What Should I Check Before Using a Casket Lowering Device?
Updated: 1 day ago
A complete lowering-device inspection is far more extensive than cemetery personnel should be expected to perform before every graveside service. But a short pre-service check can sometimes identify an obvious problem before a casket is ever placed on the device.
Cantrell's performs operational checks before and after our service work. The following operator checks are not a replacement for preventive maintenance or a professional mechanical inspection. They are simply an additional opportunity to notice that something has changed.
Perform These Checks Before the Device Is Positioned Over the Grave
These pre-service checks should be performed before the lowering device is set over the grave.
Whenever possible, inspect and operate the device in the shop, equipment area, or another stable location away from the open grave. The purpose of a safety check is to identify a problem in a controlled environment without creating an additional hazard.
Cantrell's technicians may perform certain operational checks while equipment is positioned at a gravesite as part of professional service and inspection. However, we do not recommend cemetery personnel perform load, brake, or other operational safety tests over an open grave unless they are specifically trained and routinely perform those procedures.
For normal cemetery personnel, complete the checks first, confirm that the device is operating properly, and only then move and set the device over the grave.
1. Check the Brake — Including a Simple Load Check
With the lowering device positioned on stable ground away from the grave, crank it into its normal raised position and engage the brake.
First confirm that the brake engages and holds normally while the device is unloaded. Then apply a reasonable test load to the lowering straps to make sure the brake continues to hold when meaningful weight is applied.
A light pull by hand may not place enough load on the brake to reveal a condition that only becomes apparent under greater weight. One practical method is to carefully apply body weight to a lowering strap, such as with a knee, while keeping the device stable and controlled.
Watch for any movement or creeping while the brake is engaged.
If the brake creeps, releases, or will not remain securely engaged under the test load, do not set the device over the grave or place a casket on it. The brake should be inspected and serviced first.
This additional check matters because a lowering-device brake can sometimes appear to hold perfectly while unloaded but begin creeping after casket weight is applied. Performing a weighted check before the service gives cemetery personnel another opportunity to identify that condition before a casket is already on the equipment.
2. Make Sure the Lowering Straps Take Up Normally
As the device is wound into position, the lowering straps should take up in a normal and reasonably even manner.
If one strap remains noticeably loose, one corner behaves differently from the others, or the device does not appear to be operating as a complete unit, do not simply continue cranking harder.
Stop and verify the setup. If the condition remains, have the device inspected before placing it under load.
3. Look Over the Heads, Side Rail Tubes and Visible Connections
Take a quick visual look around the complete lowering device. Check for obviously loose or missing hardware, damaged side rail tubes or other visible structural components, a connection that appears out of position, visible damage to a head, or anything else that looks different from the device's normal condition.
An obvious structural or connection problem should be evaluated before the device is used.
4. Look at the Straps
Check the visible condition of the lowering straps and make sure they are positioned and winding normally.
Fraying, cuts, severe wear, damaged stitching, unusual twisting, or a strap that is not taking up normally deserves attention before a casket is placed on the equipment.
5. Pay Attention to How the Device Sounds and Feels
Grinding or scraping sounds
Repeated abnormal clacking while lowering
Unusual resistance or binding
A strange feeling through the crank handle
Excessive or inconsistent lowering speed
An arm or sleeve behaving differently from the others
Personnel who use the same device regularly often know what normal feels like. A meaningful change deserves attention.
A Pre-Service Check Is Not a Complete Inspection
A routine operator check cannot evaluate everything happening inside the heads and drive system. That requires a more thorough mechanical inspection.
The purpose of the pre-service check is much simpler: Does the device look, feel and operate normally before we set it over the grave and put a casket on it? If the answer is no, stop and investigate the condition first.
Before using a casket lowering device, take a moment to look over the equipment, verify normal brake operation under a reasonable test load, check strap operation, and pay attention to anything that looks, sounds or feels different from normal. A short pre-service check does not replace scheduled maintenance, but it can provide one more opportunity to catch an obvious problem before the equipment is positioned over the grave or placed under load.
Cantrell's Sales LLC provides on-site and mail-in lowering-device service and repair. For service assistance, call 800-961-5722 or submit a service request through cantrellsalesllc.com.
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