It can be challenging to move a massive crane to a facility. With nearly 50 years of experience, American Crane has the skills and knowledge to cover everything from manufacturing to delivery and installation of the crane. Project management and various other factors play a crucial role in transporting a crane from the manufacturing facility to its final destination. Here, we will discuss the logistics of crane delivery, including important considerations, common challenges, and more.
The Logistics of Safe Crane Transportation
Transporting something as large as a crane or hoist comes with its own set of challenges that must be addressed as part of the delivery planning process. These loads often exceed standard freight transportation limitations for width, height, and weight.
Since crane shipments are considered oversized, they must comply with oversized shipping regulations outlined by the U.S. Department of Transportation. For example, loads more than 10’ wide must be transported during daylight areas, whereas loads that are 10’ or less may be transported at night. These regulations tend to differ from state to state; however, the American Crane logistics team has the knowledge and expertise to ensure compliance.
There are many factors that must be expertly accounted for on the logistics and internal sides for crane delivery, including:
Dismantling the crane at the manufacturing plant to prepare it for delivery
Ensuring the proper size transportation trucks and appropriate oversize load escort vehicles are available for the chosen delivery timeframe
Hiring certified drivers and equipment handlers
Researching and selecting the safest transportation routes, watching for weight, height, permitted operating hours, and commercial traffic limitations
Coordinating with local civil and law enforcement authorities to obtain necessary permits and meet all crane transportation regulations
Having the necessary equipment and personnel available at the delivery site for unloading, reassembly, and installation
Maintaining the highest levels of safety for all personnel involved in every step of the transportation process
How Cranes Are Transported
Because of their dimensions and weight, cranes are usually transported by road and highway on truck trailers that are specially designed and equipped to handle these massive loads. Equipment includes heavy-duty hooks and straps, along with durable steel chains, to securely hold the crane in place. This step is crucial, as any misstep here could result in a load shift during delivery, which might lead to delivery delays and safety issues. Railroads are occasionally used for crane transportation, but trucks are usually involved at some point in the process.
Challenges often encountered when shipping cranes include:
Equipment Selection for Crane Transportation. Exact crane dimensions are required to select the appropriate transportation equipment. The bed must be long enough for the height of the crane, and low enough to allow for clearance heights under bridges. The weight of the crane impacts the power needed to pull the load. Smaller cranes may also be utilized for loading and unloading crane pieces.
Crane Delivery Speed. As can be imagined, crane delivery can be a slow process. The delivery caravan may have to travel at lower speeds and may need to use alternative routes to avoid local traffic or difficult turns. Estimating delivery time also often requires analyzing potential weather conditions and geographic features.
Crane Transportation Costs. Costs for transporting cranes are higher than standard freight due to permits, driver certifications, safety equipment, specialized equipment, and increased shipping time involved.
The logistics specialists at American Crane have extensive experience and knowledge dealing with all these issues, and can efficiently manage the crane delivery management process.
Crane Delivery & Project Management at American Crane
American Crane & Equipment Corporation is a leading manufacturer of cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment. With decades of experience, we have the knowledge to transport your crane from our facility to your final destination, all while remaining compliant with federal regulations. To learn more about how we can help with crane delivery and project management, contact us or request a quote today.
In my previous post, I talked about the values and culture at American Crane, and their importance to helping both our people and our customers thrive. Today, I want to share more about the foundation of our culture — GRIT Matters — the inspiration behind it, and how we live it every day.
It may surprise you to learn that American Crane’s culture is rooted in the Viking way of life. This originated with my Dad, Oddvar Norheim, who emigrated to the U.S. from Norway and ultimately took the helm at American Crane. His Nordic heritage is very important to him. It is also important to our company, and we apply many Viking lessons to navigating our business.
Lots of companies use the analogy of going to battle as they strive to grow their market share. So, you might think that the first Viking Lesson in our cultural foundation would be about how to be a better warrior.
But you’d be wrong.
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.
In spite of their pillaging reputation, most Viking were not warriors but rather farmers who tended gardens planted in the poor soil and cold North Atlantic climate. The Vikings who sailed the seas were looking for more hospitable places to farm and build a better life.
