MacGregor Hatch cover load transmission
Worn or incorrect bearing pads compromise ship safety. Decades of experience and continuous development means that MacGregor is able to offer a range of bearing pad options designed to ensure safety and meet every size of vessel and operational need.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Bearing pad wear or delamination from repeated loading and panel misalignment
- Cleating/wedge mechanism wear causing hatch cover leakage
- Hydraulic cylinder seal leakage on the operating system
- Rubber packing/gasket degradation (UV, chemical, mechanical wear) causing water ingress
- Corrosion of coaming and panel steelwork, especially around drain channels
- Cross joint and side bearing wear affecting panel alignment
Inspection checklist
- Bearing pad wear measurement against renewal limit
- Cleating device function and clamping force
- Rubber packing condition (cracking, compression set) around the full perimeter
- Coaming and panel steel condition, drain channel clearance
- Hydraulic cylinder/hose condition and leakage check
- Full open/close operation trial
- Weathertightness test (hose test or ultrasonic test) of the closed hatch
- Cross joint and wheel/roller condition
- Limit switch and interlock function on power-operated covers
- Corrosion protection/coating condition
Service intervals
| Bearing pad inspection | typically annually, with renewal per the maker's wear limit |
| Rubber packing replacement | typically every 2-5 years depending on condition - confirm against the maker's manual |
| Hydraulic power pack service (oil, filters) | per the hydraulic unit maker's own interval |
| Weathertightness test | at each class survey and after any repair affecting sealing |
| Cross joint/bearing greasing | per the maker's lubrication schedule, typically every 1-3 months in service |
Typical wear limits
| Bearing pad wear | renew when wear exceeds roughly half of original pad thickness, or per the maker's stated renewal limit - confirm against the maker's manual |
| Cross joint/wheel clearance | keep within the maker's stated tolerance, typically a few millimetres - confirm against the maker's manual |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- bearing pads
- rubber packing/gasket sections
- cleating device components
- hydraulic cylinder seal kits
Safety
- Crush hazard from moving/folding panels - keep clear during operation and rely on interlocks
- Hydraulic system stored pressure
- Working at height on hatch covers, particularly in heavy weather
- Fall hazard through the open hatch during cargo operations
Class survey
Hatch covers require a weathertightness test (hose test or equivalent) at each annual and special survey; class checks bearing pad and packing condition, cleating device function, and coaming/drain channel corrosion.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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Common failures & inspection points
Visual inspection for discoloration, cracks, deformation; tactile inspection of elasticity. Damaged sections (minimum 1 m length) must be replaced. Do not apply oil/grease products. Validate with ultrasonic leak detection test.
Surface inspection for corrosion and scratches. Check straightness with steel ruler. Damaged rods must be properly replaced/repaired and realigned (alignment critical for even compression).
Check oil level. Take oil samples and analyze quarterly for contamination. Oil change every 5 years; replace filter annually. Inspect piston rods for corrosion/scratches. For leaks inspect seal rings and cylinder block. Lubricate grease nipples between seal rings.
Inspect drainage channels for blockage (visual, if necessary with wire probe). Test check valves opening/closing manually (ball should move freely, not be hardened). Inspect drainage holes in cargo hold corners. Clean or replace if fouled.
Measure pad height against manufacturer specification. Wear of 4 mm or more destroys rubber seal. Damaged pads must be replaced with original spare parts of same size and material (involve specialists). Check movement between panel and cargo hold edge with pencil test.
Perform ultrasonic tightness test: place ultrasonic generator in closed cargo hold, run sensor receiver outside around all joints. Signal strength shows compression quality. Additionally chalk test: rub compression rods with chalk, imprint shows uneven compression. Hose test in empty cargo holds (0.5 m/s, 12 mm nozzle, 1–1.5 m distance) as validation.
Type-general inspection and maintenance points for this equipment category — not model-specific.
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