Overhaul
Lifting equipment, such as overhead cranes or hoists, is designed with a theoretical service life defined at the time of conception.
However, this lifespan can be extended with a general overhaul, enabling your equipment to continue operating safely and efficiently.
Why carry out an overhaul?
Over time, intensive use and repeated cycles wear out the critical components of lifting equipment. A general overhaul can :
- Replace or overhaul key parts, such as gearboxes, wiring, electrical boxes or windchests.
- Guarantee that your device complies with current safety standards.
- Maximize the life of your equipment and avoid immediate investment costs for a complete replacement.
A well-performed overhaul can give your equipment a "second life", often at a much lower cost than buying a new one.

Why outsource this calculation?
There are many advantages to commissioning experts to carry out this calculation:
Legal compliance
The calculation is a regulatory obligation.
Affordable cost
A low-cost service that includes a detailed report.
Precision and expertise
Using specialized software, our technicians provide a reliable diagnosis.
Simplified management
You receive a clear, comprehensive report for each device, as well as a global view for large equipment fleets.
Anticipating investments
Plan and budget equipment replacements several years in advance.
Calculating remaining service life
Each hoist is designed for a limited number of lifting cycles or hours, determined by its FEM (Fédération Européenne de Manutention) classification. For example, a hoist rated FEM 2m is designed to operate for 1600 hours under nominal load. Once this limit has been reached, the hoist needs to be replaced or overhauled.
The following table gives the theoretical service life T in hours for FEM groups 1Bm, 1Am, 2m, 3m and 4m :
To ensure that your device remains in a safe condition, an annual calculation of the remaining service life must be carried out and documented in the safety logbook.
What if the device exceeds its lifetime?
When the theoretical service life of a device is reached or exceeded, it must be taken out of service immediately. At this point, you have several options: take the machine out of service for good; replace the equipment with a new one; or entrust the general overhaul to experts to give it a second life.
Estimate the safe operating period of the hoist yourself:
Conclusion
Overhauling lifting equipment and calculating its remaining service life are essential to ensure its safety and efficiency. These steps not only ensure compliance with legal requirements, but also extend the life of your equipment while optimizing your costs.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a review, please don't hesitate to contact us. Investing in maintenance means investing in the safety and durability of your operations.
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