Tag Archive: Cranes

  1. 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.

  2. Discover Specialized Crane Parts from Leading Manufacturers at ACECO’s Online Store

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    Here at American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we take pride in offering a wide range of specialized crane parts from industry-leading manufacturers. Our online store features an extensive selection of components carefully chosen to meet the unique requirements of crane systems. From Columbus McKinnon to Schneider Electric, each brand brings its distinctive expertise and quality to the table. Let’s explore the specific offerings of each manufacturer and understand why American Crane is the go-to destination for premium crane parts.

    Columbus McKinnon Parts: Durability and Reliability

    Columbus McKinnon is renowned for its durable and reliable crane components. At our online store, you can find a comprehensive range of Columbus McKinnon parts, including wire rope hoists, chain hoists, trolleys, rigging equipment, load monitoring solutions, and crane controls. With a focus on robust construction and precision engineering, Columbus McKinnon parts ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity for various lifting applications.

    Munck Cranes Parts: Precision and Integration

    Munck Cranes specializes in innovative and precise crane solutions. Our online store offers a comprehensive selection of Munck Cranes parts, specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with Munck Crane systems. Explore wire rope hoists, trolleys, crane controls, pendant stations, and festoon systems tailored to Munck Cranes’ high standards. These components ensure precise load positioning, smooth operation, and enhanced safety, enabling efficient and reliable lifting operations.

    Magnetek Parts: Advanced Control & Safety

    Magnetek is a leading manufacturer of crane controls and power delivery systems. Our online store provides an extensive range of Magnetek parts, including radio remote controls, variable frequency drives, brakes, power delivery systems, and more. Magnetek’s cutting-edge technology ensures precise control, seamless motion, and enhanced safety in crane operations. By incorporating Magnetek parts, customers benefit from advanced features that optimize productivity, reduce downtime, and improve operator comfort.

    Duct-O-Wire Parts: Reliable Electrification and Control Solutions

    Duct-O-Wire is renowned for its high-quality electrification and control solutions. At our online store, you’ll find a diverse selection of Duct-O-Wire parts, including festoon systems, pendant push-button stations, conductor bars, collectors, and accessories. These components deliver reliable power transmission, flexible installation options, and efficient control of crane movements. With robust construction and advanced features, Duct-O-Wire parts ensure uninterrupted power and control signals, ensuring smooth and safe crane operations.

    Gorbel Crane Parts: Innovative Material Handling Solutions

    Gorbel is a trusted brand known for its innovative designs and precision engineering in material handling. American Crane’s online store offers an extensive range of Gorbel Crane parts, including workstation cranes, jib cranes, bridge cranes, and ergonomic lifting solutions. Gorbel Crane components provide exceptional durability, smooth operation, and ergonomic benefits, enhancing productivity, safety, and efficiency in material handling operations.

    Cleveland Tramrail Parts: Heavy-Duty Overhead Material Handling

    Cleveland Tramrail specializes in heavy-duty overhead material handling systems and crane components. Our online store features a wide selection of Cleveland Tramrail parts, including crane runways, track switches, end trucks, and conductor bars. These robust components deliver excellent load-bearing capacity, smooth travel, and reliable operation, making them ideal for demanding material handling applications in various industrial settings.

    Budgit Hoist Parts: Durable and Efficient Hoist Solutions

    Budgit Hoist is renowned for its durable and efficient hoist solutions. Explore our online store to find a comprehensive range of Budgit Hoist parts, including brakes, frames, hooks & lower blocks, motors, trolleys, and more. Budgit Hoist components offer reliable and safe lifting operations across various applications and lifting capacities. With their robust construction, efficient lifting mechanisms, and ease of operation, Budgit Hoist parts are trusted by professionals worldwide.

    Yale Hoists Parts: Superior Quality and Reliability

    Yale Hoists is synonymous with superior quality and reliability in the lifting industry. Our online store offers an extensive range of Yale Hoists parts, including brake components, chains & wire ropes, control stations, hoist frame components, and more. These high-quality components provide excellent lifting performance, durability, and ease of operation. With advanced features like precision controls, rugged construction, and smooth operation, Yale Hoists parts ensure reliable and safe lifting operations in various applications.

