Hydra Crane Safety Concerns in India: How Are You Handling Overload and Over Hoist Issues?

We have one 12T Hydra from the manufacturer Escort. There is no over hoist limit switch in the Hydra, but an overload alarm is in place. The driver is arguing that there is no overload limit switch in the equipment by default and that it's not available in the 12T model. Also, he is defending that there is no need for an over hoist alarm in this equipment.

Seeking Advice from Industry Peers in India

Now, I would like to know from our friends who are working in India:

1. Is there the same issue in your project?
2. If so, what action have you taken?
3. Is there any legal requirement stating the compulsory use of an over hoist limit switch in a Hydra crane?

Please come forward and share your experience or advise on how to tackle this issue.

Thanks,
Vijay

Availability of Limit Switches with Escorts

Limit switches are available with Escorts. They can be provided. We provided the limit switches in six Hydra cranes supplied by Escorts in Oman.

Regards,
Pon

It's really a practical problem you have brought to discuss. Let's go point by point:

The Operator's Defense on Over Hoist Alarm

1. The operator defending that there is no need for an over hoist alarm in this equipment:

This is a practical problem. The hydras come with a hook over hoist alarm. However, what people often do is disable this alarm as a preference, choosing to keep the hook just touching the boom to avoid swaying when the hydra is moving. Compared to a crane's hook, the hydra's hook is lighter, and as we are attaching the crane hook to its body, we are not able to do the same with the hydra. Therefore, the preference is given to detach/deactivate this alarm; otherwise, it will sound all the time. Perhaps due to this, the operator is defending. We may even allow him to do so if you are able to go for the below-mentioned SLI device.

Industry Issues and Actions Taken

2. Is there the same issue in your project?

Yes. Hydra toppling is one of the main accidents in the industry. This mainly happens when using two hydras for shifting long or heavy material, especially when trying to lift from a side position due to constraints in space, etc. In construction, there are many chances of hydra incidents if required precautions are not taken.

3. If so, then what action have you taken?

We have installed Safe Load Indicators in all our hydras. You can install it in any hydra even if it does not come with a company-fitted one. Please go through the attached detailed PDF file regarding the same and our own site photograph of the implementation of the same. If you need any more input regarding this, do let me know.

Apart from the above, we have implemented Run Over Protection in all the hydras. This will provide protection from the hydra running over individuals in the event of an incident. An attached photo of the same is also provided for reference.

Legal Requirements on Over Hoist Limit Switch

4. Is there any legal requirement stating the compulsory use of an over hoist limit switch in a hydra crane?

To the best of my knowledge, there is no such legal requirement for hydras. This is our own internal safety standard that leads us to implement the SLI in hydras.

If you require further information on this matter, please let me know.

Regards,

Dear Dipil, Thank you for your most valuable input. Could you please tell me the approximate cost to fix the device per crane? It's a great help for me. Thanks a lot.

Regards, Vijay

Well said! Actually, I don't have much exposure on the crane technical side, but I wrote to the manufacturer on 08 June 2012. Unfortunately, I have not received any reply from the manufacturer yet. In case I receive any feedback from them, I will share it with all of you. I have downloaded your documents and will view them when time allows; nowadays, I am very busy. I saw your updates on SVL-IV and other threads as well. Keep on going...

Contact with Crane Institute in India

I have a contact with a crane institute in India. Last year, one of our company operators completed a course at that institute. However, I cannot find his address in my mail now. I will check with that operator to get the institute's number, then you can introduce yourself (as Raghu's friend). Perhaps he will explain/guide you on whatever you want to know about cranes. I will provide the number ASAP. Keep on sharing.

Regards,

I have gone through the PPT you have shared as well as the WYLIE SMART literature. I have some queries related to the new generation Hydra, which was launched with the operator cabin in front, like the TRX 1550 of Escorts. Since we started using these Hydra at our operating site, we have been facing many issues related to toppling, especially when only one Hydra is deployed to complete the job. Do you have any observations related to this model? Kindly share.

Also, please let me know how effective this Wylie system works in terms of safety in Hydra operation. What is the tentative cost of installing this unit?

Thank you.