An Introduction to Slewing Mobile Cranes

Slewing Mobile Crane (up to 60 tonnes)

Slewing Mobile Crane - Overview

Slewing mobile cranes can be used in a variety of settings to safely and efficiently lift and transport heavy items. Understanding the basics of slewing mobile cranes is necessary for an operator to conduct safe operations, including ensuring the crane is in proper working condition, understanding how to properly use the controls, following safety protocols, and more.

What is a Slewing Mobile Crane?

A slewing mobile crane is a type of crane that has been designed to be able to move from one location to another. This type of crane is used in many industries, such as construction and manufacturing. There are many different types of slewing cranes, but they all have similar features that make them useful in various situations.
Slewing cranes are usually mounted on wheels so that they can be easily transported from place to place without having to disassemble them or move them manually by hand. They also tend to have an overhead arm attached at the top which allows operators more freedom when using these machines since they don’t need access directly underneath where they’re working with their hands all day long; instead they just need access above where their head will be positioned while operating it (usually around 3 metres high).

Requirements for Operating a Slewing Mobile Crane

To operate a slewing mobile crane, you must:

  • Have a valid mobile crane operator’s high risk work license.

  • Driver’s licence requirements a mobile crane may be a registered vehicle under state and territory road laws. Like a truck driver, a person must hold a current driver’s licence for the class of vehicle before driving a mobile crane on a public road.

  • Complete training on the equipment, including operating procedures and safety practices. This can be done through an accredited RTO or through an employer-provided course.

  • Be physically able to operate the equipment safely. You’ll need good vision and hearing, as well as strength in your arms and hands to control levers or joysticks while standing in one place for long periods of time (up to eight hours per day).

Safety Considerations When Operating a Slewing Mobile Crane

  • Pre-operation Checks

  • Safe Load Management

  • Site-specific Safety Measures

Common Types of Slewing Mobile Cranes

There are three common types of slewing mobile cranes:

  • All-terrain Cranes. These cranes are designed to operate on any terrain, including rough terrain and steep slopes. They can also be used in urban areas where there are many obstacles such as utility poles, buildings and other infrastructure.

  • Truck Cranes. These cranes have a lifting capacity that ranges from 20 tonnes to 450 tonnes. They’re usually mounted on trucks or trailers for easy transportability across the construction site or job site location.

  • Crawler Cranes (also known as Rough Terrain Cranes). These cranes have a lifting capacity ranging from 27 tonnes to 700 tonnes but they don’t travel like all-terrain cranes do–instead they stay stationary while moving their load around them by means of an articulating boom arm attached at one end and rotating wheels at another end which allows them greater mobility than other types of mobile crane systems available today.”

Safety Protocols When Working with a Slewing Mobile Crane

Safety protocols are essential when working with a slewing mobile crane. The following are some of the most important safety procedures to follow:

  • Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency, it’s important to know what to do. For example, if you’re operating your slewing mobile crane and you notice that something is wrong with its operation or safety features (e.g., lights aren’t working properly), immediately stop all operations until the issue has been resolved by a qualified person who can inspect the equipment and make repairs if necessary.

  • Crane Maintenance and Inspection: Regularly check all parts of your slewing mobile crane for damage or wear so that any problems can be addressed before they become serious enough to cause injury or death during use–or even just during transportation from one location to another! This includes checking hydraulic lines for leaks; inspecting hoist mechanisms for cracks; making sure all electrical components are functioning properly; etcetera… If there’s ever any doubt about whether something needs fixing before using again after repairs have been made–or if there’s any question at all about whether something might be unsafe duelling –don’t take chances! Just call in experts who know what they’re doing when it comes time

 

Common Hazards of Operating a Slewing Mobile Crane

The operator of a slewing mobile crane is responsible for ensuring that the load is properly secured and that it does not exceed the maximum allowable weight. The operator should also make sure that there are no other hazards in the area that could cause damage to equipment or injury to personnel.
If you are operating a slewing mobile crane, there are certain things you need to be aware of:

  • Overloading: This can result in sudden load release, which could lead to loss of control over your vehicle or injury if you’re not prepared for it.

  • Poorly Maintained Equipment: If your equipment isn’t working properly, then it won’t be able to handle whatever task you ask it too–and this could lead directly back into our first point above about overloading!

Preventative Measures for Safely Operating a Slewing Mobile Crane

  • Regular inspections. Whether you’re working with a brand-new crane or one that’s been in service for years, it’s important to perform regular inspections on your slewing mobile cranes. These checks should be done at least once a year by a qualified inspector who has been trained in the proper use of cranes and rigging equipment.

  • Safe use of outriggers. Outriggers are used to stabilise the crane when it’s not being used for lifting or lowering loads; they also help prevent tipping over if there is too much weight on one side of the load centerline (LC). Make sure that all operators know how to safely operate outriggers before allowing them near any equipment.* Adequate training: You can’t just hire anyone off the street as an operator–you need someone who knows what they’re doing!

Legal Requirements for Operating a Slewing Mobile Crane

The Federal government regulates the operation of mobile cranes through WH&S, or the Work Health and Safety Legislation. This legislation mandates that all operators must be trained in the proper use of their equipment and adhere to strict safety standards. They also have specific regulations regarding how much time can be spent operating a crane before needing rest periods, as well as restrictions on how many hours per day an operator can work. State Regulations
State governments may have additional requirements for operating mobile cranes depending on where your business is located; these vary widely from state-to-state but typically include things like having an insurance policy in place or passing a drug test before receiving certification.

Additional Resources:
SafeWork Australia – General Guide for Cranes
SafeWork Australia – Information Sheet: High risk work licensing for vehicle loading cranes

Inspections and Maintenance of Slewing Mobile Cranes

Inspections and Maintenance of Slewing Mobile Cranes
Inspections are an important part of any machinery’s life. They ensure that the equipment is in good condition and ready to be used safely. Inspections are also required by law, so you can’t just ignore them! The following sections explain what inspections you need to perform on your slewing mobile crane:

  • Pre-use inspections – These should be performed before each shift or job. They check things like tire pressure, fluid levels (oil and hydraulic) and safety devices such as brakes or parking brake hold-off mechanisms.* Scheduled maintenance – This includes regular checks on all major components such as gearsets and bearings.* Post-use inspections – These must be carried out after every shift or job has been completed; they include checking for damage caused during transportation or operation

Conclusion

Slewing mobile cranes are an essential part of any construction site, but they must be operated safely. The benefits of safely operating a slewing mobile crane include:

  • Adhering to regulations

  • Regular inspections and maintenance

Like to learn more about our slewing mobile crane courses? Go to our course webpage  or talk to one of our trainers today!

Dedicated to your workplace safety

Nigel