To be a farmer is to live with hope and continuously try to mitigate risk. Crops are nurtured and tended to. Seeds are watered. Weeds are pulled. Prayers for good weather are repeated. To grow a garden takes long-term commitment for success. There’s a tremendous amount of work put into planting, growing, harvesting, and preserving a crop. Being a gardener takes perseverance, heart, and integrity. Indeed, it takes GRIT to be a gardener.
Therefore, the first Viking lesson we embrace at American Crane is…
TO BE A GARDENER – Preparing and cultivating ourselves, so we are ready for the battles of our business and life.
Within our business, that means our leadership team works to grow our people. It is our role to ensure that the environment — the culture — allows our people to thrive. The most important part of our business is our people. Leaders become great not because of their power, but their ability to empower others.
Navigate the seas of our business with the bounty of our garden at our back.
Navigation, of course, is at the heart of a seafaring life. The Vikings, as they ventured as far as the Middle East and North America, had no access to modern navigation instruments. The sextant wasn’t invented for another thousand years after they first took to the seas, nor the compass for another four hundred years. Instead, they used Icelandic spar crystals, called “Sunstones,” that helped them locate the sun in the sky — even when it was cloudy.
Today, we consider American Crane’s Vision, Mission and Values to be our Sunstone, the principles we check to verify that we’re on the right course, no matter the obstacle or uncertainty. Navigating uncharted territory takes perseverance, heart, and integrity. Indeed, it
takes GRIT to be a navigator.
Perhaps recognizing this, a set of Viking Laws evolved among these warriors to guide them as they sailed the oceans in search of new places to farm. As it turns out, these are in almost perfect alignment with both my and my father’s philosophy on life and business. They
include:
Be Brave and Aggressive – In the battles of your business and life, grab every opportunity, be versatile and agile, focus on attacking one target at a time.
Be a Good Merchant – Learn what the market needs and have integrity in everything you do.
Be Prepared – Keep your weapons (i.e., your mind and body, people and products) in peak condition.
Keep the Camp in Order – Stay organized and ensure everybody does meaningful work with purpose.
Therefore, the second Viking lesson we embrace at American Crane is…
TO BE A VIKING – Using our sunstone, to be brave and enter uncharted waters, weather storms and find our way even when it’s cloudy.
The Vikings were relentlessly passionate about pursing their goals. They worked, not just with their hands, but also with their heads and hearts. Despite their barbaric reputation, the Vikings have left a legacy of achievements that have forever changed our world.
We cannot direct the wind, but we can raise our sails and adjust as needed.
The winds of change are always blowing. Life — and business — never go exactly as planned. But, then again, a calm sea never made a good sailor.
We are GRITTY at American Crane. What does that mean? That we put perseverance, heart and integrity into everything we do. Storms, disruptions, obstacles, challenges, are not feared here, because we are committed to continuously learning how to navigate to a better outcome. The focus on growing our people, empowering them to make decisions, to innovate, and to collaborate fearlessly is what nurtures our ability to be relentless no matter the odds.
GRIT is the raw endurance, perseverance and passion that keep us going despite obstacles. It is knowing who we are and where we are headed, moving determinedly forward with eyes fixed on the mark, rather than the obstacles that lie in wait.
GRIT is being a gardener. GRIT is being a Viking. GRIT is at the heart of our culture. And GRIT Matters.
Got GRIT? Bring it to work at American Crane.
Channel your inner Viking and learn more about our team and the values that make American Crane an industry leader by visiting us.
It’s no secret that companies are competing fiercely to fill job openings at all levels. Things are no different here at American Crane.
Thanks to the growth of the economy post-pandemic — and the confidence our customers have in our abilities to help them meet their own productivity needs — our company is growing too. And we’re currently seeking to fill several openings throughout our operations.
Lots of crane companies are hiring, too. So, like most job seekers in today’s market, there are plenty of choices out there when it comes to a prospective employer.
That’s why I’d like to take a few minutes to explain why American Crane is different from the
rest: our values. Here’s why that makes us a fantastic place not just to work, but to thrive.
