Mobile Crane Inspection and Maintenance Guide per GB/T 31052.6-2020

GB/T 31052.6-2020, "Cranes — Inspection and Maintenance — Part 6: Mobile Cranes," is the dedicated standard governing the inspection and maintenance of mobile cranes. It specifies the daily inspection, periodic inspection, and maintenance requirements for truck cranes, crawler cranes, all-terrain cranes, and other mobile crane types.

As Part 6 of the GB/T 31052 series, this standard focuses specifically on the inspection, maintenance, and hydraulic system testing requirements for mobile cranes.

GB/T 31052.6-2020 Mobile Crane Inspection and Maintenance


Standard Scope and Inspection Framework

GB/T 31052.6-2020 is the sixth part of the GB/T 31052 series. The key difference between mobile cranes and fixed base cranes in terms of inspection and maintenance is that mobile cranes incorporate an engine, chassis, and hydraulic system—components absent in fixed base cranes—while the outrigger system and boom telescoping mechanism are the most failure-prone areas. The standard establishes a four-tier inspection and maintenance system: daily inspection (performed by the operator before each shift), first-level maintenance (monthly, by qualified maintenance personnel), second-level maintenance (quarterly), and annual comprehensive inspection (by a certified inspection body). A complete equipment file must be maintained for each mobile crane, documenting the date, findings, issues identified, and corrective actions for every inspection.

Daily Inspection (Pre-Shift)

Before each shift, the operator must check the following items: Hydraulic system—hydraulic oil level between the high and low marks on the sight gauge, no leaks in hoses or fittings, and no signs of oil contamination or emulsification. Outrigger system—outriggers extend and retract smoothly without binding, and the hydraulic lock valve functions properly (with outriggers extended and the engine shut off, the 24-hour settlement must not exceed 10 mm). Jib system—boom extends and retracts smoothly without abnormal noise, and wear on the slide pads (wear plates) does not exceed 50% of the original thickness. Hoisting mechanism—brake functions correctly (test by lifting the hook 100 mm off the ground to confirm no load slipping), wire rope is properly spooled on the drum, and at least 3 safety wraps remain on the drum. Safety devices—load moment limiter (LML) passes its self-test, height limit switch is functionally tested, and horn and lights are operational. Tires (truck cranes)—proper inflation pressure and all bolts are tight. Tracks (crawler cranes)—proper tension and no cracks in the track links.

Hydraulic System
Oil level OK + no leaks Hydraulic lock: ≤10 mm drop in 24h
Jib System
Smooth telescoping + slide pads ≤50% wear
Brake Slip Distance
≤100 mm tested with hook 100 mm off ground
Load Moment Limiter
Monthly accuracy calibration Deviation ≤±5%
Engine Maintenance
Oil + filter element replaced every 250h
Hydraulic Oil Analysis
Acid value + moisture + viscosity every 750h or quarterly

Periodic Inspection and Maintenance

First-level maintenance (monthly / every 250 hours)—engine oil and filter element replacement, hydraulic oil return filter element replacement, re-torquing of slewing bearing bolts (20% sampled, torque ≥90% of specified value), load moment limiter accuracy calibration (verified with standard test weights, deviation ≤±5%), and greasing of all mechanisms per the lubrication chart. Second-level maintenance (quarterly / every 750 hours)—hydraulic oil sampling and analysis (acid value, moisture, viscosity, and particle count NAS ≤9), gearbox lubrication oil replacement, full-length inspection of the boom telescoping wire rope (scrap if wire breaks in one lay length exceed 5% of the total wire count), and measurement of slewing bearing raceway clearance (radial clearance measured with a dial indicator ≤0.5 mm). Annual inspection—hydraulic system pressure testing (verification of safety valve set points), MT spot-checking of structural weld seams (boom root, outrigger weld areas, and slewing platform), and load testing (static load at 1.25× rated capacity plus dynamic load at 1.1× rated capacity).

Boom Telescoping Mechanism Inspection

The boom telescoping mechanism is one of the highest failure-rate components on mobile cranes. The standard requires focused inspection of the following: Slide pad (wear plate) wear—the guide pads and wear plates between boom sections must be inspected monthly; replacement is mandatory when wear exceeds 50% of the original thickness. Boom telescoping wire rope—this is the most commonly overlooked component with the most severe failure consequences; a broken telescoping rope can prevent the boom from retracting or cause sudden uncontrolled retraction. Inspection method: with the boom fully retracted, check the exposed rope section for wire breaks and corrosion; during telescoping, inspect the rope segments passing through the boom section ports section by section. Telescoping hydraulic cylinder—scratches deeper than 0.2 mm on the cylinder barrel wall require replacement, and oil seal leaks must be addressed promptly. Any wire breaks found in the telescoping rope require immediate replacement; continued use is not permitted.


