Engine Hoists and Slings

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Combined with the stress of high-speed rotating engine components, engines face fatigue over time that can result in malfunction or failure. To protect the service life of aircraft engines, routine maintenance should be carried out frequently.

Maintenance, repair, and overhaul procedures can extend the functionality of your engine, guaranteeing that it works optimally. With this in mind, maintenance operations require a number of specialized tools and equipment to carry out such tasks, two of which we will cover in this blog. Engine hoists and slings enable maintenance members to lift heavy engines, allowing them to perform overhaul procedures or repairs.

To understand the importance of engine hoists and slings, we will provide an example of their use for a Boeing 777 jet engine. Modern commercial jet engines like those found in a Boeing 777 are big and heavy, weighing around 18,000 pounds. These engines are affixed to aircraft wings with pylons and are only removed for maintenance. To remove them, they have to be lifted by hoists or slings, and they must be placed on an engine dolly.

Prior to attaching the sling to the hoist, one must be sure that the hoist can lift the engine safely. Lifting requires a lot of balance and necessitates particular attention to the engine’s center of gravity as the engine is being hoisted. Typically, a manually operated hoist is mounted on a portable frame in such instances. However, some hoists can be electrically powered, those of which should be handled with care.

It is important to note that the hoist and the frame should be checked for their condition, allowing one to determine if they are capable of lifting the engine. One must also verify that the aircraft wheels are secured in place and that there is tail support for the aircraft. Additionally, fix the safety lines to the engine so that the engine movement is controlled as it is being lifted. Next, hook the hoist onto the sling and hoist the engine just enough so that the engine weight is off the mounting pylons. Then, one can remove the nuts from the pylon mount attachments.

Once the engine is free from the rest of the aircraft structure, the engine can be moved away from the aircraft and fastened onto an engine dolly. The aforementioned process can be applied to most aircraft engines with variations as per the manufacturer’s instructions. That being said, all slings and hoists must meet the general design and installation requirements outlined by ASME B30.2-1. Most importantly, inspection of slings and hoists should be carried out regularly to ensure they are in working condition.

Maintenance precautions should also be followed when performing checks on cranes, hoists, or slings. For instance, if a load is attached to the sling or hoist, it must be offloaded. All controllers must be placed in the off position, and warning signs and barriers must be incorporated around the working area. Lastly, a guard should be put in place during maintenance work.

If you find yourself in need of hoists, slings, Ground Support Equipment, or other specialized tools to carry out engine maintenance, rely on Jet Parts 360. Jet Parts 360 is your go-to sourcing solution for all of your operational needs. With over 2 billion ready-to-purchase items at your disposal, you are bound to find what you need with ease. Get started with a competitive quote which you can access via our Instant RFQ service, and see how Jet Parts 360 can serve as your strategic sourcing partner. 

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1. alan walker
2. Posted on February 23, 2022
aviation

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