Company culture. It matters.
Hands down, bar none, the most important thing at American Crane is our people. We are committed to a culture that fosters their growth, their empowerment, and their safety. Nothing is more critical to the success of our customers and of our own business than our employees.
Now, I can hear you thinking, “Come on Karen. Lots of companies say these same things. But only sometimes is it actually true.” I completely agree with you. It’s a common refrain that doesn’t always prove to be the reality. That’s not the case here.
How do I know? Because culture starts at the top — and, as President and COO, that means me. I learned the importance of a people-centric culture by working my way through the ranks here at American Crane.
I was recruited to come work here by my Dad, American Crane’s CEO, nearly 20 years ago. He — and my colleagues in the company — not only coached me, but also empowered me to learn first-hand, on the job, how to become an effective leader. Those lessons inform everything we do here in our operations.
Here are a few of the principles that define American Crane’s culture:
All team members are empowered to make decisions. Nobody micromanages around here. We trust each other and aren’t afraid to collaborate.
Innovation and exploration of new ideas and processes to solve problems and deliver results is encouraged. One of my favorite quotes is, “One time has to be the first time.” If we don’t try something new, our business will never move forward.
Constructive conflict and conversations lead to better solutions. Diversity of opinion is embraced. With it we can arrive at the best possible outcome for our customers’ challenges.
Growth comes from experiments and experience. Although our equipment can’t fail, our people can. Curiosity is never a bad thing here, and failures can be leveraged for future success. We provide a safe space to grow.
Family is important, both at work and at home. We work hard in a respectful, supportive, and caring environment, but we expect our People to rest and recharge with their loved ones.
GRIT Matters — and it’s rewarded. We put Perseverance, Heart, and InteGRITy into everything we do. Employees and supervisors are encouraged to nominate their colleagues for a quarterly GRIT Award that includes bonuses and incentives.
We Build Cool Things
American Crane customers span a broad variety of industries and applications. We create overhead crane solutions to unique challenges for customers like NASA, nuclear power plants, shipping ports, oil and offshore drilling, vehicle manufacturers, and more. Our cranes can be
found on construction sites, in hazardous environments, in clean rooms, at fisheries, on bridge repairs, and in industrial facilities all over the U.S. We’re proud to say that the custom crane solutions we design, engineer, manufacture, and install are Built in the USA.
“We’re continuously learning. It’s very challenging. I think it’s a good place to work because it’s a lot of freedom. We are given our responsibilities and expected to perform.” – Troy Wetzel, Vice President of Quality Assurance
“Besides the people, it’s the projects that we get to work on. We have some very highend customers here that deal with us and buy our products. And they’re pretty exciting to work on. We also have fantastic employees who have been with the company for a very long time, and they’re very willing to teach the newer people like myself. I’ve only been here four years and they’re very willing to guide us and to help us along in completing a project.” – Dean Moyer, Mechanical Engineer
“I certainly like going out to see customers, whether that’s inside of a nuclear power plant or at Cape Canaveral or the Kennedy Space Center. It’s a neat job. There’s a lot of change in scenery, a lot of different industries that we’re involved with on a daily basis.”
– Michael Myers, Vice President of National Service
Join the American Crane Team
Want to learn more about working here? Get to know our team and the values that make American Crane an industry leader by visiting us.
Hook coverage, otherwise known as working span, determines a crane hook’s ability to reach various areas. The hook’s ability to get close to bridges and runways is also a factor in determining crane hook coverage. Maximum crane efficiency and flexibility can only be achieved by optimizing hook coverage.
How to Determine Hook Coverage
There are several ways to determine hook coverage. These include:
The side approach. This side approach will help you determine the crane’s usable lateral working span; however, this is typically not a symmetrical dimension. The hoist trolley normally has a short and a long side. The short and long sides must be determined when installing a crane to ensure the side approach span is adequate.
The end approach. The end approach is the hook’s centerline coverage, allowing end-to-end movement. Unlike the side approach, it is typically symmetrical. The entire span of the crane may be larger than the actual working span based on the runway length. When extra hook coverage is required, a zero clearance end stop can provide approximately one foot of lateral or centerline coverage.