    Coffing Hoists Parts: Robust and Versatile Hoist Solutions

    Coffing Hoists offers robust and versatile hoist solutions for demanding industrial environments. American Crane’s online store features a diverse selection of Coffing Hoists parts, including brake components, chain and wire rope, control, gearing, and hoist frame components, and more. These components provide exceptional lifting performance, durability, and ease of use. Coffing Hoists parts are designed to withstand rigorous operating conditions, ensuring reliable and safe lifting operations across a wide range of applications.

    American Crane’s online store offers a diverse selection of specialized crane parts from leading manufacturers such as Columbus McKinnon, Munck Cranes, Magnetek, Duct-O-Wire, Gorbel, Cleveland Tramrail, Budgit Hoist, Yale Hoists, Coffing Hoists, and Schneider Electric. Each brand brings its unique expertise, ensuring the availability of reliable, high-performance components tailored to specific crane applications. Trust American Crane as your partner in sourcing premium crane parts, designed to optimize performance, enhance safety, and achieve operational excellence in your lifting operations. Contact us or request a quote today.

  3. American Crane’s Problem-Solving Culture

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    How One Team Handles Materials, Problems, and More

    Solving complex problems with real customer impact is what we do at American Crane & Equipment Corporation.

    Problem SolvingFrom concept to physical existence, our team builds solutions for companies of all kinds. Our environment is dedicated to problem-solving from the inside out — by definition, our company fosters the appreciation of all members’ creative diversity through trust, respect, and openness.

    This dedication is a huge part of American Crane’s goal as a company. We seek to increase our competitive advantage through improving overall company efficiency by managing and leveraging this creative diversity. It improves communication and teamwork and has led to reduced friction costs and sustainable organizational success.

    This problem-solving culture is reflected in every machine we make — overhead lifting systems from American Crane are designed to solve problems in workplaces of all kinds.

    Cranes

    Hooks, hoists, magnets, and other devices affixed to overhead cranes can lift, move, and place loads for maximum facility coverage. Their range can span a narrow corridor for a dedicated task, or be designed to span an entire facility, moving any material for any process.

    Hoists

    Simply versatile, this type of machine is similar to a crane, designed to lift and move freely suspended loads. They’re useful in manufacturing facilities as well as in construction and warehousing environments, using wire, rope, or chain to move materials.

    Monorails

    This unique overhead lifting solution runs on tracks in either a single circuit or a route network. Installed directly into the roof of a facility, one or more carriers traverse the tracks to transport materials. They’re ideal for dangerous or hard-to-reach applications, eliminating the opportunity for human error with the fixed track system.

    Each of these systems can be adapted and engineered to solve a company’s specific problems. Additionally, they do so while taking up minimal space, being installed along the edges or — in the case of monorails — on the roof of a facility. As a strong, long-lasting high-load solution, these machines offer durability and versatility in moving a wide variety of materials and containers, making workflow easy and effective.

    Beyond all of these benefits, these overhead lifting systems reduce injuries and physical stress on employees. Workplace safety is the number one priority at American Crane. We are devoted to maintaining a safe, healthy work environment, because we value our employees as individuals and as part of our overall success.

    We’re proud to be able to share tools to help solve problems and enhance wellbeing and safety for our fellow manufacturers. Learn more about our problem-solving solutions by downloading our free eBook, The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Overhead Equipment.


    The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Overhead Equipment

  4. Proudly Announcing Increased CMCO Stock!

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    A little holiday present from us to our loyal customers…

    American Crane has increased and added to our Columbus McKinnon stock inventory! It will now be easier than ever to view and purchase the trusted quality of your favorite CMCO brand parts. The newly added parts and equipment are valued over $800,000 and are available for immediate purchase. The reliable products you know and love such as the Coffing’s JLC Electric Chain Hoist and CM’s Man Guard Electric Chain Hoist can now be shipped on the same day that you order them! But state of the art new equipment isn’t all we’ve stocked for you… we’ve also collected more than 200 replacement parts to help you get your equipment up and running quickly, reducing downtime and aiding in repairs.

