5 Key Factors to Consider
When Choosing the Right Crane for Your Facility

Choosing the right crane system for your facility can feel overwhelming, but making the right choice is crucial for enhancing your daily operations. A well-selected crane doesn&#;t just move materials; it optimizes your workflow, boosts productivity, and improves workplace safety.

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So, why choose workstation cranes? Workstation crane systems increase productivity & improve safety, making tasks accessible and efficient in a workspace. They help improve operations and ensure that everything is handled carefully and smoothly. In this guide, we&#;ll examine five key factors to help you determine the best crane system for your specific needs.

1. Know Your Load Requirements

Before anything else, it&#;s crucial to understand what you&#;ll be lifting. Whether light components or heavy machinery, this knowledge is the cornerstone of choosing the right crane systems for your facility.

For lighter loads: If you&#;re working with smaller loads, like parts or tools, a jib crane might be just what you need. Wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted jib cranes can handle between 100 and 30,000 pounds, and they&#;re great for saving space since they mount directly to your building&#;s support beams.

For mid-range loads: Workstation bridge cranes are perfect for loads up to 4,000 pounds. They allow easy movement along the bridge to any point in your workspace and are a solid option for moving items frequently across a larger area.

For heavier loads: If your facility handles large equipment or bulky materials, you&#;ll want to explore options like movable gantry cranes. These cranes are built to lift heavy items and come in several varieties, from portable gantries that can be easily disassembled and moved to track-mounted gantries that run along fixed routes for more precise lifting.

2. Consider Your Facility&#;s Space Constraints

Take a close look at your facility&#;s layout. The available space, ceiling height, and obstacles like columns will help determine which crane system will best fit.

Low ceilings or tight spaces: A jib crane might be the solution, especially wall-mounted or mast-style ones. These cranes take up less space while offering great flexibility. If your space has awkward columns or other obstacles, an articulating jib crane could help you quickly navigate them.

Flexibility: If you want a crane that&#;s easy to move around as your layout changes, consider a portable gantry crane or a foundationless jib crane. These types don&#;t need a permanent foundation so that they can be relocated, giving you flexibility as your facility evolves.

3. Look for Versatility

Your crane system should be adaptable and capable of handling various tasks. This versatility ensures that your system can evolve with your business and meet new challenges as they arise.

Multi-directional movement: Consider a workstation bridge crane or portable overhead crane if you need to move materials horizontally and vertically. These systems offer smooth movement across larger spaces, making them ideal for moving materials to different areas of your facility.

Customizable options: Many crane systems are customizable. For instance, adjustable gantry cranes allow you to change the height, span, and tread, which is particularly useful for environments with uneven floors or tight spaces. This flexibility enables your crane to be adjusted to meet the unique requirements of your operation.

4. Safety First

Safety should always be a top priority when choosing any lifting equipment. The right crane system can help prevent accidents and keep your workers safe.

Many crane systems have safety features. These include overload protection and emergency stop functions. These features are designed to prevent accidents, providing high control and safety in your operations.

Operator comfort: Cranes with remote controls or ergonomic designs reduce strain on operators and minimize human error. Choosing a system that prioritizes operator safety and comfort can also boost efficiency, as workers will feel more confident using the equipment.

Compliance with safety regulations: Ensure your crane system meets safety standards, such as OSHA guidelines. Working with a trusted supplier ensures you get a system that adheres to industry regulations and is designed with safety in mind.

5. Think About Budget and Long-Term Costs

While the initial cost is significant, it&#;s essential to consider long-term costs like maintenance, energy use, and potential upgrades.

Upfront costs: Freestanding jib cranes can be a cost-effective solution for heavy-duty applications, and they can often be mounted on existing structures to reduce installation costs. Foundationless jib cranes are another budget-friendly option since they don&#;t require a specialized foundation and can be easily relocated.

Maintenance and durability: Choose a crane that&#;s built to last. Systems like workstation bridge cranes are known for their durability and low maintenance, making them an excellent long-term investment for facilities that need consistent, reliable lifting solutions.

Energy efficiency: Modern crane systems are often designed with energy-saving features, which can reduce your operating costs over time. Spending more upfront for a more energy-efficient crane might save you significant money in the long run.

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Choosing the right crane system for your facility is about more than just lifting things&#;it&#;s about enhancing overall efficiency and safety. Whether you&#;re looking for the precise handling of a workstation bridge crane, the space-saving advantages of a jib crane, or the heavy-lifting capacity of a gantry crane, the key is finding the right system for your unique environment.

At Handling Concepts, we understand that all facilities are unique and are here to help you navigate the many options available. Our team is committed to helping you find the perfect crane solution tailored to your needs, budget, and safety requirements. If you&#;re unsure where to start, don&#;t worry&#;we&#;ll guide you every step of the way.

