14 Point Inspection for Overhead Gym Equipment

Overhead gym equipment is a significant investment for any facility.  Maintaining equipment for safety and trouble-free operation should be a top priority for all facilities. Porter recommends facility operators conduct a thorough 14-point inspection of overhead equipment every 6 months. However, any abnormal movement or sound during operation of overhead gym equipment is cause for an immediate and thorough inspection.

1. Winches – The winch is the most important part to maintain on a folding style basketball backstop. Check the gears, cable drum, limit switch assembly, belt drive pulleys, anchoring and cable spooling.  
2. Hoisting Cable – Check cable for kinking and fraying.
3. Pulleys – Check the sheave bearing and shaft for excessive wear.
4. Slide Rods – Clean slide rods and lubricate periodically to prevent binding on raising or lowering cycle.
5. Folding Brace Hinge – Check power lock hinge is properly folding and connectins are secure.
6. Backstop Structure Fittings – Visually inspect backstop clamps and support fittings for hairline cracks, loose bolts, and corrosion, replacing defective parts as required.
7. Backstop Structure – Visually inspect structure pipes for any sign of abnormal deflection or structural cracks.
8. Backstop Accessories – Check that the cable/Saf-Strap retractor system is retracting the cable/strap from the hoist position (forward fold models only).
9. Safety Straps – Check Saf-Strap to make sure it retracts properly into the housing unit.
10. Goal and Backboard Hardware – Ensure hardware that secures the goal and backboard to the mast is present and tight.
11. Mast – Ensure that the backstop mast does not have any un-expected deformations or surface defects.
12. Mast and Brace Hangers – Check that mast hinges are rotating properly when backstop is folding. Check that mast hinge hardware is present and tight. Check that each brace connection is properly rotating and that the hardware securing these hangers are secure. Note any excessive wear.
13. Electrical System – Check that the key switch or electrical system is working properly in both directions.
14. Other Equipment – Other equipment such as height adjusters, shot clocks, and electrical systems may have their own maintenance check lists to perform.

Download a more detailed inspection plan and checklist here.

For more information on overhead gym equipment contact Porter at Porter@PorterAthletic.com.