspect all cables, hydraulic hose and hydraulic fittings often. Replace at the first signs of excessive wear and/or corrosion.

2. Lubricate the radial crane bearing. Pump grease into the bearing until it is observed oozing past the grease seal. Touch up any visible paint damage or corrosion.

3. Re-torque the radial slewing bearing annually.

4. Inspect the crane and its components regularly for signs of damage or non-functioning parts. Repair or replace as necessary. Touch-up any paint damage as necessary to preserve the crane's finish.

5. The linear winch system (cylinder, guides and sheaves) should be professionally serviced every 18 to 24 months. The service and inspection requires partial disassembly of the crane and should only be done by a qualified Technician. Sheave wear can inhibit the crane's performance and must be serviced at regular intervals. We recommend annually.

6. Hydraulic System Maintenance.Maintain proper oil level in the hydraulic fluid reservoir.
A. Service the hydraulic system annually or after every 50 hours of use, which ever comes first. Servicing should include verifying the condition of the hydraulic fluid. If the fluid appears dirty or discolored (it should be a clear amber color), or is milky with water contamination it should be replaced.

B. Inspect the hydraulic lines and fittings for leaks periodically. Occasionally a hydraulic fitting may need to be re tightened if it is weeping oil. If this is the case, use a 9/16" open-end wrench on the hose-end or hard-tube fitting, and use a back-up wrench on the component fitting. Do not over tighten the fittings. The best way to monitor the condition of the hydraulic components is to keep them very clean. If a hydraulic leak is suspected, clean all residual oil from the area. Operate the davit several times and then inspect the area for leakage. Any leaking fittings should be easy to identify.

C. Always keep hydraulic cylinders fully retracted while not in use. Never use the winch cable of a linear winch crane or davit system to secure the system for storage. Any exposed cylinder rod may quickly corrode, causing damage and leaks in the cylinder rod seals. Always use a boom tie-down cable assembly to secure the davit system to the vessel's deck.

D.Inspect all hydraulic hoses for chafing or cracking. If wear is found, please measure the overall length of the hose and call us for a replacement. The stainless steel hose-ends may discolor with surface corrosion over time. We recommend to clean off the corrosion. Dressing the hose-ends with a silicon spray is effective in preventing the corrosion.

E. Inspect all visible hydraulic fittings and hose-ends for leaks and/or weeping. If any leaks are found tighten the fitting. When doing this, be sure to use two wrenches. One to tighten the fitting, the other to back-up the fitting. Using just one wrench may damage the fitting. Never tighten a fitting while there is hydraulic pressure in the hose or fitting. We recommend that the interior of the crane be thoroughly cleaned periodically. This will make even small leaks much more apparent.

7. Thoroughly inspect the paint and finish of your crane and repair any nicks or scratches before they become a problem. Never allow plastic materials, wrappings to lay directly ontop of the painted finish for more than a few days time, as moisture may cause water blisters to develop unter the painted finish. Take careful note of the finish and condition of the steel hydraulic cylinders and repair paint damage / corrosion as necessary. We offer stainless steel and aluminum hydraulic cylinders for those who wish to upgrade.

8. Electric Maintenance: Provide adequate (required) shore or generator power (voltage and amperes) to your davit / crane. Check connections, plugs, receptacles, switches, winch (some models), control box contactors, relays, transformer, hand-held remote for corrosion and deterioration. Spray with electrical corrosion inhibitor periodically.
NOTE: Power to the unit should always be off when davit / crane is not in use.