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
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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.
A gantry crane uses its own legs for support rather than a beam or other fixture within the facility. Indoor gantry cranes may have a single or multiple girders, with multiple girder models better suited to heavy-duty work. There are four primary styles of gantry crane, each suited to specific applications:
Full gantry cranes.The most popular style, full gantry cranes have two legs that run along a track. That track is typically embedded into the work surface, so trucks, forklifts, and other vehicles can easily cross it.
Semi gantry cranes.This type of gantry crane has one leg. The other side of the crane runs along a track on the wall to save space. Both full and semi gantry cranes are common in heavy-lift manufacturing applications.
Portable gantry cranes.These cranes are fixed on wheels, allowing them to be moved throughout a facility and easily stored out of the way. Portable gantry cranes are best-suited for lighter lifting tasks. Portable gantry cranes are often used to hold a load so workers can easily access it for maintenance or modification. Portable gantry cranes have a myriad of uses in manufacturing and warehouse environments.
Adjustable gantry cranes.Another light-duty option, adjustable cranes allow adjustment of the span or the height of the cranes to manage different types of loads. These cranes see frequent use in warehouses and in manufacturing environments with variable loads.
Primary Factors that Affect Gantry Crane Design
It’s important to choose the right crane for the job. Depending upon your application, you may require a custom gantry crane design. This ensures the crane suits its intended working conditions, facility layout, and load requirements. The following factors impact gantry design:
Arm and Span Length
When determining arm and span length, first consider the size of the work area and the size and weight of the maximum load. This is where gantry crane design begins. Determine how big the crane needs to be, and how much weight it must support or lift reliably.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
The operating environment of the crane will determine the ideal materials and finishes used to fabricate its various components. Consider temperature extremes and fluctuations, weather exposure, and harsh operating conditions to help guide the selection of the proper materials and finishing processes.
Fixed or Rotating Axle End Trucks
Indoor cranes typically use fixed axle end trucks because they largely stay in one place. Outdoor cranes may need to move across yards where they can gather dirt and debris that will impact performance. Rotating axle end trucks have fewer parts and use lubrication to block dirt and debris.
Speed
Gantry cranes are versatile, cost-effective, and easy to maintain, but they move loads slowly. If speed is a priority within your operation, you may need to consider a different type of crane. Attempting to move a load more quickly than a gantry crane allows could cause an accident or damage the load or equipment.
Power Delivery
Cable reels are a common choice for supplying power, as the spring-loaded or motor-driven design can release and retrieve cable as you need it. Mounting the cable reel on a swivel provides an ability to work in multiple directions, but the downside is that the cable will sag when long lengths are in use. This may cause problems for foot and motor traffic on the ground. Custom solutions may include a series of poles and beams designed to keep wires off the ground. For portable gantry cranes, a longer extension cord may be sufficient, or it may be possible to simply position the crane closer to a power source.
Common Applications & Uses of Gantry Cranes
Some indoor gantry crane models can lift up to five tons, making them useful in a range of applications such as shipyards, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, forges, and more. Gantry cranes offer versatility and reliability when lifting large and heavy components, raw materials, and heavy finished parts.
Gantry Crane Design Standards
Like other heavy equipment, gantry design is based on specific standards for function and safety. These standards cover design, fabrication, material selection, and even painting.
The Operational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers guidelines for the safe operation of gantry cranes. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provides guidelines for building gantry cranes, as does the American Welding Association (AWS). All cranes must comply with these standards.
When you work with a reputable crane supplier, you can trust your gantry crane design meets all regulations to keep your workplace OSHA compliant and your employees safe. All gantry cranes manufactured or sold by American Crane follow the requirements set forth by these organizations. We also adhere to the stringent quality requirements and standards of the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) in duty classes A through F. We factory test all of our gantry cranes before we ship to the customer.
Indoor Lifting Solutions From American Crane
American Crane is a leading manufacturer and distributor of cranes and hoists. Our quality assurance program meets the standards for the nuclear industry, and we offer an expansive range of customization options to tailor crane solutions to specific application environments. Our portfolio of gantry cranes includes:
We can help you rebuild existing equipment or provide you with brand new solutions. We also offer load testing, upgrades, inspections, and an extensive parts catalog.
