What is an HDS crane?

Cranes are versatile machines used today in a wide variety of industries. Their most common application is reloading. Due to the fact that this type of work is carried out under a wide variety of conditions, there are many different types of cranes. A large number of them are mobile or portable cranes.

How is an HDS crane constructed?

The HDS crane is mounted on rails or tires - depending on the terrain on which the machine will work. The crane is mounted on the body. . Due to the differences in construction, there are several types of HDS cranes:

• general purpose cranes - the structure is mounted to the vehicle chassis, the boom performs simple vertical and horizontal movements, manipulating the load,
• timber loading cranes - instead of hooks, they have special grips adapted to maneuvering with wood.

Additionally, HDS cranes are distinguished in terms of where the arm is mounted:

• on the vehicle behind the driver's cab,
• on the vehicle, at the rear of the vehicle with a load box,
• in the middle of the vehicle.

What works are HDS cranes used for?

HDS cranes are used to manipulate loads of considerable weight.

On the surface, they look similar to other mobile cranes, but they differ in capabilities and purpose.
Mobile cranes are designed for reloading and assembly works. They are able to lift a much greater weight than HDS cranes.

Compared to a mobile crane, a hydraulic crane can lift a much smaller weight. Usually its lifting capacity ranges from several hundred kilograms to several tons. HDS cranes are used because of their advantage in terms of load capacity. HDS cranes are also able to transport loads.

Due to the above, hydraulic cranes are widely used in many different industries. Apart from the most common place of occurrence of hydraulic cranes, i.e. at construction sites, they are also used in production halls or in industrial warehouses. They are also useful for placing cargo in other means of transport. HDS cranes can also be found in shipyards or even, in a smaller form, on board ships. Small-sized cranes are also found in private workshops. As you can see, these machines have a very wide range of applications.

What are the potential risks when operating an HDS crane?

When transporting large loads, as standard with the HDS crane, it is very easy to get involved in an accident resulting from the carelessness of the operator. Overloading the boom or uncontrolled cargo discharge are examples of accident-type situations. Therefore, only operators with the appropriate qualifications should be seated at the controls of a hydraulic lift.

What qualifications are needed for an HDS crane?

Hydraulic lifts in Poland are subject to technical supervision. To become a HDS crane operator, You must first complete the relevant course and pass an examination certified by the Office of Technical Inspection. Anyone who passes the exam gains a licence to work as a hydraulic crane operator.

The training program in each center is prepared according to UDT guidelines. The course includes theoretical and practical lessons. During the theoretical classes, students are provided with the most important information about the rules related to the operation of a hydraulic crane and health and safety regulations when working with this device. Theoretical classes include topics such as:

• construction of the HDS crane,
• basic information on the safe operation of the equipment,
• duties of a hydraulic crane operator,
• Health and safety of the HDS operator.

During practical classes, students use equipment specially designed for exercises and check whether the acquired knowledge translates into skills. The entire course ends with an exam before the committee of the Office of Technical Inspection.

In order to increase work safety, companies organize special courses for their employees, which are designed to recall the knowledge acquired during the first training and supplement it with information related to new technologies of hydraulic lifts. As the qualifications for HDS cranes do not expire, such training is only a self-organized supplement and is not required to maintain the qualifications.

Who can take the HDS crane exam?

Courses for hydraulic cranes are conducted in training centers all year round. To join the training for the crane operator HDS, it is enough to meet several conditions:

• 18 years or older
• Education at least basic
• There are no medical contraindications for the profession of a hydraulic crane operator

Anyone who meets these conditions can take the HDS crane exam after completing the relevant course.

The OSO company regularly organizes HDS training. Our experienced staff of trainers is a guarantee of good quality education. Please do not hesitate to contact us with our consultants for all the helpful information. We invite!