Articulated jib with lifting axis: maintenance and inspection
The articulated jib combines the slewing of the arm with the lifting of the axis. The two assemblies age differently: the arm by moment and load cycles, the axis by strokes and seal condition. Maintenance that looks at only one of them has done half the job.
- Rule
- DGUV rule 54 (winches, hoisting and traction equipment)
- Interval
- at least annually
- Makes
- any make
Two assemblies, one unit – and two wear patterns.
Which rule applies – and at what interval
As hoisting and traction equipment the articulated jib falls under DGUV rule 54, with inspection by a competent person at least once a year. Both assemblies are inspected: the load-bearing structure with joints and welds, and the pneumatic circuit of the lifting axis including load holding on pressure loss. Where the unit hangs from a runway, DGUV rule 52 applies to that runway.
- Rule
- DGUV rule 54 (winches, hoisting and traction equipment)
- Minimum interval
- at least annually
- Inspector
- competent person
What we look at on this unit
| Component | Finding | Discard limit |
|---|---|---|
| Joint pins & bushes | Play, worn bore, running dry | noticeable play at the load attachment |
| Jib | Deformation, welds, cracks | any crack |
| Lifting axis | Creep under load, scoring, guide play | any creep under a standing load |
| Load holding | Check valve, behaviour on pressure loss | load must stay put when switched off |
| Line routing | Chafing in the moving arm, clamps | chafing down to the reinforcement |
| Column | Anchor bolts, slew ring, connection to the structure | any loose bolted connection |
The limits come from the applicable rules. Where manufacturer data exists for the specific unit, it prevails.
What actually gets done
Assess both assemblies separately
We check arm and axis one after the other and against different criteria: the arm through play at the load, the axis through creep and load holding. Only that shows which of the two determines the condition – and where the next investment belongs.
The junction between them
The interface between jib and lifting axis carries the highest stress and receives the least attention. Bolting, mount and the line feed-through at this point get a separate look.
Measure the creep
The axis is stopped with rated load and observed over a defined period. The measured distance goes into the report so the trend over the years becomes visible.
Travel the whole working area
With a load attached through the slewing range and the full stroke. Uneven behaviour almost always occurs only in certain positions – in the middle of the range nothing shows.
When the task has changed
Change stroke or reach
Both can be adapted, but not independently: more reach increases the moment on column and suspension. We recalculate the modified condition.
Replace the axis
The lifting axis is the part that ages first. It can be replaced without touching the jib – as long as mount and capacity match.
Different load attachment
New gripper, additional rotary axis, quick-change system: the workpiece changes more often than the unit.
What we offer for it
Lifting Equipment Maintenance
Planned maintenance of chain hoists, wire rope hoists, balancers and manipulators – any make.
Lifting Equipment Inspection
Recurring inspection under German BetrSichV and DGUV rules – chain hoists, rope hoists, balancers, manipulators and jib cranes.
Repair & Overhaul
Repair of lifting equipment and manipulators of any make – from a brake change to a full overhaul.
Upgrades & Modification
Adapting existing lifting equipment to a new task – gripper, control, reach, capacity.
Questions on maintenance and inspection
Do jib and lifting axis have to be inspected separately?
No, both belong in one pass and one report. But they are two assessments against different criteria – a report that only says “inspected, in order” does not distinguish between a tired cylinder and a worn joint.
The load sways when slewing. Why?
Usually joint play, which adds up along the lever to the load. Less often the axis. We measure the play at the load attachment and only then work through the individual joints.
Do you service equipment from other manufacturers?
Yes. The points inspected follow from the design, not from the make. Where manufacturer data exists we work to it; where it is missing we document what our scope is based on.
Let’s talk about your equipment.
Tell us which units you have – including ones from different manufacturers. We will come back with a proposal for scope and interval.