Tag Archive: CMAA

  1. Overview of the CMAA Buyer’s Guides

    Leave a Comment

    Overview of the CMAA Buyer's Guides

    The Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) provides four detailed buyer’s guides to help prospective buyers of electric overhead traveling cranes and lifting devices make informed decisions. Each guide addresses specific types of cranes and lifting equipment, offering valuable insights into their features, applications, and benefits.

    The CMAA Buyer’s Guide Companion

    The CMAA Buyer’s Guide Companion helps buyers make informed decisions when selecting crane and hoist systems by asking a series of targeted questions. These questions guide users through critical considerations, such as design specifications, load capacities, structural integrity, safety features, and compliance with industry standards. By addressing these key aspects, the guide ensures that buyers choose equipment that meets their specific operational needs, promotes safety, and adheres to regulatory requirements. This advisory tool simplifies the complex process of crane selection, providing a structured approach to evaluating and purchasing the right system for your application.

    The CMAA Multiple Girder Cranes Buyer’s Guide

    The CMAA Buyer’s Guide for Top Running Bridge & Gantry Type Multiple Girder Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes helps buyers navigate the complexities of selecting the right multiple girder crane by guiding them through key considerations such as the intended service, frequency of use, required speed to match operational needs, and budget constraints. The guide features practical tools like the “Crane Inquiry Data Sheets” which facilitate productive discussions with crane manufacturers. Additionally, it includes “Crane Service Classifications” to match cranes to service conditions and a “Suggested Operating Speeds” chart to determine the optimal travel and hoisting speeds. The CMAA also provides online resources, including slides that offer further insights into various overhead material handling equipment options.

    The CMAA Single Girder Cranes Buyer’s Guide

    The CMAA Buyer’s Guide for Top Running & Under Running Single Girder Electric Traveling Cranes Utilizing Under Running Trolley Hoists assists buyers in the meticulous process of selecting the appropriate single girder crane by focusing on key aspects such as the intended service, usage frequency, operational speed requirements, and budget considerations. The guide begins with “Crane Inquiry Data Sheets”, which serve as a starting point for in-depth discussions with crane manufacturers, allowing for tailored advice based on specific needs. Additionally, “Crane Service Classifications” help match cranes to their actual service conditions, while a “Suggested Operating Speeds” chart guides the selection of optimal travel and hoisting speeds.

    The CMAA Below-the-Hook Devices Buyer’s Guide

    The CMAA Buyer’s Guide for Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices assists buyers in selecting the appropriate lifting devices by addressing critical factors such as the load’s weight, dimensions, material, and surface conditions. The guide begins with a detailed checklist to accurately describe the loads the device will handle, including considerations like load center of gravity, temperature, and surface conditions. It also covers operating conditions, such as ambient temperature, humidity, and potential exposure to corrosive or explosive environments. Additionally, the guide includes digital photos and examples of attachment devices like slings, lift beams, magnet beams, vacuum beams, and other below-the-hook lifters.

    Informed Decisions with CMAA Buyer’s Guides

    The comprehensive approach in CMAA’s Buyer’s Guides ensures that buyers can make informed decisions tailored to their specific applications, promoting efficiency and standardization in material handling operations. By reviewing these considerations and discussing them with potential suppliers, buyers are better equipped to select the most suitable crane or lifting system for their needs. This collaborative process enhances safety, efficiency, and adherence to industry standards, ensuring that the chosen equipment meets all operational requirements effectively.

    For more detailed information and to download the full Buyer’s Guide, click here.

  2. Understanding CMAA Crane Classifications

    Leave a Comment

    Understanding CMAA Crane Classifications

    Overhead cranes and hoists play an integral role in almost every industry, facilitating the efficient and safe movement of heavy materials. Selecting the appropriate crane for your application is crucial for operational safety, maintenance and overall efficiency. Understanding CMAA Crane Classifications is crucial; these classifications, developed by the Crane Manufacturers’ Association of America (CMAA), aid in the selection process and help ensure that the crane chosen is suitable for its intended workload and environment.