Contact us or request a quote to learn more about gantry crane design or how we can help you fully customize a gantry hoist to suits your needs.
Posted by Karen Norheim, President & CEO on | Leave a Comment
Everyone is dealing with a huge amount of change and disruption right now.
But change and disruption are not new. They are a normal part of business. A common obstacle to overcome and leverage is possible. What is new to the scene is the pace.
What is keeping you up at night?
For me, as the leader of one of the top overhead crane manufacturers in the USA, it is the rate and pace with which change is happening. As a business leader, I look to work with vendors and partners who can help me stay ahead of waves of change here at American Crane and Equipment Corporation. As a partner, we strive to be one that can help our customers overcome these obstacles.
A new business landscape was unfolding before the challenges of 2020. We have entered a period of time with 10x speed up on digital advancements affecting industry. John Chambers, Former CEO CISCO, states this warning for business leaders – “50% of Fortune 500 Companies Won’t Exist in 10 Years.” This is in reference to our current period of time where you either disrupt or you get disrupted.
How do we manage this? What steps can we take?
Here are a few tips that we use here at American Crane:
Can I have a little help from my friends?
It has never been more important to select key partners and suppliers who will help you navigate the choppy waters of change. We value our key relationships and look for suppliers and partners who deliver on what they say they will do. We look for transparency with no surprises. This is also what we strive to provide to our customers.
Look beyond the Horizon.
We are always looking to the horizon for disruptive technologies and potential innovated solution. Make sure to your company has scouts looking to the horizon for opportunities and potential pitfalls.
Cultivate and Grow your Garden, your people.
Our amazing people are the key to our success. We have worked hard to create and maintain a culture of innovation and empowerment that allows our people to thrive. We embrace our people and our culture as our secret weapon. We call it GRIT Matters – Perseverance, Heart & Integrity. It has been essential during this crisis. I am inspired and motivated by my amazing people who have risen to the occasion. And I am grateful that our ship is continuing to float during this storm as many others are have much more difficulties than we do. This provides me with inspiration and motivation to stay the course and outlast the storm.
Stop the struggle, embrace digital transformation.
We embrace digital transformation combined with our ability to adapt, manage & leverage disruptive change, as yet another competitive advantage. This was critical to our survival in 2020 and will only continue to be so into the future. We have experienced a speed up this digital transformation in our business operations and products as a manufacture of overhead cranes and hoists. The crane industry is no different. Digital transformation is affecting our industry. From smart designs and enhanced connectivity to Remote diagnostics, maintenance monitoring and automated positioning. We can now make our equipment intelligent, thru advanced crane technology, providing us with valuable feedback on safety, reliability, and efficiency. This can help extend the life of your equipment while providing scalable and safe lifting solutions. This all can translate into reduced downtime, cost saving on maintenance and extended life your equipment. As a crane technology leader, we have been pushing the technology edges of our products, solving the toughest challenges for our customers, and providing overhead lifting and material handling solutions for almost 50 years. Whether in the office, in the shop or in the field, we do not shy away from the waves of change from digital advancements, instead we seek to learn to surf them and make them a part of our business.
Your Expert, Craftsman and Partner – Trust American Crane as your top overhead crane manufacturer and supplier in the USA
As one of the top overhead crane manufacturers and suppliers in the USA, we care about the success of not just our equipment but our customers. And as a partner to our customers, we strive to help make their lives easier by providing excellent project management. It is our job to make the process of purchasing, engineering, and installing your overhead lifting needs as painless as possible. We understand that our products are tools to help you get to the real work, your work… Letting you serve your customers.
We are passionate about delighting our customers.
We want to be your best partner, delivering what we say we will. Our mission is to make our customers’ live easier. We do what we commit to do, do it well and do it on-schedule. At American Crane, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you find the perfect solutions for your application.