    RELATED: CMCO Product Catalog

    Adding these exceptional new products to our inventory is just another example of our commitment to quality and to supplying our customers with the best parts and equipment to fit their budgets. As always, our commitment to quality products, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing continues to set us apart as an exceptional supplier of the outstanding crane and hoist equipment.

    Check out a product review of the CM Hurricane 360 here!

    Shop online at Store.AmericanCrane.com or call us toll free at 1-877-877-6778.

  5. Lifting the Future of Spaceflight

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    From manufacture to completion, a space transport vehicle is made to launch and orbit, never to fall. One of these would be a billion-dollar space capsule weighing 10 tons.  The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) is the latest hope of the U.S. space program for sending humans beyond Earth orbit and onto destinations far, far away. Since the retirement of its space shuttle fleet, the Orion is NASA’s only crewed space vehicle under a recent revamp of the program’s long-range plans, called the NASA Authorization Act of 2010. The new strategy is to use the Orion Crew Module (or capsule), being built for NASA by Lockheed Martin Corp., and the Service Module, under development by EADS Astrium for the European Space Agency, to send crews of four to six astronauts on missions to orbit the Moon, explore nearby asteroids, and ultimately travel into orbit around Mars. NASA has scheduled the first flight of the Orion, called Exploration Flight Test 1, for sometime in 2014 aboard a Delta IV Heavy rocket system. This will be an unmanned shake-out run to test the Crew Module’s avionics, heat shielding, and parachutes over two Earth orbits and a high-energy reentry in the Pacific Ocean. To work on the capsule (and eventually assemble the Orion and the Delta IV for launch), NASA is using a 25-ton ACECO custom crane (which we refer to, naturally, as the “Orion Crane”). Officially, the Operations and Checkout Building’s (O&C) Low Bay Crane is used by Lockheed Martin personnel to move the Orion around the facility at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Lockheed Martin moves the capsule through several workstations along the crane’s runway during final assembly, testing, and preparation for spaceflight. Our crane will also mate the Orion capsule to the Delta IV’s second stage, inside the O&C, and place this assembly on its trailer for transport to the launch pad. In the future, our crane will mate the Crew Module to the Service Module and then lift that assembly onto the transport. ACECO is currently building another critical lift crane for the Orion project. Lockheed Martin will move the existing O&C Low Bay Crane to the O&C’s receiving room to lift the Orion capsule off of the transport from their manufacturing plant. Our new crane will then be installed in the Low Bay of the O&C and become the new O&C Low Bay Crane. It is a 30-ton capacity crane and is scheduled to be completed in February 2014 at Plant 1 and installed in May 2014 at KSC. So one day we’ll be able to really say that we were the first to lift the Orion spacecraft off the ground. Photo (courtesy NASA): The Orion ground-test vehicle on a work stand in the Operations and Checkout Facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Lifting the Future of Spaceflight Resources: www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/mpcv/index.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Authorization_Act_of_2010 //store.americancrane.com/category/aerospace

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

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    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.

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

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    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.

  8. Custom Grapples from American Crane

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    In sensitive environments, such as nuclear, aerospace, or gas & oil, there is no option for equipment failure. In applications where safety is imperative, grapples, drum grabs, and lifting beams can be useful for securely holding materials, using precise movements to relocate hazardous or valuable loads.  One slip or one piece of faulty equipment and the consequences can be catastrophic.

    Custom GrapplesWhen choosing a critical lift device for hazardous locations make sure it:

    • Is made of the highest quality carbon, and stainless steel
    • Is 100% customizable to your exact needs
    • Meets NUREG 0612 and NUREG 0554 requirements
    • Is NQA-1 Nuclear Quality and seismically qualified
    • Operates remotely

    Reliability and quality cannot be compromised when shopping for high quality lifting solutions. At American Crane & Equipment, we can supply you with a variety of explosion-proof, spark-resistant and single failure-proof equipment to keep you and your load moving safely under dangerous conditions.