Understanding which equipment will best fit your operation’s unique overhead handling needs and budget can be a complex and time-consuming task. With numerous manufacturers offering a wide range of cranes and hoists designed for different loads, capacities, usage frequencies, and environmental conditions across various industries, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are five key factors that will guide you in making a well-informed decision when choosing the right equipment for your facility.
1. Load Characteristics
Manufacturers need detailed information about your load requirements before they can start recommending the right crane and hoist set up for you. They’ll want to know what you plan to lift, including the load’s size, weights, shape, material, and fragility. It’s also important to describe the surface condition—whether the load will be dry, wet, dusty, oily, or exposed to other environmental factors. If your operation involves handling multiple types of loads, the manufacturer may recommend different equipment configurations to accommodate the varying requirements.
2. Workspace Layout
It’s also essential to assess your facility’s layout and operational environment. Start by evaluating available floor and overhead space, noting structural obstacles like beams, columns, or machinery that might interfere with crane operation, as well as ceiling height and wall distances. Consider whether an overhead bridge crane, gantry crane, or jib crane best suits your layout, especially if structural support is limited. Analyze typical load movement paths to determine if the crane needs to serve a single area or multiple points. Ensure the system won’t obstruct essential operations or create hazards, allowing for adequate clearance and safe operation. Additionally, think about future growth and whether a scalable crane solution may be needed to accommodate evolving production demands.
3. Environmental Conditions
Various environmental conditions will also impact the performance, safety, and durability of your crane and hoist. In facilities with extreme temperatures, specialized components may be required to prevent freezing, brittleness, or overheating. Exposure to corrosive elements such as chemicals or moisture calls for protective coatings and corrosion-resistant materials to maintain equipment integrity. Dusty or debris-filled environments often demand sealed components and enhanced maintenance protocols to ensure smooth operations. For outdoor applications, weatherproof features like durable finishes and protective coverings are essential to withstand wind, rain, and UV exposure. By accounting for these conditions, you can optimize durability and maintain peak performance.
4. Frequency of Use
The frequency and intensity of crane and hoist use, known as duty cycle requirements, are key factors when selecting the right equipment. Matching the crane to the correct service class ensures it can handle operational demands safely and efficiently over time. Class A cranes are suited for occasional or standby operations with precise handling and long idle periods between lifts. Class B is designed for light service with up to five low-speed lifts per hour at varying load levels. Class C supports moderate operations, averaging 50% of the crane’s rated capacity with up to 10 lifts per hour. Class D handles heavier workloads, operating at 50% to 65% of capacity with 10 to 20 lifts per hour. Class E cranes are built for severe environments, managing near-continuous lifting at or near full capacity with over 20 lifts per hour. Class F cranes are intended for the most demanding conditions, offering continuous operation at near-maximum capacity and often custom-built for critical applications. Understanding these classes helps ensure your equipment meets operational needs while maximizing longevity and safety.
5. Safety Features
It’s also important to carefully consider the safety features necessary for your specific operations. The types of loads you’ll be lifting and how often will help determine whether features like load monitoring systems or overload protection are essential to prevent accidents. You’ll want to think about the movement requirements of your operation — is precision handling critical? If so, anti-sway technology may be a must to minimize load swing. The physical layout of your facility and the potential for hazards like collisions will mean that automated safety systems, including collision avoidance sensors, can significantly reduce risks in crowded spaces. Emergency stop functions are also important, allowing operators to quickly halt operations in case of malfunction. Finally, you’ll want to ensure the equipment you choose meets industry safety standards, such as OSHA and ANSI guidelines, to maintain compliance and create a secure work environment.
Let Us Help!
There are a variety of buying guides on our website to help direct your decision-making. The definitive guide is the CMAA Buyer’s Guide which is actually a collection of four separate documents including a buyer’s guide companion, and three buyer’s guides for single girders, multiple girders, below-the-hook lifting devices.
At ACECO, we have developed two additional resources to complement CMAA’s guides — How to Choose the Right Crane: A Crane Buyer’s Guide and How to Choose the Right Hoist.
All guides are available as free downloads in the eBooks section of our online Resource Center. While CMAA’s materials are more technical and engineering-focused, our guides take a broader, more accessible approach, highlighting key factors for selecting cranes and hoists and offering insights into available solutions.
We then encourage you to consult with experienced professionals in crane and hoist equipment, including trusted suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors. While publications offer valuable guidance, nothing matches the expertise of a company with extensive experience designing and engineering a wide range of solutions. Our specialists are ready to help you assess your overhead handling options and find the best solution for your needs. Connect with a project expert today.