When you work with us, we deliver as the expert in our technology, as a partner to make sure you project goes smoothly working thru any challenges with you, no surprises. And, as a craftsman, providing reliable, quality equipment backed by our know-how. This is what we demand of our vendors and partners, and what you should require from yours. You can have high expectations of American Crane as your partner for all your overhead lifting needs.
A hoist helps to raise and lower heavy loads and is sometimes used to transport objects from one location to another. There are many types of hoists that may be operated manually, pneumatically, or electronically. This mechanical device most often features one or multiple fixed pulleys, a moving pulley with a hook or other component for attaching loads, and a braided rope between them. As a leading manufacturer of hoists, American Crane can help you decide on the best crane hoist for your project’s needs.
Parts of a Hoist
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There are many components that make up a hoist, including:
● Traveling Machinery. Made up of a motor, gear, and brake, the traveling machinery allows for the horizontal movement of the hoist.
● Trolley. A trolley is a support structure that the hoisting machinery is attached to. It is composed of a load beam and end carriages.
● Rope. The rope of a hoist features strong metal wires that are laid together like a helix or braid.
● Hook. The hook features a clamp that connects the load to the hoist. The clamp or other locking mechanism is necessary to support the object moved by the hoist.
● Controller. A radio or pendant operates the control system, which directs the vertical movement of the hook as well as the horizontal movement of the hoist.
How a Hoist Works
Operating a hoist includes knowing the weight restrictions and requirements as well as built-in safety features. The operator may set operating limits of a hoist, which limit movements under certain circumstances. A hoist also comes with safety features that prevent overloading a lift, limit travelling movement, or prevent all movements with an emergency stop button.
Once all regulations and requirements are set, the operator uses the controller to activate the relevant button or joystick to move the hook vertically. The signals given by the operator, along with any safety devices or sensors, control the break and motor. When the hoist receives the signal, power is supplied to the motor, releasing the break. The motor drives the hoisting gear, which reduces the rotation speed and increases torque in order to lift the load.
The rope is fixed to the hoisting drum on one end and connected to the rope anchorage on the other. As the hoist drum rotates, the rope winds or unwinds and is guided into the correct groove of the drum, allowing the hook to raise or lower. There are two ways to stop a hoist: by releasing the up or down controls on the controller, or by activating the emergency stop button.
Contact American Crane: Your Expert, Craftsman & Partner for Hoists Today
There are many components of a hoist that work together to properly raise and lower loads within a facility. At American Crane, we offer a wide range of custom and standard hoists and hoist accessories for a diverse range of industries and applications. Our hoist options include air, electric, and manually-operated rope and chain hoists. To learn more about our products and capabilities, contact us or request a quote today. You can also check out our hoist catalog or download our Bridge Crane Lineup sheet.
Selecting the best crane or hoist equipment for your application is a challenging process. To find equipment that will facilitate safe and efficient operations, it is important to have a thorough understanding of crane terminology, different crane types, parts of a crane, and lifting terms. To help you, here is an overview of the top 12 terms you should know.
C.M.A.A
C.M.A.A. refers to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, an independent trade association that establishes and maintains quality and performance standards for electric overhead cranes. Established in 1927 as Electric Overhead Crane Institution, the C.M.A.A. is an internationally recognized authority for crane standards.
Crane Boom
One of the most noticeable crane components is the boom. While a crane boom encompasses a variety of designs and features, it is fundamentally defined as the framework that supports and moves the load.
Critical Load
Critical load refers to a load that requires additional control or support because it approaches the maximum weight capacity. If released or moved without adequate control, a critical load can severely compromise the safety of the system. Critical loads require the use of single failure proof cranes, which ensure adequate operational safety.
Explosion Proof Crane
Explosion proof cranes are specifically designed to contain explosions and prevent heat or sparks from entering the surrounding workspace. They are used for applications where flammable and explosive materials are present, and they are typically divided into Class I, II, and III.
Class I is the most stringent, and these cranes are intended for applications where ignition of highly combustible materials and gases is likely, while Class II cranes are for potentially combustible airborne dust. Class III is the least strict, and these cranes are for applications with potentially ignitable airborne fibers.
