Tag Archive: overhead equipment

1. Master the Basics of Overhead Cranes: Key Insights and Best Practices

   September 3, 2024 10:30 am Leave a Comment

   

   In industrial and manufacturing environments, effective material handling is essential for maintaining productivity, safety, and efficiency. Overhead cranes are a pivotal solution, offering the ability to lift, move, and position heavy loads with precision. Understanding the basics of these systems and the best practices for their use can significantly benefit your operations. Master the basics of overhead cranes with key insights and best practices from American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO)

   Understanding Overhead Cranes

   Overhead cranes are integral to many industries, designed to move heavy materials across large spaces with minimal floor obstruction. These systems, including bridge cranes and gantry cranes, operate on trucks that allow for movement on three axes–horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal. This versatility makes them suited for various tasks, from transporting materials across a factory floor to precisely positioning loads for assembly or processing.

   Why Choose Overhead Cranes?

   The advantages of overhead cranes are numerous. They maximize floor space by operating above work areas, freeing up room for other operations and reducing the risk of accidents caused by floor-based equipment like forklifts or conveyors. Additionally, overhead cranes are capable of handling significantly heavier loads, improving overall efficiency and reducing the physical strain on workers.

   One of the true values of overhead cranes is their ability to streamline your operations. By enabling direct-path transportation over obstacles such as machinery and workstations, overhead cranes can increase your facility’s productivity and reduce the likelihood of product damage due to mishandling.

   How ACECO Can Support Your Overhead Crane Needs

   At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we specialize in providing tailored overhead crane solutions that align with your specific needs. Our team of experts will work closely with you to assess your facility’s requirements and recommend the most suitable crane systems, whether it’s a bridge crane for spanning large areas or a gantry crane for flexible, mobile lifting capabilities.

   We don’t just stop at supplying the equipment. ACECO offers comprehensive support services, including installation, maintenance, and upgrades, ensuring that your overhead cranes operate at peak performance throughout their lifecycle. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction means you can trust us to deliver reliable, efficient, and safe material handling solutions that drive your business forward.

   Ready to Enhance Your Operations?

   Overhead cranes are more than just a tool–they’re a strategic investment in your facility’s productivity and safety. Contact American Crane & Equipment Corporation today to learn how we can help you implement the best overhead crane solutions for your business. Request a quote, reach out to our team, or visit our store to explore our full range of products and services. Let us help you master the basics and beyond.

2. Single vs Double Girder Cranes: Which One Is Right for Your Needs?

   July 25, 2024 11:21 am Leave a Comment

   

   When it comes to selecting the right crane for your operations, understanding the differences between single and double girder cranes is essential. At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we offer a variety of crane solutions tailored to meet your specific lifting requirements. Let’s explore the key differences between single vs double girder cranes to determine which one is right for your needs and application requirements.

   Single Girder Cranes

   Single girder cranes are designed with one main girder and are ideal for lighter lifting applications. Here are some of the key advantages. 

   1. Efficiency in Smaller Spaces: Single girder cranes are compact, making them perfect for facilities with limited space. Their streamlined design allows for efficient operation in smaller areas without compromising performance.
   2. Cost-Effective Solution: Due to their simpler construction, single girder cranes are generally less expensive to manufacture and install. This makes them a budget-friendly option for many businesses.
   3. Reduced Structural Stress: With less deadweight, single girder cranes place minimal stress on building structures and foundations. This reduced load minimizes wear and tear on runway beams, leading to lower maintenance costs over time.
   4. Ease of Installation and Maintenance: The simpler design of single girder cranes translates to easier installation and maintenance, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

   Double Girder Cranes

   Double girder cranes, on the other hand, are equipped with two main girders and are built to handle more demanding lifting tasks. This makes them suitable for industries that require moving large, heavy materials.

   1. Higher Load Capacity: Double girder cranes are capable of lifting heavier loads compared to single girder cranes. This makes them suitable for industries that require moving large, heavy materials.
   2. Increased Hook Height: With the hoist and trolley positioned between the girders, double girder cranes offer greater hook height. This allows the load to be lifted higher, which is crucial for applications requiring significant vertical clearance.
   3. Wider Span and Additional Features: Typically, double girder cranes have a wider span and can accommodate additional features such as walkways, maintenance platforms, operator cabs, and lighting. These enhancements improve operational efficiency and safety.
   4. Versatility and Customization: Double girder cranes offer customization to meet operational needs, including the integration of advanced control systems and automation features. This versatility makes them a preferred choice for complex lifting operations.

   Choosing the Right Crane for Your Needs

   When deciding between single and double girder cranes, it’s important to consider your specific operational requirements. For lighter loads and smaller spaces, a single girder crane offers a cost-effective and efficient solution. However, for handling heavier loads, achieving higher hook heights, and accommodating additional features, a double girder crane is the better choice.

