Crane systems in nuclear facilities are expected to perform flawlessly—especially during outages and refueling operations. But even the most reliable equipment is vulnerable to wear and tear.
That’s why having a well-stocked inventory of essential replacement parts is a key part of any plant’s maintenance and risk management strategy. Based on decades of industry experience, these are the top five crane components we recommend every nuclear plant keep in stock.
1. Wire Rope
Wire rope is subject to constant stress, particularly during heavy lifts or repetitive motions. Over time, even the highest-quality ropes can show signs of wear, corrosion, or fraying—especially in environments with radiation exposure or corrosive elements.
Why keep it in stock?
Replacing damaged wire rope promptly avoids dangerous failures and keeps your crane systems operational during planned and unplanned outages.
2. Brake Components
Braking systems are essential for safe load handling and precise positioning. In a nuclear facility, even the smallest braking delay or failure can compromise safety protocols. Spares to consider stocking include brake shoes and pads, brake coils and solenoids, and friction discs and springs.
Why keep them in stock?
Brake systems wear out over time and require immediate attention during inspections or outages. Having replacements on hand ensures fast repairs and continued compliance with safety standards.
3. Control System Parts
Modern cranes rely heavily on control systems—whether digital, analog, or hybrid—for operation, diagnostics, and communication. Components like contactors, limit switches, and PLC modules are essential to system performance.
Why keep them in stock?
Control failures can bring operations to a halt. Stocking spare control system parts minimizes troubleshooting time and helps maintain strict outage schedules.
4. Hoist Motors and Motor Brushes
Motors drive the lifting and lowering of loads. If a motor burns out or a brush wears down unexpectedly, the hoist system becomes inoperable.
Why keep them in stock?
Keeping essential motor components (or entire motors) on hand allows for immediate swap-outs, reducing crane downtime during outage-related operations.
5. Insulating Links & Safety Devices
In radiation-sensitive areas such as refueling pools, electrical safety must be carefully managed. Insulating hook links isolate the load from energized equipment to help prevent dangerous electrical conduction.
Why keep them in stock?
These niche safety components may require custom orders and lead times. Having one or more in reserve ensures compliance with safety protocols and eliminates delays when replacements are needed.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Even with the most robust maintenance plan, crane parts can fail unexpectedly—especially during high-intensity nuclear outage work. Stocking essential replacement parts ensures your plant can respond quickly, stay on schedule, and protect both your team and your equipment.
At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we’re proud to support the nuclear industry with dependable parts, custom solutions, and expert support. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming outage or updating your spare parts inventory, we’re here to help you plan ahead and stay prepared.
Need help identifying the right spares for your facility?
Contact our team for expert guidance on building a tailored inventory plan.