Flux Vector Drive
A flux vector drive is a variable frequency drive that is used to monitor and control the speed and direction of the crane’s motor shaft. It allows for a greater degree of control over crane speed and braking by using a closed-loop system and adjustable incremental encoder to monitor the motor shaft during operation.
Hoist
The term “hoist” defines equipment that is used specifically for lifting and lowering loads. Hoisting, by its definition, is the act of raising a load on the vertical plane, and the term is often used in reference to the lifting applications of cranes.
Lift
For cranes, lift refers to the highest point to which a crane’s hook, magnet, or buck can lift a particular weight. Critical load calculations are used to define the lift of a given crane or hoist assembly, depending on the size and configuration of the crane and the weight of the load.
Load Block
Load block is the assembly of crane accessories suspended by the hoisting lines, which includes the hook, swivel, bearings, sheaves, pins, and frame. It is used to lift and move the load, and it monitors the tensile pressure to ensure that the loads remain within lifting capacity.
Overhead Crane
An overhead crane is specifically designed to move heavy loads by operating from a fixed overhead structure. They can be operated using a mobile or stationary hoist and mobile bridge. Overhead cranes are available in a variety of designs and configurations.
Single Failure Proof
Single failure proof cranes are engineered to ensure that if one crane component fails, it will not cause the failure of another component within the system. This helps to secure the load, particularly in instances where load failure can have extremely negative effects.
Top Running Crane
Top running cranes are a type of overhead traveling crane that travels along rails supported by single or double girders with truck ends attached to runway support beams. They are capable of carrying loads without limiting capacity and are ideal for load-bearing applications in facilities with limited overhead space.
Wheelbase
The wheelbase of a crane or hoist refers to the distance from center to center of the outermost wheels, measured parallel to the support rail. This measurement can be used to determine carrying capacity.
Contact the Crane and Hoist Experts at American Crane
At American Crane, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you find the perfect mobility solutions for your application. To learn how our crane and hoist equipment can improve your operations, contact us today or request a quote.
When it comes to overhead cranes, there are several options to choose from, including top-running and under-running. While top-running and under-running overhead cranes are both used to lift and move loads vertically and horizontally, each type offers their own unique advantages. Understanding the differences between these two types of cranes will help you determine which one is best for your needs.
Top-Running Overhead Cranes
Top-running overhead cranes run on a fixed rail mounted on top of each runway beam, which allows the end trucks to carry the girder and hoist along the top. These cranes can be set up as a single girder or double girder depending on the application needs. A single girder has a trolley and hoist mounted on the bottom, whereas a double girder uses a top running trolley and hoist, allowing for additional lift height and a higher hook height.
Some key advantages of top-running overhead cranes include:
No limiting capacity. This allows for the ability to handle both small and large loads.
Added lift height. Being mounted on top of each runway beam allows for increased lift height, which is beneficial to buildings with limited headroom.
Built for higher capacities. Top-running overhead cranes are built larger than under-running cranes to grant them the ability to handle higher capacities.
Easy installation. Since the crane is supported by the runway beams, it eliminates the suspended load factor to make installation simple.
Less maintenance. Over time, top-running overhead cranes do not require as much maintenance other than the routine checking of the tracking for proper alignment and any issues.
Under-Running Overhead Cranes
Designed with flexibility and functionality in mind, under-running overhead cranes have a user-friendly design that provides ultimate versatility for meeting all your production needs. These cranes are also known as underhung cranes because the bottom flange of the runway beam offers support for the wheels to move the bridge across the facility.
The trolley and hoist of an under-running overhead crane move across the bottom flange of the bridge beam, lowering the crane’s hook and lift height. Under-running overhead cranes are usually set up as single girder because a double girder design is often more expensive and not suitable for the application.
Some advantages of under-running overhead cranes include:
Operates well in wide bays. Underhung cranes can be operated in multiple runways, reducing the depth of the girder.
Lighter overall design requirements. Under-running overhead cranes are much lighter, which removes the need for additional supporting columns that take up precious floor space. Instead, the crane utilizes the existing overhead building structure for support.