   At American Crane, we offer a wide range of single and double girder cranes that enhance safety and efficiency in your operations. Visit our store or contact us today to learn more about our crane solutions and how we can support your lifting needs. 

3. How to Choose the Right Crane for Your Needs

   July 2, 2024 11:00 am Leave a Comment

   

   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. Maximizing Efficiency with Custom and Standard Lifting Solutions for EPC Companies and Contractors

   June 26, 2024 11:55 am Leave a Comment

   

   In the world of Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) and contracting, the reliability and efficiency of lifting systems are paramount. Whether you are a large EPC company embarking on new plant construction or a contractor seeking dependable cranes, hoists, lifting chains or rigging attachments, having the right equipment for your specific application is crucial. At American Crane and Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we stand at the forefront of providing both custom-engineered and standard lifting solutions designed to meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Discover how ACECO can help in maximizing efficiency with custom and standard lifting solutions for EPC companies and contractors.

   High-Capacity Equipment: Meeting the Demands of Heavy Lifting

   Overhead double girder bridge and box girder cranes are essential for robust lifting systems in industrial settings. These high-capacity cranes are designed to handle substantial loads with precision and ease, ensuring seamless operations in critical environments. With capacities of up to 300 tons, we engineer our overhead cranes for reliability, safety and durability, making them ideal for industries ranging from power generation to aerospace.

   State-of-the-Art Features:

   • Precision Engineering: Our overhead cranes feature advanced engineering to ensure maximum efficiency and safety in lifting applications.

   • Custom Solutions: We offer custom-designed overhead cranes tailored to meet the unique needs of your project, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

   • Enhanced Safety: Equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, our cranes minimize the risk of accidents and enhance operational safety.

   Compensator Hoist: Precision and Flexibility in Lifting

   The compensator hoist is a versatile lifting solution designed to provide precision and flexibility in handling pre-formed floor decks and other materials. This electric chain hoist attaches to crane hooks, allowing for tilting and precise positioning of heavy loads. Ideal for construction and industrial applications, the compensator hoist enhances efficiency and accuracy in lifting operations.

   Key Benefits:

   • Precision Positioning: The compensator hoist enables precise control over the positioning of heavy loads, ensuring accurate placement and alignment.

   • Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of lifting tasks, the compensator hoist offers flexibility in handling various materials and components.

   • Enhanced Efficiency: By streamlining the lifting process, the compensator hoist reduces downtime and increases productivity on the job site.

   Crane Fork & Special Lifters: Versatility in Material Handling

   Crane forks and special lifters are indispensable tools for lifting and moving a variety of construction supplies, such as bricks and tools. These attachments enhance the versatility of cranes, enabling efficient and safe handling of diverse materials. Crane forks and special lifters provide the reliability and flexibility you need.

   Advantages:

   • Adaptability: Crane forks and special lifters can be easily attached to cranes, providing a versatile solution for different lifting requirements.

   • Efficiency: These tools streamline material handling processes, reducing manual labor and increasing operational efficiency.

   • Safety: Designed to securely lift and move materials, crane forks and special lifters minimize the risk of damage and enhance workplace safety.

   Plate Clamps: Secure and Efficient Handling of Sheets

   Plate clamps are essential for picking up sheets of steel, stone, and even glass in horizontal or vertical positions. These clamps provide a secure grip, ensuring safe and efficient handling of flat materials. Ideal for industrial and construction applications, plate clamps enhance the versatility and efficiency of lifting operations.

   Features:

   • Secure Grip: Plate clamps are designed to provide a strong and secure grip on flat materials, preventing slippage and ensuring safe handling.

   • Versatility: Suitable for lifting a wide range of materials, including steel plates, stone slabs, and glass sheets.

   • Efficiency: By enabling quick and secure lifting of flat materials, plate clamps increase productivity and reduce handling time.

   Tailored Solutions for Every Application

   At American Crane and Equipment, we understand that every project is unique. That’s why we offer both custom-designed solutions manufactured and engineered in-house, as well as a wide range of standard “off the shelf” products. From small 1/2-ton ratchet lever hoists to 300-ton overhead cranes, we provide the right equipment to meet your specific needs.

   Why Choose Us?

   • Expertise: With decades of experience in the industry, our team of experts provides knowledgeable and reliable support for all your lifting needs.

   • Quality: We are committed to delivering high-quality products that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

   • Customer-Centric Approach: Our focus is on understanding and meeting the unique needs of our clients, ensuring satisfaction with every project.

   Contact Us Today

   Ready to discover how ACECO can help in maximizing efficiency with custom and standard lifting solutions for EPC companies and contractors? Contact us today to learn more about how our products and services can enhance your operations. Our team is here to help you find a solution that works for you.

