Manitowoc warns of hidden risks in generic crane parts

Manitowoc warns crane owners over counterfeit and generic spare parts

Manitowoc has issued a warning over the growing use of counterfeit and generic replacement parts on cranes, saying non-OEM components invalidate load charts, void warranties and certifications, and introduce serious safety risks that quickly outweigh any purchase saving.

Manitowoc says the problem goes well beyond the odd pirated filter. The company and other manufacturers have identified copied versions of everything from small consumables to complex structural elements, including mast sections for tower cranes and jib extensions for mobile cranes, with the issue most prevalent in regions where regulatory oversight or enforcement of material quality standards is weaker.

“The lower price point of generic parts can make them seem an attractive option. However, operating cranes with generic parts can have devastating consequences. These components are often manufactured without adhering to the rigorous specifications set by original equipment manufacturers and do not comply with strict quality control, testing, and validation processes that ensure reliability. As a result, they introduce serious safety hazards and operational risks.”

— Yannick Richaud, director of customer support Middle East, Manitowoc

Proprietary specifications, even for bolts and grease

Many parts fitted to Grove, Potain and Manitowoc cranes are built to proprietary design specifications that are not available to third parties, covering factors such as strength margins that affect how a component behaves in service. Even apparently simple items, from bolts and brakes to boom grease, are factored into the engineering design of the cranes and verified at Manitowoc’s Product Verification Centers. Generic suppliers, the manufacturer argues, cannot offer the same traceability, and copied parts may behave unpredictably under load.

Because generics are typically made from lower-grade materials, their service life is often markedly shorter than that of genuine components. They need servicing or replacing more often, which erodes the initial saving, increases downtime and can accelerate wear in surrounding components.

Invalid load charts and lost warranties

The commercial consequences can be as serious as the technical ones. Load charts for Grove, Manitowoc and Potain cranes are invalidated when non-OEM components are fitted, and the same applies when a structural component is repaired in an undocumented way. Non-original parts also void regional certifications and OEM warranties, leaving owners and operators potentially liable when a cheap component causes extensive downstream damage. Where generic suppliers do offer warranties, these typically cover only the part itself, not any damage it causes to the crane.

“Manitowoc views the reliable operation and productivity of its cranes as essential pillars to project success. Cutting corners on critical components is a risk no crane owner or operator should ever take.”

— Yannick Richaud, director of customer support Middle East, Manitowoc