Lower costs. The lightweight design and use of the existing ceiling trusses or roof structure result in lower equipment costs.
Ability for multiple crane installations. It is possible to install under-running cranes next to each other and operate them at the same time for increased production efficiency.
Overhead Cranes at American Crane
It is important to understand the advantages of top-running and under-running overhead cranes to help you select the best option for your production needs. At American Crane, we are a leading manufacturer of cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment. As a member of the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), our team of experts can provide you with an overhead crane solution suited to your project’s specifications. For more information on our capabilities, contact us or request a quote today.
There are many facets to crane operation safety, and you can’t afford to ignore any of them. To avoid employee injuries, OSHA fines and lawsuits, and the cost of repairing equipment and property, it is crucial to make the following safety considerations: have a certified and competent crane operator, perform regular inspections of the crane and job sight, abide by load capacities and weight requirements, use equipment properly, and communicate effectively.
Safety Tips
To take a well-rounded approach to crane operation safety, it is important to consider these five safety tips:
Have a certified and competent crane operator. Having a fully trained crane operator is the most important safety consideration. Without a qualified operator, it won’t matter how well you address other safety considerations.
Perform regular inspections of the crane and job site. It is important to inspect the crane, rigging, and personal safety gear for wear, damage, and functionality. You should also inspect the job site by making sure that the crane is
on a stable surface and that there are no obstacles in the swing radius or below the crane. Work environments change frequently, so performing these inspections regularly is crucial.
Abide by load capacities and weight requirements. All hardware, ropes, and slings have particular weight restrictions, and it is crucial not to exceed them. Overloading your
equipment could cause the crane to tip or the load to drop, crushing anything beneath it. Overloading equipment can also lead to costly equipment damage.
Use equipment properly. Cranes are for vertical lifting, not for dragging or side loading. Using cranes for improper activities puts stress on the turntable, the boom, and the structural members, potentially weakening components and causing equipment failure.
Communicate effectively. Use hand signals, radios, or air horns to ensure clear communication between the crane operator and other workers. It is important to make sure that each employee knows what the signals mean to eliminate safety risks and confusion.
Partner with American Crane – Your Expert, Craftsman and Partner for Optimal Safety
Crane safety is extremely important as it provides protection for your workers and business. While these safety considerations are paramount, there are many more to be aware of, and partnering with an expert will help you understand them all. At American Crane, we are a leading manufacturer of standard and custom cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment, and safety is one of our top priorities. To get started on your crane solution, or to learn more about crane safety, download our service brochure, contact us or request a quote today.
There is no one-size-fits-all crane solution. Overhead cranes are as versatile and varied as the jobs they’re built to do, with each crane type designed for specific types of work. For safety, effectiveness, and efficiency, it’s essential to get the right overhead crane for your project. Read on to learn more about types of overhead cranes and how to choose the best one for you.
What Will Be the Overhead Crane’s Purpose?
The first step in determining which overhead crane you need requires understanding the types of lifts you need the crane to do and the environment in which it will operate. Some of the questions you should ask include:
What size is the facility?
How heavy are the items the overhead crane will be lifting?
How many loads must it lift per hour, and how many hours per day will it be in operation?
What range of movement does the crane need?
What’s the temperature of the facility? Will there be sizeable temperature changes?
Will the crane need to tolerate exposure to certain chemicals, gases, moisture, sunlight, rain, wind, dust, or other potentially harmful factors?
Will the crane work with explosive or corrosive materials?
Will the lifts require rapid, repeatable lifting or slow, precise crane handling?
Determining these factors will help you to identify the overhead crane best-suited to your application and environment.
The Overhead Crane’s Weight Capacity
Cranes have varying capabilities when it comes to lifting. Each machine has a maximum lifting capacity, which is the heaviest weight that the crane can lift safely. Determining the maximum safe lifting capacity isn’t always as simple as knowing the weight of the lifted items.
For example, say you need to lift a product that weighs five tons. Whether a crane with a five-ton capacity will best suit the job depends on multiple factors. The answers to these questions will help you determine if a five-ton maximum lift capacity is enough:
How many times a day must the crane lift that five-ton weight?
