Fundamentals Of Crane Hydraulics

2 Days

Hydraulic systems are safety critical on cranes. Trained technicians and operators make all the difference in ensuring reliability and long system life.

This course is designed to be the first step in rigorous hydraulics training for mobile hydraulic crane operators and maintenance personnel. Participants come away from this highly concentrated course with a solid understanding of hydraulic principles and component functions. Analysis and troubleshooting skills are taught with schematic simulations from typical mobile crane systems.

The Ten Step Troubleshooting Process is taught with the goal of eliminating the hit and miss methods. Safety is stressed along with sound maintenance and reliability practices. This two-day course is taught with circuit simulation software, typical crane schematics, and through instructor guided hands-on study of individual hydraulic components.

Learn How To:

Interpret typical crane schematics
Describe sub-circuit features
Conduct very basic and safe system tests
Interpret manufacturers fluid cleanliness requirements
Follow correct system maintenance and setup procedures
Describe safety valve components and functions on outriggers, booms and winches
Think and act in a safe and logical way when the system goes down

Day One: Operators and Mechanics

WINCH CIRCUITS

Objective: Explain the feature of typical crane winch circuits

Activity: Identify typical crane winch features on the schematic

Learn about features that prevent runaways and excessive line pulls

SLEWING CIRCUIT

Objective: Explain slewing circuit functions

Activity: Identify slewing components for normal function and boom dolly towing

Keep the slewing circuit in top condition

BOOM LIFT CIRCUIT

Objective: Explain valving and safety features to lift and lock the boom

Activity: Trace out flow and pressure controls for the boom lift circuit

Find out how critical it is to keep the fluid clean

OUTRIGGERS

Objective: Explain outrigger circuit functions

Activity: Fully analyze the critical function of the lock valves

Find out how important clean oil is to keeping a crane upright

SAFETY

Objective: List common hydraulic hazards and safe procedures

Think before you act - a few hundred PSI (or less) can injure or kill!

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Objective: Describe preventative maintenance procedures

Activity: Identify maintenance tasks and frequencies for hydraulic cranes

Avoid "run-to-failure" with good maintenance and planning

Day Two: Mechanics

THEORY AND DESIGN

Objective: Explain the principals of hydraulics that affect troubleshooting

Activity: Predict fluid behavior in various crane systems

Map out flow paths for faster troubleshooting

HYDRAULIC PUMPS

Objective: Compare and explain the principles of various hydraulic pumps

Activity: Internal damage inspection and analysis of hydraulic fluid selections

Pump control mechanisms and load sensing features covered

ACTUATORS

Objective: List procedures to diagnose common problems in actuators.

Activity: Motor and cylinder fault diagnosis

Find out why motor problems show up at slow speeds

VALVES

Objective: Identify valve designs and diagnose common problems.

Activity: Valve disassembly, inspection and reassembly

Diagnose valve problems accurately - Is it mechanical or electrical?

Fundamentals Of Crane Hydraulics is a specialty class, along with Hydraulics for Slickline and Wireline Rigs, and Hydraulics for Coiled Tubing. If you enjoyed this class, consider taking your mobile hydraulic education father, with our general hydraulics course, How to Maintain and Troubleshoot Hydraulics Systems.