    Crane & Hoist Classifications

    Class A – Infrequent or Standby Service

    Designed for precise handling at slow speeds, these cranes are ideal for environments where the crane is used infrequently, such as powerhouses, public utilities, and transformer stations.

    Class B – Light Service

    These cranes are suitable for light service environments where usage is low and operational speeds are moderate. Common applications include repair shops, light assembly operations, and light warehousing.

    Class C – Moderate Service

    These cranes are built for moderate service environments like machine shops and paper mill machine rooms. They handle loads averaging 50% of the rated capacity, making five to ten lifts per hour.

    Class D – Heavy Service

    These cranes are designed for heavy service requirements, such as in heavy machine shops, foundries, and container yards. They handle 10 to 20 lifts per hour with loads averaging 15 feet.

    Class E – Severe Service

    Throughout their life, these cranes handle loads approaching the rated capacity. Applications include scrap yards, cement mills, and lumber mills, performing twenty or more lifts per hour.

    Class F – Continuous Severe Service

    These cranes must handle loads approaching rated capacity continuously under severe conditions. Production facilitates use these cranes for critical tasks, requiring high reliability and ease of maintenance.

    Key Criteria for Crane Selection

    Consider the following criteria when selecting the right overhead crane:

    • Speed: Measured in lifts per hour, determining how quickly the crane can move materials.
    • Service: Frequency of use.
    • Distance: The distance a crane needs to move the lifted materials.
    • Rated Capacity: The average rated load of materials moved.
    • Maintenance Requirements: Frequency and ease of maintenance.
    • Service Conditions: The environment in which the crane operates and its accessibility for servicing.

    Quality and Reliability

    At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we manufacture cranes to CMAA Specifications 70 or 74, ensuring they meet high standards of quality and reliability. We design our products to exceed customer expectations, providing safe and efficient solutions for critical environments. With a large inventory of parts and components available for same-day shipping, we ensure minimal downtime for your operations.

    For over 50 years, American Crane has been a leader in providing innovative lifting solutions. Our experts are available to assist with any questions regarding crane installation, operation, and maintenance tailored to your specific industry needs.

    For more information on choosing the right overhead crane, download our eBook, “Understanding Crane and Hoist Classifications,” or contact the American Crane team today.

  3. How to Choose the Right Crane for Your Needs

    Leave a Comment

    How to Choose the Right Crane for Your Needs

    Selecting the right crane for your needs can be a complex and time-consuming task. With a variety of cranes and hoists available on the market, understanding the key factors that influence your decision is crucial. Here are six essential considerations to help you make an informed choice for your crane and hoist combination.

    1.   The Load

    Understanding the load is fundamental. Key details include the loads dimensions, weight, surface characteristics, material, and fragility. Additionally, consider the load’s condition during handling (e.g., wet, dry, oily). If multiple types of loads need to be handled, you might require different crane and hoist combinations.

    2.   Frequency of Use

    The frequency and intensity of use, known as Duty Cycle Requirements, significantly impact the type of crane you need. Cranes are classified into six service classes, from Class A (Standby or Infrequent Service) to Class F (Continuous Severe Service). Selecting equipment designed for your specific service class ensures safety and longevity.

    3.   Required Speed

    The speed at which the crane travels and the hoist lifts and lowers is critical for operational efficiency. Ensure the crane’s speed aligns with your production processes to maintain a smooth workflow without compromising safety.

    4.   Operating Environment

    Crane and hoist systems can be used in various environments, both indoor and outdoor. Consider factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, hazardous conditions, and exposure to chemicals. Depending on the environment, you might need a custom crane and hoist solution to enhance reliability and service life.

    5.   Expected Longevity

    Routine maintenance is essential for the safe and reliable operation of cranes and hoists. Consider how often you want the equipment to run between servicing, the need for component replacements, and the overall lifespan. A well-maintained system ensures prolonged operation and reduces downtime.

    6.   Budget

    While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, a properly engineered crane and hoist system is often more cost-effective in the long run. Consider the total cost of ownership, including installation, spare parts, maintenance agreements, and service contracts. Investing in quality equipment reduces operational issues and enhances safety.