Does every item weigh five tons, or do most of them weigh far less?
Will the crane occasionally need to lift something heavier than five tons?
Will operational changes or expansions require heavier lifts in the future?
You might want a slightly higher lifting capacity than your maximum lift to stay on the safe side, but there’s also no reason to go too big. Overhead cranes tend to become more expensive as lifting capacity goes up, so going overboard on maximum lift capabilities will ultimately cost unnecessary money. Conversely, barely scraping by on lifting power and overworking the machine will result in expensive repairs or replacements, ultimately driving up costs in the long run.
You also have to consider the crane’s speed requirements and how the load’s weight will affect it. While standard speeds are sufficient for most applications, yours may have unique needs. Maintaining your production output could rely on a crane that can move quickly, with easy loading and unloading. Assembling products may require slower-moving, highly precise crane operation.
Each type of overhead crane has its benefits, and most are customizable to meet specific needs. When trying to determine the best crane for your needs, this general breakdown may help:
Overhead bridge cranes have the largest lifting capacity.
Double-girder bridge cranes work at high speeds and repeatedly lift heavy loads
Overhead gantry cranes offer precision movement
Overhead Cranes from American Crane & Equipment Corporation
With so many considerations, choosing the best overhead crane for you isn’t an easy task, but the team at American Crane can help. As Your Expert, Craftsman and Partner, we’re committed to high-quality products, a safety-first mentality, and customer satisfaction. Our experts will communicate with you to understand your needs and ensure that you receive the best overhead lifting solution for your application.
For assistance with crane selection or more information about our engineering and manufacturing capabilities, please contact us or request a quote today.
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
A gantry crane uses its own legs for support rather than a beam or other fixture within the facility. Indoor gantry cranes may have a single or multiple girders, with multiple girder models better suited to heavy-duty work. There are four primary styles of gantry crane, each suited to specific applications:
The operating environment of the crane will determine the ideal materials and finishes used to fabricate its various components. Consider temperature extremes and fluctuations, weather exposure, and harsh operating conditions to help guide the selection of the proper materials and finishing processes.
Some indoor gantry crane models can lift up to five tons, making them useful in a range of applications such as shipyards, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, forges, and more. Gantry cranes offer versatility and reliability when lifting large and heavy components, raw materials, and heavy finished parts.
American Crane is a leading manufacturer and distributor of cranes and hoists. Our quality assurance program meets the standards for the nuclear industry, and we offer an expansive range of customization options to tailor crane solutions to specific application environments. Our portfolio of gantry cranes includes:
A hoist helps to raise and lower heavy loads and is sometimes used to transport objects from one location to another. There are many types of hoists that may be operated manually, pneumatically, or electronically. This mechanical device most often features one or multiple fixed pulleys, a moving pulley with a hook or other component for attaching loads, and a braided rope between them. As a leading manufacturer of hoists, American Crane can help you decide on the best crane hoist for your project’s needs.
Operating a hoist includes knowing the weight restrictions and requirements as well as built-in safety features. The operator may set operating limits of a hoist, which limit movements under certain circumstances. A hoist also comes with safety features that prevent overloading a lift, limit travelling movement, or prevent all movements with an emergency stop button.
C.M.A.A. refers to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America,
Critical load refers to a load that requires additional control or support because it approaches the maximum weight capacity. If released or moved without adequate control, a critical load can severely compromise the safety of the system. Critical loads require the use of single failure proof cranes, which ensure adequate operational safety.
An overhead crane is specifically designed to move heavy loads by operating from a fixed overhead structure. They can be operated using a mobile or stationary hoist and mobile bridge. Overhead cranes are available in a variety of designs and configurations.
Designed with flexibility and functionality in mind, under-running overhead cranes have a user-friendly design that provides ultimate versatility for meeting all your production needs. These cranes are also known as underhung cranes because the bottom flange of the runway beam offers support for the wheels to move the bridge across the facility.
on a stable surface and that there are no obstacles in the swing radius or below the crane. Work environments change frequently, so performing these inspections regularly is crucial.