When determining the necessary crane hook coverage, it is vital to know the working space in detail. The floor-to-ceiling height along with walls and objects in the work area may limit the hook’s working span. It is ideal to consider any changes and optimizations before the project is complete. Once complete, optimizing the working span can be expensive and may interfere with daily productivity.
Measuring Crane Size Requirements to Maximize Coverage
Proper measurements are essential to maximizing hook coverage. Important measurements include:
Runway beam size. Measure the runway beam size from the bottom to the top of the beam. This measurement is helpful in determining the approximate system height.
Runway rail size. The runway rail size impacts the wheel size of the crane. The runway rail height and width are crucial measurements to keep the rails in alignment and get the most longevity.
Crane span. The crane span is the measurement between runways, typically covering the width of the bay. Exact measurements are vital to procuring enough material to form the girders and provide accurate drawings.
Runway length and distance between runway supports. The runway length and runway support measurements go hand-in-hand. The supports must be able to hold the weight of the crane relative to the runway length.
The building clearance and any AC ducts, heaters, fixtures, pipes, and electrical lines should be considered to ensure there are no unintended obstructions or clearance issues. OSHA states the minimum clearance must be 3’ overhead and 2’ laterally at all times to comply with Crane Manufacturers of America Inc., Specification 61 under 1910.179(b)(6)(i) Overhead and Gantry Cranes.
Rely on ACECO to Maximize Hook Coverage
Hook coverage is vital to optimizing the efficiency of your crane. American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) can help you maximize your equipment while complying with standards and regulations. At American Crane, we are your Expert, Craftsman, & Partner, with the nation’s leading crane products and dedicated customer service.
Cranes and hoists are essential tools in many industrial applications. They make it easy to move bulky or heavy materials around the worksite, which increases efficiency and improves safety.
Given their vital role, it is important to maintain them properly. Otherwise, they may fail unexpectedly, which can lead to significant downtime and/or serious injury. That’s why all cranes and hoists should be inspected at least every 12 months for signs of failure. However, you should keep an eye out for signs of failure between annual inspections.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an organization that focuses on ensuring safe and healthful working conditions in various job fields. Regarding work that utilizes cranes and hoists, they provide guidelines on what to look out for in the equipment that may indicate it needs repairs.
Below, we highlight the top three signs your crane or hoist may need repairs.
1. It has damaged or worn parts.
Cracking, stretching, warping, and other signs of excessive wear can mean the performance and/or safety of your crane or hoist is compromised. These conditions can appear on various components of cranes and hoists, including bearings, chains, pins, rollers, shafts, sheaves and drums, and welds. It is vital to regularly check all of these components to ensure they are not damaged or worn.
In wet or humid environments, there is also a risk that metal components will corrode. As this can significantly diminish the integrity of the crane or
hoist assembly, it is also important to look out for corroded parts.
Whether a part is damaged or worn, it is important to repair or replace it quickly before it can lead to equipment failure.
2. It has broken or loose parts.
Over time, crane and hoist parts can loosen or break. If left unchecked, the loose or broken parts may affect equipment performance and, eventually, cause catastrophic failure. For example, in cranes and hoists that use chains, the chain component eventually gets worn out. If it breaks during operation, heavy or bulky materials may fall on employees or equipment.
During regular equipment inspections, it is important to check both small and large parts. The former can be easy to overlook. Additionally, look for both broken and loose parts. While the broken parts may be obvious, the loose parts may go unnoticed until they fall out completely.
3. It has leaking parts.
In cranes and hoists, leaks can appear in engines, hoses, and cylinders. If and when they occur, they should be addressed immediately as they can lead to serious operational and safety concerns.
In engines, leaks can cause issues with regular and emergency shutdown operations.
In hoses, leaks can signify failure or imminent failure. They can be caused by blistering and deformation on the outer covering.
In hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, leaks can cause drifting. They can be caused by dents, nicks, scores, and other damage to the rods, barrels, eyes, or joints.
