The key to a successful outage isn’t just reacting quickly—it’s being ready before the first bolt is turned. With the right preparation, your cranes and lifting systems won’t just survive your next outage—they’ll come out of it stronger and more reliable than ever.
Let American Crane and Equipment Corporation help you build a smarter plan. From pre-outage assessments to inventory support and emergency response, we’re here to help you outage-proof your plant—step by step.
Start with a Pre-Outage Crane Assessment
Before any outage, conduct a thorough inspection of your crane systems—especially those that are most heavily used or essential to operations. Review recent maintenance logs, identify performance issues, and check for signs of wear on key components. Look at:
- Wire ropes and sheaves for wear or fraying
- Brakes and couplings for signs of fatigue
- Limit switches and control systems for consistent operation
- Hoists and trolleys for alignment and reliability
- Gears, motors, and bearings for noise, heat, or vibration
An early audit ensures that you know exactly what needs attention—and helps prevent surprises once the outage begins.
Build a Smart Spare Parts Inventory
Outages often have tight timelines and waiting on a part can mean costly delays. That’s why pre-planning your crane parts inventory is important. Focus on:
- Wear-prone components like brake pads, contactors, seals and limit switches
- Long-lead items like custom gears, motors and control panels
- Obsolescence risks like discontinued or legacy parts
American Crane can help you identify what to stock based on your crane models, operating conditions, and maintenance history. In many cases, we can also recommend modern replacements for outdated parts.
Coordinate with Your Crane Service Partner Early
Whether you perform maintenance in-house or rely on an outside provider, schedule service teams well in advance of your outage. This includes:
- Coordinating inspections and diagnostics
- Pre-ordering necessary parts
- Locking in specialized repair technicians or rigging support
- Securing any rental equipment required for lift support
At American Crane, our team is experienced in pre-outage planning and on-demand support. When you call us early, we can help create a plan that aligns with your shutdown schedule.
Plan for Contingencies
Even the most prepared plants can encounter last-minute changes. That’s why it’s smart to have:
- Backup components for critical systems
- Emergency repair kits and diagnostic tools on hand
- A direct line to trusted suppliers for rapid parts delivery
American Crane also offers emergency support to keep you covered—even when the unexpected happens.
Take Advantage of Planned Maintenance Programs
Ongoing maintenance is one of the best ways to minimize outage risk. With a planned maintenance program, you can:
- Track usage and wear across all lifting equipment
- Predict and schedule maintenance before failures occur
- Reduce downtime during both outages and normal operations
Contact us to learn more about American Crane’s customizable maintenance programs tailored to your facility and equipment.
Don’t Let Downtime Catch You Off Guard
Preparing your cranes and parts inventory in advance isn’t just smart—it’s essential. With the right planning, resources, and support, you can maximize the productivity of your outage and keep your operations running on schedule.
Need help building a parts list or scheduling a pre-outage inspection? Contact American Crane today. We’re ready to help you outage-proof your plant from the ground up.