    Additional Resources

    For further guidance, several buyer’s guides can help you specify the right crane and hoist. The Crane Manufacturers Association of American (CMAA) publishes comprehensive resources detailing design safety standards and specifications. These guides are available for free download from American Crane’s online Resource Center.

    American Crane also offers tailored publications: “How to Choose the Right Crane: A Crane Buyer’s Guide” and “How to Choose the Right Hoist: A Hoist Buyer’s Guide.” These documents provide a broader perspective on crane and hoist selection and are ideal for both novice and experienced buyers.

    Your Expert, Craftsman and Partner

    Leveraging the knowledge of experienced professionals is invaluable. Suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors with extensive expertise can help you evaluate your overhead handling options and determine the optimal solution for your needs. At American Crane, we are your expert, craftsman and partner – ready to assist you in finding the best crane and hoist combination. Connect with a project specialist today to get started on your investment journey.

    By considering these factors and utilizing available resources, you can confidently choose the right crane for specific needs, ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

  4. Driving Innovation and Excellence: How MHI & CMAA Elevate ACECO in the Overhead Lifting Industry

    Leave a Comment

    Driving Innovation and Excellence: How MHI & CMAA Elevate ACECO in the Overhead Lifting Industry

    Introduction

    At American Crane and Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we have been proudly serving the overhead lifting industry for over 50 years. Our commitment to being Expert, Craftsman, and Partner has made us a trusted name in the industry. In this blog post, we will explore how our mission to make your life easier aligns with our involvement in industry associations like MHI and CMAA, as well as the benefits of repurposing content to provide you with the best possible solutions.

    The Power of Partnerships: MHI and CMAA

    The Material Handling Industry (MHI) and the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) hold significant importance in the overhead lifting industry. At ACECO, we recognize the value of these associations and actively participate in them to ensure that we provide the best possible solutions to our clients.

    MHI serves as a reputable trade association, acting as the voice of the material handling and logistics industry. By being a part of MHI, ACECO stays informed about industry trends, standards, and technological advancements. Our membership in MHI grants us access to valuable resources and networking opportunities, enabling us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that make our customers’ lives easier and more efficient.

    Similarly, ACECO’s affiliation with CMAA, a respected trade association representing manufacturers of overhead cranes and hoists, highlights our commitment to upholding the highest quality and safety standards. CMAA plays a vital role in establishing specifications and guidelines for overhead cranes, ensuring that they meet industry regulations. By aligning our operations with CMAA standards, we prioritize the reliability and safety of our lifting equipment, providing our customers with solutions they can trust.

    Our participation with MHI and CMAA showcases our dedication to staying informed, collaborating with industry leaders, and contributing to the advancement of the industry. These affiliations reflect our company’s commitment to being your Expert, Craftsman, and Partner. We strive to deliver superior products and services while upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and professionalism. Through these associations, we leverage knowledge, resources, and networking opportunities to lead the industry with our new Smart Crane Technology and other innovative solutions.

    Learn more about CMAA and MHI here: https://www.americancrane.com/why-is-the-cmaa-important/

    Making Information Accessible

    At ACECO, we recognize the importance of knowledge in making well-informed decisions. That’s why we embrace dynamic information dissemination strategies. By adapting and sharing valuable insights across multiple platforms, we ensure industry expertise is accessible to a broader audience, including our esteemed partners.

    Through collaborative efforts, we reinforce our position as thought leaders in the overhead lifting industry. Whether it’s through our blog, social media channels (YouTube, Facebook), or contributions to reputable industry publications, we offer diverse formats to cater to various learning preferences. The inclusive approach enables us to actively engage with our partners, providing the essential information necessary to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our industry.

    At ACECO, we do what we commit to do, we do it well, and we do it on-schedule. Our goal is to make your life easier, and we are dedicated to solving your most complex problems.

    Together, we evolve, innovate, and build a brighter future in the overhead lifting industry.

    #MAKEITEASY

    Contact us to learn more.