Partner With ACECO for Your Crane and Hoist Repair Needs
Want to learn more about how to tell whether your crane or hoist needs repairs? Turn to the experts at ACECO!
At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we manufacture standard and custom cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment for various industries and applications. Our expert team has what it takes to meet virtually any load lifting and positioning needs.
In addition to our equipment offerings, we also provide a range of field services to help customers keep their tools running effectively and efficiently. These include:
Repair
Rebuilding
Modification
Upgrading
Inspection
Load testing
Preventative maintenance
Installation
Retrofitting
For more information about our material handling products and services, contact us today. To discuss your equipment requirements with one of our representatives, request a quote.
Choosing a custom crane builder is a big decision. With so many important factors at play, it’s something that requires careful consideration. Before you commit to a manufacturer, there are several questions you should ask to get a better overview of what they do and the level of quality they offer in terms of service and the finished product.
What is your experience with similar projects?
Experience is important, but experience in your industry, as well as in custom cranes built with your application in mind is even better. Look for a history of satisfied clients in your industry.
Every industry has different regulations, requirements, and considerations, so the crane builder should understand what it’s like to be on your jobsite—and how to design a crane that does what you require.
How long will the crane last?
It’s essential to get the best materials and craftsmanship for your money, and you can’t compromise functionality to save costs. Doing so could lead to bigger headaches (and bigger expenses) down the road. Treating your custom crane as a long-term investment makes it easier to find an option that’s best suited for your application.
Certain materials offer more moisture, UV light, and chemical resistance than others. Think about how your crane is used and how material choices could impact the crane’s lifespan. Your crane builder should be able to pull from their experience to offer insight into how those various materials will perform under your jobsite’s conditions, and how long your crane can be expected to last under its expected workload.
What value added services do you offer?
From equipment upgrades and site support to OSHA compliance inspections, load testing, quality assurance, and more, the value added services your crane builder offers should indicate their primary focus in taking care of their customers. A manufacturer that goes above and beyond when it comes to their products and customer service ensures you’ll be completely satisfied with your finished product. Look for versatile manufacturers that support you throughout your crane construction process, from that first inquiry to long after your crane is at work on your jobsite.
What post-purchase costs will there be?
You should expect transparent pricing, so you have a clear understanding about the investment your crane will require. While the overall purchase and installation will be the major cost, regular maintenance is also critical to ensure your crane functions optimally for as long as it possibly can. Those maintenance costs are minimal compared to the cost of replacing a crane, but you’ll want to set aside a budget for maintenance and repair moving forward.
Different types of cranes require different maintenance routines, so you should consider these costs before you place an order. A reputable manufacturer will help you compare different models, their maintenance requirements, and any common issues that may arise, so you can budget accordingly and make a maintenance schedule to keep your crane running smoothly.
Find the Best Custom Crane Builder for Your Needs
Building a custom crane is an exciting endeavor, as you get to create a piece of equipment designed specifically for what you require. Choosing the right crane manufacturer will make the process simple and enjoyable.
At American Crane, we specialize in high-quality custom cranes for critical lifting, biofuel handling, bridge maintenance, warehousing, hazardous environments, reactor rooms, paper mills, wastewater treatment, and so many other applications. Contact us and ask us all the questions listed above—we’re happy to answer them for you—or request a quote for your project.
Overhead cranes are adaptable tools that are vital to the safety and success of numerous industries. They can be customized for any space, including challenging environments where space is limited, and greatly increase manufacturing abilities. As a leading manufacturer, American Crane has been designing innovative solutions to fit the specific requirements of many industries. Here, we discuss the six of the many industries we serve for overhead crane applications.
A popular use of overhead cranes within the automotive industry is on assembly lines. They move automotive materials along different stations until the end product is completely built, making assembly lines much more efficient. In the transportation industry, overhead cranes assist with unloading ships. They greatly increase the speed at which large items can be moved and transported.
The aviation industry is similar to transportation and shipbuilding in that heavy components are moved along an assembly line and precisely placed within an ongoing construction project. Cranes within the aviation industry are mainly used inside airplane hangars. Within this application, an overhead crane is the best option to move large and heavy machinery accurately and safely. Additionally, the reliability of overhead cranes makes them an excellent choice when dealing with expensive items because an unreliable crane presents costly delays.
