FEM speaks out against overloading

The overload test, mandated by law in some countries, is supposed to test the structural integrity of a crane by applying a load over the rated capacity, but can cause mechanical failure.

Following outcry against the tests by hirers in some European countries, the FEM working group on mobile cranes has debated the subject for the past several months, finally releasing a position paper.

The group’s paper said overload testing should only be used after a major overhaul. “Further acceptance tests with overload during the lifetime of the crane should only be performed in case of modification or repair of load-bearing parts or in case of a general overhaul.”

It warned that repeated overload testing during lift-move-lift jobs like wind turbine construction can quickly erode the life cycle of the crane.

While it noted that overloading is mandated in countries requiring testing after changing configurations, proper use of the Rated Capacity Limiter, a safety device to prevent overloading, and the override key with the same function, is also mandated by international standards such as EN13000.

A member of the FEM mobile cranes working group, Vincent Stenger, presented the policy at Cranes Today’s recent Singapore conference, Cranes Asia.

A PDF copy of the FEM position paper.