5. 6 Tips for Increasing Crane Safety in Your Facility

   April 20, 2016 2:13 pm Leave a Comment

   Over the past 50 years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) specifications for crane safety have remained relatively unchanged. To begin enhancing the training and safety opportunities in the overhead lifting industry, OSHA has recently renewed a five-year alliance with the Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance (CHM).

   The partnership demonstrates OSHA’s confidence in CHM as a trusted resource in an ongoing effort to increase workers’ safety. In a recent EHS Today article, OSHA’s Assistant Secretary of Labor Dr. David Michaels said, “Our alliance with CHM has been invaluable in helping to reduce and prevent serious or fatal incidents in the material handling industry.”

   To follow the example that these industry leaders have set, here are six ways that you can increase crane safety within your own facility:

   1. Create Accountability with Your Inspection — Develop written guidelines for your crane and hoist inspection and maintenance programs; implement this code to train every operator on proper crane equipment use and safety protocol.
   2. Schedule Your Inspections — Create a pre-planned schedule to stay on top of equipment functionality through preventative maintenance. Having a schedule will help to avert any breakdown repairs by ensuring that your equipment always meets the necessary safety requirements.
   3. Read the Manual — It may sound silly, but it is crucial that every operator has read the manufacturers’ operation manuals. Implementing this practice will add an extra level of protection at your facility.
   4. Conduct Pre-Shift Inspections — Crane operators should understand the applicable OSHA, national, state, and local inspection requirements for their machinery and ensure that all products are in compliance with these specifications at the start of each shift.
   5. Implement a Lockout/Tagout Procedure — Lockout procedures safeguard employees by cutting equipment off from the energy source before any maintenance work. This precaution helps prevent accidental or unexpected operation from stored energy, as well as the resulting risk of injury.
   6. Know Your Equipment’s Limits — Employees should always be aware of crane load limits as well as the capacities of each payload.

   By taking these simple precautions, you can increase everyday workplace safety for your operators. To learn more about how to increase crane safety in your facility, we invite you to download our maintenance troubleshooting guide, “What Your Cranes Wish You Knew.”
   
   
   

6. Optimize & Protect Your Production Team with Overhead Equipment

   December 2, 2015 9:20 am Leave a Comment

   Industrial material movers can be divided into two categories: on-floor and overhead. More and more businesses are discovering the advantages of replacing their traditional on-floor movers, such as trucks, forklifts, and fixed conveyors, with overhead equipment for material handling within facilities. Overhead movers include three main types: cranes, hoists, and monorails.

   Cranes utilize hooks, hoists, magnets, and other devices to transport loads. A crane’s operational range depends on the axes and rotational capabilities.

   Hoists are simple but adaptable pieces of machinery that use wires, ropes, or chains to move freely suspended loads. Hoists can be powered manually, electrically, or by air. Monorails operate like overhead conveyors; they run along fixed paths in the ceiling using a single circuit or network of routes.

   Compared to on-floor movers, each type of overhead material handling system provides the following benefits:

   • Reduced footprint — Cranes and hoists require some floor-based support structures, but these can be strategically placed at facility edges and corners to minimize their footprint. Monorails run on tracks installed directly into the ceiling and, therefore, leave no footprint on the floor at all.

   • Improved health and safety — Overhead movers reduce physical labor, which enhances ergonomics and removes employees from potential danger zones.

   • More power — Cranes, hoists, and monorails are typically stronger than on-floor systems. They have greater load capabilities and more lifting mechanisms to handle a variety of loads.

   • Increased productivity — Overhead movers allow for direct-path transportation, as opposed to on-floor movers that must navigate around various obstacles on the floor. The fixed monorail system reduces the opportunity for human error, which in turn lowers production losses.

   Traditional on-floor material handlers create many facility limitations. Bulky ride-on movers generate clutter and restrict floor space because they require wide pathways and intersections to maneuver. Even when they are not in operation, forklifts and ride-on movers take up a large amount of space on the floor and get in the way of production.

   On-floor machinery also depends on employee operation, making workers prone to long-term health risks and workplace injury. If a load is unbalanced or too heavy, forklifts can topple over.

   Impaired visibility on ride-on machinery can result in workers getting caught between walls or driving off of loading docks. Raised conveyor belts force employees to strain themselves reaching for objects and risking entrapment of clothing or limbs in machinery. Overhead movers minimize all these risks.

   American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) is equipped with the resources to fit both standard and custom crane solutions. With over 40 years of experience, our team thrives on a problem solving culture.

   To learn more about the advantages of utilizing overhead equipment, we invite you to read our eBook, “The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Overhead Equipment.”
   
   

7. American Crane’s Problem-Solving Culture

   October 28, 2015 12:25 pm Leave a Comment

   How One Team Handles Materials, Problems, and More

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

   From 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.