The following is a list of basic mobile crane components that must be checked when carrying out an inspection.
An operation and maintenance manual from the manufacturer should be available for each mobile crane used. This manual explains inspection, operation and maintenance criteria and is usually specific for each mobile crane.
All moving parts of the machine such as gears, chains that move left and right or rotate must be protected or isolated (kept out of reach of people).
The movement range of the crane counterweight must be emphasized and marked/protected to prevent people or other equipment from being hit by its movement. This must also be taken into account especially when the crane is operating near buildings or other structures. Protection of this range of movement can also take the form of warning signs, it does not have to be barricades or fences.
High voltage warning signs must be installed on each exterior side of the equipment and on the crane counterweight.
Boom stops are safety equipment designed and installed in such a way that they can stop or stop the movement of the boom. The purpose of boom stops is to prevent the boom from being raised to the point where the center of gravity shifts to the rear of the crane which could cause the boom to fall backwards due to lack of resistance and/or control over boom movement.
The function of the boom stop can be checked by raising the boom very slowly until it makes contact with the boom stop and the boom stops moving.
Jib stops are control devices designed to prevent the jib from being raised to the point where the jib can tip over/topple over onto the boom connection. Like boom stops, jib stops are designed to warn the operator that the jib movement is approaching the point where reverse movement/rotation can occur if the jib continues to be raised.
The Boom Angle Indicator is needed to show the angle between the boom tip and the horizontal surface. This indicator can function mechanically (by gravity) or electronically, with a display displayed in the wheelhouse. The boom angle determines the load capacity and working range of the boom.
Boom Hoist Disconnects are designed to automatically stop boom movement when the boom reaches a certain dangerous angle.