  5. Top 10 Crane Terms to Know

    Leave a Comment

    Choosing the right crane for your business can be challenging. If you are exploring different material handling systems for your company, here are the top 10 terms you will need to know to help narrow down the search:

    1. C.M.A.A. – Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc. (formerly known as EOCI – Electric Overhead Crane Institute).

    2. Critical Load – A load that, if released or moved without the proper control, could compromise the safety of the entire system. A crane lifting a critical load requires a single failure proof feature (defined below as term #8) so that any possible failure will remain isolated and not halt the rest of the load.

    3. Top 10 CraneExplosion Proof Crane – Specially designed cranes with electrical components that keep any potential explosions contained within the components, therefore preventing any accidental ignition of hazardous materials in the surrounding air.

    4. Flux Vector Drive – A closed loop system that uses an adjustable, incremental encoder to monitor the speed and direction of a crane’s motor shaft. This control provides systems lacking a mechanical load brake with more reliability and a greater range of speed.

    5. Lift – The highest safe point at which the crane’s hook, magnet, and buck can move.

    6. Load Block – The assembly of all crane accessories including the hook, swivel, bearing, sheaves, pins, and frame, suspended by the hoisting ropes.

    7. Overhead Crane – A type of crane that works from an overhead fixed runway structure. It includes a moveable bridge carrying either a moveable or stationary hoisting mechanism.

    8. Single Failure Proof – Mentioned earlier as a consideration for critical load (#2), single failure proof safety features ensure that the failure of one component will not compromise the rest of the load. The crane will maintain control of a critical load, even if one component fails.

    9. Top Running Crane – A model of overhead traveling crane that runs along rails with truck ends attached to runway support beams.

    10. Wheelbase – The length from the center of each wheel, measured parallel to the support rail.

    The American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) is a leader in standard and custom cranes, hoists, and lift systems across various industries. With over 40 years of experience, American Crane thrives on a problem-solving culture to find the right system for your needs.

    When you work with American Crane, you work with an entire team dedicated to strategizing your solution, including a project manager who understands material handlers’ language.

    For more considerations to make when deciding on a lift system, we invite you to read our eBook, “The Crane Buyer’s Guide.” Inside the comprehensive resource, we’ve included the ultimate crane terminology glossary.

  6. How to Improve Safety & Efficiency with Aerospace Critical Lifts

    Leave a Comment

    When you have an aerospace critical lift that could impact your project or the environment, it’s doubly important to follow all the proper procedures for safety and compliance. Many people are unsure of the exact legal requirements and the best way to ensure compliance. Here is a brief rundown on managing critical aerospace lifts.

    Identifying Critical Lifts

    A lift is considered critical if it has one or more of the following characteristics:

    Improve Safety & Efficiency

    1. If loss of control over the lifted item could invoke a declaration of a site emergency per the governing regulations such as NASA-STD- 8719.9.
    2. If the item to be lifted is vital to the project schedule or irreplaceable.
    3. If the item is lost during the lift, the resulting impact on cost or schedule might jeopardize program commitments.
    4. If the lift occurs in close proximity to items that fit any of the definitions in items 1 through 3.
    5. If the load exceeds 80 percent of the crane’s capacity, it is critical. If two cranes are used and the lift weight exceeds 75 percent of the rated capacity of one of the cranes, it is also considered critical.

    Aerospace Critical Lift Requirements

    If your planned lift fits into any of these categories, you are required to take certain safety precautions. The precautions may vary depending on the characteristics of the lift, but almost every aerospace critical lift will require specific safety precautions.

    Lift Supervisor

    This person is responsible for ensuring that every member of the lift team understands their role and has the proper training. The Lift Supervisor must also confirm that the equipment has been properly inspected and has the right safety ratings to safely carry out the lift plan.

    Safety Representative

    The Safety Representative cannot be the same individual as the Lift Supervisor. The Safety Representative is responsible for reviewing and checking all inspections, the lift plan, and must be on site during the lift to monitor the process and ensure adherence to the plan.

