Tips for Protecting Cranes from Corrosion

Protect your investment from rust damage by following these tips

Use Rust Inhibitors

• Reapplication of rust inhibitors should be completed every two to three months--more often if working in adverse conditions.
• Recommended products:

Clean Regularly

Cranes should be cleaned as often as possible to slow corrosion and identify problem areas sooner.

• Rinse the crane off before washing to avoid scratching the finish
• Only use soaps that are recommended for automotive paint finishes
• Rinse the crane thoroughly after washing. Compressed air can be used to expedite drying
• Automotive waxes and polishes are recommended in order to maintain the crane's original finish

Inspect and Repair Paint Damage

Inspect your crane immediately after cleaning to identify areas to apply paint and rust inhibitors.

• If there are any scratches or chips that go through to the metal, complete a touch up with paint as soon as possible to prevent flash rusting
• Don't neglect parts of the crane that are out of sight. While touch ups in low visibility areas don't need to match the rest of the crane, primer and paint should be used to avoid corrosion
• Increase the frequency of inspections when crane are operated in any of the following types of corrosive environments:
  • During winter months when large quantities of salt are applied to icy surfaces
  • Wherever cranes may encounter dust control chemicals
  • Anywhere moisture levels are increased
  • Near salt water in coastal areas
  • In high humidity and temperatures just above freezing
• If you have any concern that rust will decrease the structural integrity of the crane, contact us immediately

Contact us for more information today!