Video inspection: what to film before buying a crane

Many overseas customers cannot come to China to see the machine, so they inspect it by video. Truck cranes and all-terrain cranes have many components, so it is best to make a checklist before filming.

Chassis. Start the chassis engine, check the instruments for alarms, drive a stretch of road, test the steering and brakes. Check whether the outriggers extend and retract smoothly and whether the outrigger cylinders leak oil.

Superstructure. Start the superstructure engine; on single-engine models the power is taken from the chassis. Check whether the load moment limiter works. Extend the main boom fully and retract it fully, and check whether the telescoping sections extend in the correct order and whether there are any abnormal noises.

Boom. Film close-ups of the welds and sides of each boom section, and check for signs of repair welding or deformation. Check the wire rope for broken wires and flattening.

Counterweight and attachments. Count the counterweight blocks and note the weight of each block. Confirm whether the hook and jib come with the machine.

Documents. Film the nameplate, frame number and engine number clearly and check them against the contract. If there are annual inspection records, film those as well.

When filming, it is best to shoot in one continuous take without cuts. If you still have questions after viewing, you can arrange a follow-up filming session.