Explosion-proof electric cranes, like explosion-proof forklifts and explosion-proof lifting trucks, are not merely elevation devices used in workplaces such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities; these types of cranes are essential in safely moving heavy objects in dangerous settings where any amount of spark can cause a catastrophic event. Such cranes will be designed to work in an environment where flammable gases, vapours, or dust are present, but the key factor that contributes to their efficiency is stable and properly scheduled preventive maintenance.

A well-organised and planned maintenance solution is vital; otherwise, even the most well-designed explosion-proof cranes can go through harsh wear and tear, get electrical issues, and have seal failure, which may endanger the safety and productivity of the lifting device at work. Preventive maintenance not only increases the service life of the equipment but also minimises downtimes, decreases the expenses of repair, and ensures adherence to strict safety regulations.

In this guide, we shall take you through the best practices of maintaining the explosion-proof electric cranes of Bailey, to keep them in their best state by knowing their early signals and adhering to daily, monthly, and annual maintenance schedules to ensure that your operations remain efficient, compliant, and free of incidents.

Why Preventive Maintenance is Critical for Explosion-Proof Electric Cranes in MRO Facilities?

Electric cranes, such as explosion-proof lifts, have taken a significant role in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities (MRO), which operate in high-risk facilities like chemical plants, refineries, and aerospace overhauls.

• It is a specially designed crane built to prevent any sparks, high temperature, or electrical faults that are capable of causing ignition of any combustion gas, vapour, or dust in the working location.

• The error margins in such environments are very narrow, as failure of the equipment would lead to costly unplanned shutdowns, safety, or compliance concerns.

• Periodic preventive maintenance is the only way to ensure that a device and all its parts (electrical specs, motors, seals, and safety devices) can work at their best.

• It facilitates the detection of wear, corrosion, or electrical defects that can turn out to be hazards, maintains lifting capacity, and helps verify compliance with high-standard safety, such as OSHA or NFPA standards.

Preventive maintenance ideally involves not only maintaining equipment but also plays a role in preserving lives, ensuring operations continue uninterrupted, and protecting your investment.

Core Preventive Maintenance Tasks for Explosion-Proof Electric Cranes

Preventive maintenance for explosion-proof lifts is necessary to ensure that all major systems of the lifts are in their optimum form to ensure safety and reliability in explosive environments.

• Electrical equipment such as motors, the insulation on the wiring, control panels, and grounding systems need to be regularly checked to determine any wearout, excessive heating, or the possibility of loose connections, which can hamper performance or cause safety issues.

• Hoists, gears, bearings, and brakes can cause unexpected mechanical breakdowns.  During their maintenance, they should be regularly lubricated, adjusted, and inspected to make sure there is no wear & tear.

• During an inspection, the explosion-proof coverings that protect the electrical components against the ignition of surrounding hazards should be tested to ensure the potential for unmoved seals, appropriately adjusted gaskets, as well as resistance to corrosion or surface degradation.

• Safety devices such as limit switches, emergency stops, and load monitoring should be installed, and their workings should be tested to ensure their immediate response.

By maintaining all of these systems by carrying out regular checks and services, the facilities will be in a position to reduce the risks and maximise the lifetime of the crane and ensure that its productivity is not compromised.

How does Bailey Cranes design for Easier Preventive Maintenance?

Bailey Cranes is a veteran-owned small business based in Muskego, Wisconsin. Bailey Cranes has pioneered explosion‑proof Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) that set new industry standards, securing clients like NASA, the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. Our team is dedicated to enhancing operational safety and efficiency through custom-engineered MEWP solutions. Today, the company stands as a trusted partner for the aerospace, defence, and construction industries, fulfilling its mission to deliver exceptional lifting and access platforms and its vision to remain the first choice for the most challenging work environments.

In hazardous MRO environments, preventive maintenance is only as effective as the equipment’s design. Bailey Speciality Cranes builds its explosion-proof electric cranes, EX Boom Lifts, explosion-proof manlifts, EX Scissor Lifts, and aerial lifts with servicing in mind, reducing downtime, simplifying inspections, and extending component life.

1. Smarter Hydraulics & Controls

Our Explosion-Proof Scissor Lifts and Boom Lifts replace hydraulic joysticks with electric controls, removing over 27 hoses and 38 fittings typically found in competitor platforms. This dramatically reduces leak points, which is a critical factor in paint-sensitive or hazardous areas. The enhanced motor management system ensures stable contactor control, preventing low-battery flutter and extending part lifespan.

2. Maintenance-Friendly Monitoring

Battery health is displayed directly at the platform using a clear colour-coded indicator, unlike competitor designs, where it’s only at ground level. Operators can plan charging before performance drops, avoiding mid-task stoppages.

3. Compliance-Driven Electrical Systems

All wiring uses metal shielded cabling compliant with the latest NFPA/NEC 70 standards, eliminating the risks of outdated SOOW rubber cables. Our lifts also integrate anti-spark wheel covers and other Factory Mutual requirements from the outset, removing the need for retrofit upgrades.

4. Faster, Easier Servicing

Circuit breakers replace glass fuses for quick resets, while modular control systems allow on-site repairs without cranes or full disassembly. This means minutes of downtime instead of hours.

5. Built for Reliability

Full stability analysis, control system safety review, and simplified hydraulics have been performed across all models since the initiation of the original EX Series in 2002. The outcome: more reliable equipment that is safer and easier to maintain and is always working in the most challenging MRO environments.

This keeps all your critical differentiators like battery indicators, hose reduction, shielded cabling, circuit breakers, and compliance, but trims out excess repetition.

Conclusion

Essentially, preventive maintenance in MRO facilities of explosion-proof electric cranes is not a habit but the basis of safe, efficient, and continuous operations. The emphasis on routine checks of the electrical system, mechanical components, safety guards, and housing can help facilities avoid expensive failures, preserve the life of the equipment, and abide by stringent safety requirements.

Bailey Cranes goes a step further by designing its explosion-proof cranes to ensure that such tasks are completed faster, easier, and with increased reliability. All of the features, such as reducing leak points with electric controls, the use of operator-level battery indicators, compliant shielded cabling, and quick-reset circuit breakers, are designed to facilitate more convenient servicing and extended performance lifetime. Bailey Cranes has a history of delivering top-quality engineered solutions for the most rigorous environments, and our solutions rise to the challenge, to the extent that makes us the number one choice for explosion-proof electric cranes by MRO technicians who are seeking safety, compliance, and ease-of-use.

Contact Bailey Cranes for assistance in selecting premium explosion-proof electric cranes that are designed with top-quality safety features and standards. To learn more about our lifting solutions, contact Bailey Cranes at 262-710-4028 or email us at sales@baileycranes.com.

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