Mobile Crane

Mobile crane periodic inspection is the at-least-annual examination and testing, by authorised engineers, of truck-mounted cranes and rough terrain types that combine travel and lifting: the boom-telescope organs, rope-hook, load moment indicator (LMI), hydraulic and brake systems and outriggers are assessed. For this equipment erected on moving construction sites, ground preparation and levelling are as vital as structural integrity.

Mobile Crane Types and Critical Organs

Truck mounted, rough terrain and capacity-classified types, hydraulic or electric driven, are handled with the same inspection logic:

• Boom, telescope arms, cylinders and pin-bushing joints
• Rope drum, rope, hook block and sheave set
• LMI and safety gear: overload cut-off, rope break prevention, boom angle sensor, anti-collision system
• Outriggers, cylinders and ground contact pads
• Drive, travel and brake: transmission, differential brakes, park brake
• Upper connection to chassis (slewing ring) and slew brake

Periodic Inspection Items

• Structural: Cracks and permanent deformation in boom plates, weld examination, chrome surface scratch-pit check on telescope cylinders, pin-bushing clearance measurement; thickness measurement where paint is lost on steel booms.
• Rope-hook: Broken wires, distortion, diameter and lubrication; drum spooling quality and end clamp integrity; hook throat, latch and sheave groove (per TS EN 12385-9).
• LMI verification: Calibration of load cell, angle and length sensors; cut-off alarm thresholds verified with a trial load; load testing periodically per the manufacturer guide.
• Outriggers and hydraulics: Cylinder leakage, valves and controls; ground pad condition; automatic levelling function tests; hose burst protection valve verification.
• Slew and chassis: Slewing ring backlash and bolts, slew brake; chassis mount wedges and bushings checked for cracking and slip traces.
• Safety devices: Anti-collision zones, audible-visual control warnings, work lights and plates; operator cabin visibility.

Legislation and Standards

Mobile cranes are subject to periodic control at least annually under Law No. 6331, the Work Equipment Regulation and road transport rules; the lift plan and ground bearing study are integral duties. Technical references: TS EN 13001 (crane design), TS 10116, ISO 11591 (LMI rules for mobile cranes) and the TS EN 12385 series for ropes. Operator licence, rigging organisation and lift plan documents are checked in the inspection.

Risks and Operator Recommendations

Most mobile crane accidents originate at set-up: outrigger pads below ground bearing capacity, insufficient extension or unlevel erection, boom buckling during folding and power line contact. The inspection report records pad size, set-up position and site sketch as data to reduce these administrative-technical risks. Systems with a bypassed LMI must carry an immediate "unsafe" tag. Rope override on the drum is a rupture precursor; leaving the boom extended and loaded overnight (loaded parking) must be banned. In hydraulic leaks, lubrication and fire risk are evaluated together.

Outcome

At the end of the control a signed report with structural, rope, LMI and stability compliance is issued. Mobile crane inspections are within our Lifting and Handling Machines group. For your site fleet, see the construction machinery and Gantry Crane pages, or contact us for your programme.