Mobile Crane Inspection & Maintenance Reference Table

The reference table below summarizes the core parameters and configurations for mobile crane inspection and maintenance, serving as a quick guide for operators and maintenance personnel.

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Our cranes are available in a wide range of capacities and spans to suit diverse industrial applications. The following table outlines key standard specifications. Custom configurations are also available upon request.

TypeCapacity RangeSpan RangeLifting Height
Single-Girder Overhead Crane1 – 20 short tons (0.9 – 18.1 metric tons)Up to 100 ft (30.5 m)Up to 60 ft (18.3 m)
Double-Girder Overhead Crane5 – 100 short tons (4.5 – 90.7 metric tons)Up to 150 ft (45.7 m)Up to 100 ft (30.5 m)
Gantry Crane3 – 50 short tons (2.7 – 45.4 metric tons)Up to 120 ft (36.6 m)Up to 80 ft (24.4 m)

Advanced Control and Drive Systems

To ensure precise and efficient operation, our cranes are equipped with advanced control systems. Options include variable-frequency drives (VFD) for smooth speed control, and smart load monitoring systems that provide real-time data on crane usage and load weight. These features enhance operational precision and reduce wear and tear on the equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the typical lead time for a custom crane?
A: Lead times vary depending on the complexity of the crane and current production schedules. Generally, a standard custom crane can be delivered within 8 to 12 weeks after finalizing the design and order confirmation.

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A: Our standard warranty period is 24 months from the date of commissioning. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions.

Contact Kelude for Your Lifting Needs

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← Scroll left / right to view full table →
inspection TypePeriodinspection contentPerformer
Daily InspectionPer ShiftHydraulic Oil Position/Piping/Brakeoperator
MonthlyinspectionPer MonthHydraulic Oil Inspection/Analysis/filter element/SealMaintenance Personnel
QuarterlyinspectionPer QuarterJib Weld Seam/pin/Wire RopeSkilled Technician
AnnualinspectionPer YearStructurecomprehensive inspection+Load testinspection body

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the load moment limiter (LML) accuracy calibration required on a monthly basis for mobile cranes?
A: The load moment limiter (LML) is the most critical safety device on a mobile crane, and its accuracy directly determines whether the crane can overload without being detected. Zero-point drift or gain shift in the LML sensors—caused by vibration, temperature fluctuations, and long-term service—can silently understate the actual load factor. For instance, the real load factor may reach 110% while the LML displays only 95%, prompting the operator to continue lifting and risking overturning. Monthly calibration strikes the optimal balance between "trustworthy accuracy" and "calibration cost." The procedure involves lifting a known standard test weight (typically 50%–75% of the rated lifting capacity) at a fixed working radius, then adjusting the LML's zero point or gain so the displayed value matches the test weight, with a permissible deviation of ≤±5%.
Q: What does the NAS grade mean in hydraulic oil testing for mobile cranes?
A: The NAS (National Aerospace Standards) grade is an international classification system for hydraulic oil particulate contamination. It grades oil cleanliness by counting particles in two size ranges—≥5 μm and ≥15 μm—per 100 mL of fluid. A NAS 9 rating means the oil contains between 64,000 and 128,000 particles ≥5 μm and between 8,000 and 16,000 particles ≥15 μm per 100 mL. The higher the NAS grade, the dirtier the oil. For crane hydraulic systems, a NAS grade of 9 or lower is recommended. When the NAS grade reaches 10 or above, wear on hydraulic components accelerates noticeably—servo valves may stick and hydraulic pumps experience increased wear. Oil at NAS 12 should be taken out of service and replaced. Contamination typically comes from external dust ingress and internal wear particles.
Q: Why must boom slide pads (wear blocks) be replaced when wear exceeds 50%?
A: Boom slide pads serve as the guiding and load-bearing elements between telescopic boom sections. When pad wear exceeds 50% of the original thickness, the clearance between boom sections becomes excessive (design clearance is approximately 0.5–2 mm, but can reach 3–5 mm after wear), resulting in: 1) lateral deflection of the boom during telescoping (sections become misaligned), increasing telescoping resistance; 2) additional bending deformation and lateral deflection of the boom under hoisting loads, compromising lifting stability; 3) metal debris from pad wear entering the boom interior, accelerating wear on other sliding surfaces. When replacing slide pads, measure the clearance between boom sections simultaneously to ensure compliance with the manufacturer's technical requirements. Kelude Heavy Industry's mobile crane boom and jib system maintenance strictly follows this standard.

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