Virtually everything in the concrete industry is large and heavy. Due to this fact, overhead cranes make everything easier. They are efficient at handling premix and precast and are much safer than using other types of equipment to move these items. Within the concrete manufacturing industry, bridge cranes are typically used inside the factory and gantry cranes in the yard.
Overhead cranes are essential to metal manufacturing, and are used for a variety of tasks. For example, they can be used to handle raw materials and melting buckets, or load finished sheets of metal. In this application, it is not only heavy or oversized materials that require a crane’s strength; cranes are also necessary to handle molten metal so workers can keep a safe distance. Specialized attachments can be added to move different types of metal products, such as spools of wire.
Power plants need to remain constantly functional, as any downtime can cause a blackout. For this reason, power plants must be capable of fixing any problem that might arise quickly. Overhead cranes are perfect for this application because they remain in place and are ready to be used the moment a problem arises. They also save valuable workspace and deliver a reliable performance that saves time and money on repairs.
Ships are complicated to build because of their size and shape. Moving large, heavy objects around inside an oddly shaped area can be nearly impossible without the right specialized equipment. An overhead crane makes it possible to freely move tools around a slanted hull. Most shipbuilding companies use wide overhead gantry cranes, which are excellent in heavy fabrication applications.
Learn More About Our Overhead Cranes
A vast number of industries rely on cranes to complete work safely and efficiently. Even within individual industries, there are numerous applications for industrial overhead cranes. If you work with large, heavy, or dangerous items or in a location where broken machinery needs to be fixed immediately, a non-movable crane is an excellent solution.
At American Crane, we believe that grit matters, and we persevere with integrity to deliver quality products. To learn more about our solutions for your specific application, request a quote or contact us today. You can also check out our product catalog and familiarize yourself with the products and specialized equipment we offer.
Proper hoist maintenance facilitates better workflow efficiency and operator safety. While every operation should have a detailed emergency plan to follow in the event of an incident, taking appropriate precautions and preventive measures is the best way to avoid unexpected downtime caused by unexpected equipment malfunctions. This blog will discuss best practices for preventing hoist breakdowns.
Inspections and Maintenance
Beyond actual equipment operation, hoist operators should receive training in proper inspection and maintenance techniques for all equipment they operate. The operator acts as the first line of defense against unexpected equipment breakdowns. Hoist operators should physically inspect the equipment at the beginning of each day.
A routine visual inspection should include:
Checking the hoist wire rope for any damage
Inspecting the hoist hook and latch for wear and tear
Examining the chain for signs of wear or degeneration
Looking for signs of electrical failure
Daily inspections and regular maintenance will help to identify potential issues before they turn into more extensive problems. Daily checks provide an added layer of hoist troubleshooting beyond monthly or annual inspection periods.
Beyond these daily checks, you should also schedule routine inspections from a trained professional. A more comprehensive monthly walkthrough and thorough annual inspections will keep your lifting equipment operational and avoid costly OSHA violations.
Maintain a Spare Parts Inventory
While preventative maintenance is essential, some problems are difficult to catch before they fail. Make sure to keep high-wear parts and components in inventory to minimize downtime when replacements need to happen. Your hoist distributor should have a list of recommended spare parts for you to keep on hand, but a general list of commonly replaced parts may include:
Motor and control fuses
Trolley contactors
Transformers
Hoist safety latches
Push-button stations
Keeping these and other critical parts on hand allows you to fix your equipment right away. Failing to hold common parts in inventory at your facility can extend your hoist downtime by hours or days as you wait for shipments from your supplier.
As the old adage goes, you would rather have the parts and not need them than need the parts and not have them. Ultimately, maintaining your own parts inventory will grant you peace of mind knowing that potential equipment downtime will be minimal. You can check out our available inventory of replacement parts in our catalog.
