🏗️ Cranes
Mobile Crane Inspection & Certification in Saudi Arabia
Mobile cranes are the general-purpose lifting machines of Saudi construction sites, plant shutdowns and industrial yards from Jubail and Yanbu to Riyadh, typically a telescopic boom on a road-going carrier with hydraulic outriggers. Dust, heat and rough ground accelerate wear on boom slide pads, hydraulic seals and wire rope. Independent inspection and load testing before mobilisation gives the owner and the site operator documented evidence that the structure, safety devices and capacity indicator are fit to lift to the rated chart.
What we inspect on a mobile crane
- ✓Telescopic boom sections for straightness, cracks at section ends, wear pad condition and smooth extension and retraction
- ✓Outrigger beams, jacks and float pads, including cylinder leak-down and holding (pilot-operated check) valves
- ✓Load moment indicator (LMI) accuracy against known test weights, with radius, boom angle and boom length sensors verified
- ✓Anti-two-block switch, overload cut-out, and boom angle and slew limiting functions
- ✓Slew ring bolt torque marks, slew gearbox backlash, and swing brake and lock operation
- ✓Hoist wire rope for broken wires, diameter reduction, corrosion and drum spooling, plus hook block, sheaves and hook safety latch
- ✓Load chart and rated-capacity decals matching the counterweight and boom configuration actually fitted
- ✓Hydraulic hoses, fittings and lift cylinders for leaks and chafing, plus carrier brakes, steering and tyres
Common defects we find
- ✓Worn boom slide pads causing excessive deflection or sideways play when extended
- ✓Outrigger cylinder drift from leaking seals or failed holding valves
- ✓LMI out of calibration, or an anti-two-block switch that is faulty or bypassed
- ✓Broken wires, core protrusion or kinking in the hoist rope, and worn sheave grooves
- ✓Cracks or distortion at the boom foot, lift cylinder pins or turntable welds
Risks of operating uncertified
- ✓Overturning or boom collapse when the LMI gives false capacity readings or outrigger cylinders drift under load
- ✓Dropped load from hoist rope failure or hoist brake slippage, endangering people and plant below the lift
- ✓Two-blocking and rope parting when anti-two-block protection is bypassed or not working
Testing, standards & frequency
Load / performance test
A rated-capacity load test is typically carried out at 100%-125% of rated capacity at selected radii and boom lengths, depending on the standard and client, with the LMI verified against calibrated test weights.
Inspection interval
Typically at least annually, with pre-mobilisation checks and more frequent re-inspection where client or site rules require.
Standards referenced
- ASME B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Cranes
- EN 13000 Cranes - Mobile cranes
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC (Cranes and Derricks in Construction)
- Manufacturer specifications and load charts
Part of our Crane Inspection & Certification service. You receive an inspection report, Certificate of Conformity and inspection tag for passing equipment.
Mobile Crane inspection by city
Industries using this equipment
FAQs
How often should a mobile crane be inspected and load tested in Saudi Arabia?＋
Most clients and contractors expect a documented third-party inspection at least annually and before mobilising to a new site, with load testing at commissioning and after major repair or modification. Your project lifting procedure and client rules set the exact frequency.
What documents does a mobile crane need before it can lift on site?＋
Typically a current inspection and load test report, the load charts, maintenance records, the operator's competency evidence and any client-specific pre-mobilisation checklist. Requirements differ between projects, so confirm them with the site lifting supervisor.