Manual release allows a brake to be opened without normal power—critical for maintenance, commissioning, and emergency recovery. On overhead and gantry cranes, manual release can be necessary to free a mechanism after a fault, reposition equipment safely, or perform rescue operations where controlled movement is required. It also supports troubleshooting by allowing technicians to verify mechanical freedom and alignment.
However, manual release must be designed with safety controls. Releasing a hoist brake can allow load movement if the system is not secured, so procedures must include load support, lockout/tagout, and controlled conditions. Some standards and OEM specifications require manual release features for certain crane classes or environments.
When selecting a crane brake, confirm the type of manual release (mechanical lever, hand pump for hydraulic systems, release bolt), accessibility, and required tools. A well-designed manual release improves maintainability and reduces downtime—without compromising the fail-safe function during normal operation.