Use Equipment as Directed
Click to Expand
Many hoist breakdowns result from pushing the equipment beyond its capabilities. To get the job done faster, operators sometimes give in to the temptation to ignore weight limits and place undue strain on the equipment. Pushing your lifting equipment beyond its limits may result in equipment breakdowns—or worse, catastrophic accidents.
Emphasis should be placed on operators and supervisors to follow safety requirements. Operators must have all relevant training and certifications regarding their specific hoist equipment, so they understand its limitations. Additionally, operators must remain aware of their surroundings and follow proper protocols to ensure their own safety and the safety of the surrounding personnel.
About American Crane
American Crane is a leading manufacturer and distributor of heavy-lift material handling solutions. We offer hoist solutions for a wide array of industries and applications, and we ship replacement parts quickly to get your cranes and hoists up and running after a breakdown. We can also provide regular OSHA-compliant inspections for your lifting equipment.
To see how our team can help improve the safety and longevity of your hoists and cranes, please contact us or request a quote today.
Posted by Karen Norheim, President & CEO on | Leave a Comment
American Crane is a proud member of the Crane Manufacturing Association of America (CMAA). I am honored to serve as President of the CMAA for the next two years. The CMAA’s mission is the deliver technical specifications and resources that promote safety in the design, operation and maintenance of overhead cranes. This group is an affiliation of the Material Handling Industry (MHI), and is an independent trade organization that advocates for optimal crane safety, Overhead Crane Best Practices and serves as a resource for all types of professionals within the industry.
CMAA Members are include top US industrial cranes manufacturers, leading suppliers of overhead crane systems, designing, manufacturing, assembling, installing and servicing overhead cranes and components. The CMAA organization brings crane industry leaders together and facilitates various industry events and educational opportunities.
CMAA’s engineering committee includes over 50 experts including structural, electrical and mechanical. The volunteers, including several of our American Crane engineers, work together to design, review and update specifications that are recognized as the preferred design standards for overhead traveling cranes and integrated crane systems, as well as crane components. We use these specifications to engineer and build our cranes.
The Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) has released in late 2020 the latest updates to two of its technical specifications. This release is the first substantial changes to the specifications since 2015.
CMAA Specification 70 – Specifications for Top Running Bridge & Gantry Type Multiple Girder Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes
CMAA Specification 74 – Specifications for Top Running & Under Running Single Girder Electric Traveling Cranes Utilizing Under Running Trolley Hoist
These releases contain updates to the following areas:
Runway rail straightness and elevation table
Wind Restraints
FEA design
Service wind load
Box girder design updates
End truck deflection
Hoist wire rope angle of loading
Wire rope and D/d ratio
Hoist drum design
Keys and keyways
Continuous and intermittent duty motors
Wiring practices
Cab, pendant, and radio layouts
Regenerative power considerations
Application of IEEE 519 for cranes
Magnet controls
Rail clamps
CMAA has also created a comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to assist procurement professionals in the selection of material handling equipment. This is a great tool to use when purchasing overhead cranes.
As a top overhead crane manufacturer and supplier in the USA, we are proud to be an executive member of the CMAA and I look forward to serving our industry as President of this organization. For more information, please contact us.
Bridges require regular maintenance and repair to remain safe for use. At American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we offer a wide range of lifting solutions to facilitate bridge maintenance and repair operations for our customers. One of our product specializations is bridge maintenance and repair travelers.
What Are Bridge Maintenance and Repair Travelers?
Bridge maintenance and repair travelers are movable platforms that enable personnel to access the underside of bridge structures for inspection and maintenance purposes. Compared to other similar bridge repair and maintenance equipment (e.g., scaffolds), they allow technicians to reach critical points and complete work without impeding traffic.
