Tag Archive: crane buyers guide

  1. Overview of the CMAA Buyer’s Guides

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    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

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    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. Crane 101: Types of Cranes, Basic Terms and Structures

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    Crane 101: Types of Cranes, Basic Terms, and Structures

    At American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we believe that understanding the intricacies of crane types and their components is essential for efficient and safe operations. Cranes are indispensable in construction, manufacturing and logistics, enabling the lifting and moving of heavy loads with precision. This guide provides an overview of crane types, basic terminology and key structures involved.

    Types of Cranes

    • Overhead Crane: Features a movable bridge carrying a hoisting mechanism that travels on an overhead fixed runway structure.
    • Gantry Crane: Similar to overhead cranes, but with the bridge supported on two or more legs running on fixed rails or runways.
    • Jib Crane: Has a bridge girder (boom) fixed at one end, often hinged to allow rotation, providing flexibility in small spaces.
    • Single Girder Crane: Runs on a single bridge girder, suitable for lighter loads.
    • Double Girder Crane: Utilizes two bridge girders, ideal for heavier loads and longer spans.

    Learn more: The Basics of Cranes and Hoists

    Basic Terms

    Crane Components

    • Bridge: The main horizontal structure that supports the trolley and travels parallel to the runway.
    • Trolley: Carries the hoisting mechanism and moves along the bridge.
    • Hoist: The mechanism used for lifting and lowering loads.
    • End Trucks: Support the bridge girders and house the wheels that travel on the runway rails.

    Learn more: The Four Key Crane Components

    Structural Elements

    • Bridge Girder: The primary horizontal beam of the crane bridge.
    • Box Section: A rectangular cross-section of girders, enhancing strength and stability.
    • Camber: An upward curve in the girder to counteract deflection.
    • End Tie: Connects the ends of the girders to maintain structural integrity.

    Load and Capacity

    • Capacity: The maximum load a crane is designed to handle, measured in tons.
    • Rated Load: The safe maximum load a crane can handle.
    • Critical Load: Any load whose uncontrolled movement could compromise safety systems.

    Crane Movement

    • Reeving: The path the hoist rope takes around various pulleys and sheaves.
    • Span: The horizontal distance between runway rails.
    • Hook Approach: The minimum horizontal distance between the runway rail and the hook.

    Safety Features

    • Anti-Collision: Prevents cranes from contacting each other.
    • Single Failure Proof: Design features ensuring that a single component failure won’t result in load loss.
    • Holding Brake: Automatically prevents motion when power is off.
    • Regenerative Braking: Uses electrical energy to control speed and feed it back into the power system.

    Glossary of Terms

    • Adjustable Frequency Drive: Motor controller converting fixed frequency AC power for speed control.
    • Auxiliary Hoist: A secondary hoist for lighter loads at higher speeds.
    • Bogie: Short end truck distributing crane wheel loads.
    • Clearance: Minimum distance from crane extremity to nearest obstruction.
    • Collectors: Devices collecting current from conductors for the bridge and trolley.
    • Festooning: Power supply method for a traveling hoist.
    • Sheave: A grooved wheel or pulley guiding the hoist rope.
    • Top Running Crane: End trucks supported on rails atop runway beams.
    • Under Running Crane: Movable bridge running on the lower flanges of a fixed runway structure.
    • Wheel Load: The load on any wheel without vertical inertia force.

    Understanding these terms and structures is crucial for anyone involved in crane operation, maintenance, or purchasing. At ACECO, we are committed to providing high-quality cranes and equipment, and we believe that informed customers are empowered customers. Proper knowledge ensures the safe and efficient use of cranes, contributing to overall project success.  To learn more, visit our Glossary Guide for Cranes.

  4. New Maintenance & Safety Resource Center

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    American Crane is proud to announce the launch of our completely redesigned website, which will facilitate user engagement with our content and give visitors a positive experience with every page view. One of the most important and helpful features of our new site is the revamped online resource center.

    ResourcesFrom equipment drawings to case studies covering real-world applications of our material handling solutions, our recently redesigned resource center provides customers with the ultimate library of information. The content was developed especially with maintenance, safety, and operations managers in mind.

    Over the decades of serving customers, we have accumulated innumerable industry insights and hours of hands-on experience. Now, with the new website, we will have one easy-to-access space where we can share all of this information with our customers. By reviewing our top resources, you’ll be able to learn about increasing your production efficiency and improving safety in your facility.

    At American Crane, we provide everyday solutions to complex material handling challenges. Working across industries such as aerospace, food and beverage, oil and gas, nuclear, chemical, transit, and more, the American Crane team works hard to meet a variety of industry-specific compliances with products like clean room cranes and aerospace critical lifts.

    We are a leading manufacturer of standard and custom crane systems, monorails, hoists, and other material handling equipment for a broad range of applications. Whether you need a small replacement part or an entirely customized system, the American Crane team can help you every step of the way.

    For more information about crane terminology and important considerations to make before investing in a lifting system, we invite you to download an essential eBook from our new resource center, “How to Choose the Right Crane: A Crane Buyer’s Guide.” Be sure to check out the other resources on the new website as we continue adding to the library over time.

    Can’t find a source you need or have any feedback to share regarding our latest materials? Let us know. We look forward to hearing from you.

    Choose the Right Crane