Start the Year Strong with Safer, Smarter Crane Operations

As we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to thank our valued clients for trusting Overhead Crane Solutions with your lifting equipment, inspections, repairs, and custom projects. Your continued partnership allows us to do what we do best — keep your operations safe, compliant, and moving forward.

The beginning of the year is also the ideal time to reset, review, and plan ahead. Below are a few important things every facility should do at the start of the year to ensure overhead cranes and hoists remain reliable, compliant, and ready for production demands.

New Year Crane Maintenance Checklist: What Should You Review?

1. Confirm Your Annual Inspection Schedule

A new year is the perfect time to ensure your mandatory inspections are scheduled and documented. Annual crane inspections are not just a best practice — they’re a code requirement for most overhead lifting equipment.

✔ Verify last inspection dates
✔ Book upcoming inspections early to avoid downtime
✔ Ensure inspection reports are properly filed

Proactive scheduling helps avoid last-minute delays and production interruptions.

2. Review Preventive Maintenance Records

Preventive maintenance is key to extending the life of your crane system and reducing unexpected failures.

Ask yourself:

• Are lubrication schedules being followed?

• Are wear items being monitored consistently?

• Have recurring issues been addressed permanently?

A quick review now can prevent costly repairs later in the year.

3. Check Crane Log Books & Documentation

Log books are critical for tracking inspections, maintenance, load tests, and repairs — especially for cranes 2 tons and over.

Start the year by confirming:

• Log books are present and up to date

• Load tests and inspections are recorded correctly

• Serial numbers and crane details are clearly identified

Proper documentation protects both your equipment and your operation.

4. Assess Operator & Maintenance Training

New year, new staff, new responsibilities — it’s important to confirm that everyone operating or working around cranes is properly trained.

✔ Operator training current
✔ Maintenance responsibilities clearly assigned
✔ Refresher training scheduled where needed

Well-trained teams lead to safer lifts and fewer incidents.

5. Plan Ahead for Repairs, Upgrades, or Modernization

If you know components are nearing the end of their service life, the start of the year is the best time to plan upgrades or repairs.

This may include:

• Hoist or trolley upgrades

• Control system modernization

• Runway or structural improvements

Planning early allows work to be completed on your schedule, not during an emergency.

Start the Year with Confidence

A well-maintained crane system is safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective. Taking time at the beginning of the year to review inspections, maintenance, and documentation sets your facility up for a smooth and productive year ahead.

From all of us at Overhead Crane Solutions, thank you again for your continued trust. We look forward to supporting your operation throughout the year — wherever your projects take you.

📞 Need to book an inspection or maintenance service?
📧 Have questions about your crane documentation or compliance?
Contact our team today — we’re always happy to help.