    Critical Lift Plan

    The Critical Lift Plan includes both a Hazard Report and a Lift Procedure. The entire team, but especially the Lift Supervisor and the Safety Representative should be familiar with the details of the plan.

    Safety Review Meeting

    Before undertaking the lift, the team must hold a Safety Review Meeting to ensure that all team members have a firm grasp on their roles and all lift procedures. The meeting can be held up to two weeks prior to the lift for very complex lifts, but two to three days is more common.

    Equipment Requirements

    For aerospace critical lifts, you must use equipment rated to handle the necessary load plus a margin of error. The equipment must meet these requirements whether it is leased or owned and must meet  minimum load rating for every item used in the lift, including rigging, jigs, cables and hoists.

    American Crane Aerospace Equipment is designed to meet the requirements of aerospace critical lifts. American Crane Critical Lift Cranes are designed for durability, reliability and safeguarding equipment during lifts and to comply with appropriate industry guidelines. With over 40 years of experience designing and building the industry’s most respected cranes, American Crane products offer custom design and fabrication and a complete in-house quality assurance program to comply with standards. Before shipment, all cranes are completely tested and fully assembled to meet CMAA duty cycle requirements.

    Inspections

    You must have certificates of inspection and original rating certificates for all equipment. These should be part of the Lift Plan and reviewed and validated in the Safety Meetings.

    If you are responsible for managing a project or program that may include an aerospace critical lift, consider working with the experienced team at American Crane. Our team of experts provide high quality equipment, safety and reliability in every aerospace critical lift.

    Request for More Information

  7. Crane Buyer’s Guide Part 2: What is important to look for when buying a crane?

    Leave a Comment

    For the past 60 years, the CMAA (Crane Manufacturers Association of America) has published standardized guides for the selection of suitable cranes and crane equipment. These guides and specifications take into account a few key points to help buyers make the right match:

    -The service that the system will be used for

    -The frequency of use

    -The speed required to match process parameters

    -The buyer’s budget

    The CMAA includes a detailed checklist for buyers to complete while they begin the selection process with a crane manufacturer. The checklist asks if key components of the crane are in compliance with the CMAA’s quality, safety, and value specifications. A “Crane Inquiry Data Sheet” will help narrow down the field to facilitate the perfect match of crane and buyer.

    There are also specific service classifications so that the most economical crane can be purchased. They are Class A (Standby or Infrequent Service,) Class B (Light Service,) Class C (Moderate Service,) Class D (Heavy Service,) Class E (Severe Service,) and Class F (Continuous Severe Service.) Single girder cranes meeting Specification 70 can only be classified in categories A through D. Guides are available for Single Girder cranes, Multiple Girder cranes, and Below the Hook Lifting Devices.

  8. Crane Buyer’s Guide Part 1: What is the CMAA?

    Leave a Comment

    The Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) has existed since 1955, but can trace its roots all the way back to 1927 when the Electric Overhead Crane Institute was founded to establish standardization and quality control within the crane industry. The voluntary organization is made up of over 30 Member Companies, which represent the industry leaders of overhead crane manufacturing. The CMAA is an affiliate of the Material Handling Industry of America and is committed to helping its members become marketplace leaders that provide high value and versatile solutions. Its mission is to provide the end-users, partners, and members of the crane industry with exceptional quality and value using:

    • Safety Advocacy
    • Engineering Specifications and Standards Development
    • Market Intelligence
    • Educational Materials
    • Member Professional Development
    • Recruiting and Developing a representative, active membership
    • Promotion and Enhancement of the CMAA brand

    The CMAA has two very important specifications that help crane buyers, engineers, and architects select the optimal equipment for their needs. First published in the 1970’s, these are commonly known as Spec 70 and Spec 74 and have been updated as technology advances. Specification 70 outlines information for those interested in Multiple Girder Cranes, while Specification 74 focuses on Single Girder Cranes. Both specifications offer general information that can be checked with individual crane manufacturers to ensure you are purchasing the right product. The information in the CMAA specifications does not have the effect of law, but rather establishes advisory qualifications and technical guidelines. They can be helpful when researching proper clearances, offsets, tilts, runways, and more.