Given the critical nature of their applications, these structures are designed and built with numerous elements to ensure smooth and reliable performance and user safety, such as:
Anti-skewing technology: enables operation on flexible, uneven, or misaligned runways
Fully caged work platforms: prevent personnel from falling from work platforms
Non-slip platform surfaces: minimizes the risk of personnel slipping and falling on work platforms
On-board personnel access lifts: improves accessibility for personnel
Portable operator controls: enhances the user-friendliness of operator controls
Redundant drop capture systems: prevents separation of the traveler from the bridge
Features of ACECO’s Bridge Maintenance and Repair Travelers
ACECO bridge maintenance and repair travelers are available in self-propelled, gas, diesel, or electric variations. While each traveler is custom-designed for its intended application, some of the standard features include:
Stainless, galvanized, or plated steel construction on non-painted surfaces
Weather-hardened design (including specialized corrosion-resistant coatings) for heavy-duty performance
One of the key elements that set our bridge maintenance and repair travelers apart from the competition is SAFTRACK® technology. By combining our proprietary control software and field-proven bridge crane components, it offers users a number of advantages, including:
Utilizing anti-skewing technology to accommodate operation on flexible, uneven, or misaligned runaways
Allowing for custom solutions using conventional crane components
Enabling independent control of each traveler drive
Providing controlled acceleration and deceleration of each traveler
Contact the Bridge Maintenance Equipment Experts at ACECO Today
At ACECO, We are Your Expert, Craftsman, and Partner for all of your bridge maintenance equipment needs. We focus on making your job easier by providing turnkey material handling solutions backed by extensive experience and quality resources. Our custom bridge maintenance and repair travelers enable your technicians to access critical bridge points safely without the need for road or lane closures. To learn more about these products or discuss your requirements with one of our experts, contact us or request a quote today.
There are several ways to determine hook coverage. These include:
Proper measurements are essential to maximizing hook coverage. Important measurements include:
In cranes and hoists, leaks can appear in engines, hoses, and cylinders. If and when they occur, they should be addressed immediately as they can lead to serious operational and safety concerns.
It’s essential to get the best materials and craftsmanship for your money, and you can’t compromise functionality to save costs. Doing so could lead to bigger headaches (and bigger expenses) down the road. Treating your custom crane as a long-term investment makes it easier to find an option that’s best suited for your application.
From equipment upgrades and site support to OSHA compliance inspections, load testing, quality assurance, and more, the value added services your crane builder offers should indicate their primary focus in taking care of their customers. A manufacturer that goes above and beyond when it comes to their products and customer service ensures you’ll be completely satisfied with your finished product. Look for versatile manufacturers that support you throughout your crane construction process, from that first inquiry to long after your crane is at work on your jobsite.
A popular use of overhead cranes within the automotive industry is on assembly lines. They move automotive materials along different stations until the end product is completely built, making assembly lines much more efficient. In the transportation industry, overhead cranes assist with unloading ships. They greatly increase the speed at which large items can be moved and transported.
The aviation industry is similar to transportation and shipbuilding in that heavy components are moved along an assembly line and precisely placed within an ongoing construction project. Cranes within the aviation industry are mainly used inside airplane hangars. Within this application, an overhead crane is the best option to move large and heavy machinery accurately and safely. Additionally, the reliability of overhead cranes makes them an excellent choice when dealing with expensive items because an unreliable crane presents costly delays.
Power plants need to remain constantly functional, as any downtime can cause a blackout. For this reason, power plants must be capable of fixing any problem that might arise quickly. Overhead cranes are perfect for this application because they remain in place and are ready to be used the moment a problem arises. They also save valuable workspace and deliver a reliable performance that saves time and money on repairs.
Beyond actual equipment operation, hoist operators should receive training in proper inspection and maintenance techniques for all equipment they operate. The operator acts as the first line of defense against unexpected equipment breakdowns. Hoist operators should physically inspect the equipment at the beginning of each day.
While preventative maintenance is essential, some problems are difficult to catch before they fail. Make sure to keep high-wear parts and components in inventory to minimize downtime when replacements need to happen. Your hoist distributor should have a list of recommended spare parts for you to keep on hand, but a general list of commonly replaced parts may include:
Bridge maintenance and repair travelers are movable platforms that enable personnel to access the underside of bridge structures for inspection and maintenance purposes. Compared to other similar bridge repair and maintenance equipment (e.g., scaffolds), they allow technicians to reach critical points and complete work without impeding traffic.
Stainless, galvanized, or plated steel construction on non-painted surfaces