From manufacturing to healthcare, the industries we serve rely on our expertise to provide crane systems that improve productivity, safety, and workflow. Get started today, and let&#;s work together to find the best crane solution for you.

See also: Understanding the Impact of OSHA Regulations on Your Crane Operations

Choosing the Correct Packaged or Custom Hoist

Selecting the appropriate hoist for your operations can greatly impact both efficiency and safety. When choosing between packaged and custom hoists, it&#;s important to understand their unique features and benefits. Packaged hoists are pre-engineered, cost-effective solutions ideal for lighter applications and are available in various configurations. Custom built-up hoists, on the other hand, are designed for heavy-duty use, offering higher capacities and specialized features tailored to your specific needs. This blog will guide you through key considerations to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your hoist meets your operational demands effectively.

Differences Between Packaged and Custom Built Hoists

A crucial part of a crane purchase is the hoist. The hoist is a device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wrap. Hoists may be integral to a crane or mounted in affixed position, permanently or temporarily.

When a hoist is mounted to a trolley on a fixed monorail, two directions of load motion are available: forward or reverse, up or down.

When the hoist is mounted on a crane, three directions of load motion are available: right or left, forward or reverse, up or down.

Packaged Equipment

We offer both &#;packaged&#; hoists and custom built-up hoists. The term &#;packaged&#; hoists refers to pre-engineered cataloged hoists that are typically designed to handle lighter applications and are a more cost-effective option. We work closely with a variety of different hoist manufacturers and can help advise the best option for your application.

Some highlights of packaged hoists are:

• Typically suited for lighter capacity and slower speeds
• Lighter service use
• Available in a variety of configurations: top mounted, deck mounted, monorail
• Wire rope or chain available
• Available for some special applications
• Lifting capacities range to 35 tons
• Range of lift up to 40 feet
• Also available for explosion proof applications

Custom Built-Up Equipment

A custom built-up hoist refers to hoists that are designed to withstand heavy duty applications and service. We manufacture our built-up hoists in house to suit a variety of standard and specialized industries. Custom built-up hoists are a more expensive option because they cater to heavier duty use, but our hoists are built to last for years of reliable service.

Some highlights of built-up hoists are:

• Capacities of up to 200 tons
• AC or DC voltage
• Non-mechanical load brake design
• Decked-over trolley frame
• Upper and lower limit switches
• Double-reeved for true vertical lift
• Customizable for any application

Questions to Consider

When selecting the proper hoist there are many factors to consider:

• The weight of the load including below-the-hook lifting, load supporting and positioning devices
• Physical size of the load
  • Design for center of gravity (for control and stability)
  • Lift &#; the vertical distance the load can be moved
• Clearance Considerations
  • Headroom
  • Obstacles to be cleared during load transfer
  • Design for vertical lift including holding device height
• Lifting Speed Considerations
  • Distance load needs to be raised and lowered
  • Frequency of use
  • Required positioning accuracy
  • Nature of the load being lifted

Important Factors

Another important factor is the Hoist Duty Classification. These classifications are based on a number of factors. These factors determine the classification your hoist needs to be. These classifications were created by the HMI and ASME Associations and are to be used as reference only. For better detail our sales team can answer any questions.

Operating Based on 65% of Capacity HMI Class Uniform Usage Infrequent Use Details Max On Time (Min./Hr.) Max Starts (Hr.) Max On Time from Cold Start Max Starts H1 7.5 min. (12.5%) 75 15 100 Powerhouse and Utilities, infrequent handling, hoists used to primarily to install and service heavy equipment, loads frequently approach capacity and hoist idle for long periods between use H2 7.5 min. (12.5%) 75 15 100 Light machine shop fabricating, service and maintenance, loads and utilization randomly distributed; rated loads infrequently handled. Total running time not over 12.5% of the work period H3 15 (25%) 150 30 200 General machine shop fabricating, assembly, storage and warehousing; loads and utilization randomly distributed. Total running time not over 25% of work period H4 30 (50%) 300 30 300 High volume handling of heavy loads, frequently near rated load in steel warehousing, machine and fabricating shops, mills, and foundries with total running time not over 50% of the work period, manual or automatic cycling operations of lighter loads with rated loads infrequently handled such as in heat treating or plating operations, with total running time frequently 50% of the work period H5 60 (100%) 600 N/A (Note 1) N/A (Note 1) Bulk handling of material in combination with buckets, magnets or other heavy attachments. Equipment often cab operated. Duty cycles approaching continuous operation are frequently necessary. User must specify exact details of operation, including weight of attachments.

A crane duty group tells which kind of duty the crane is for; the range is from light duty up to very heavy duty. It is vital to define the needs and estimate the use because of safety reasons and for to ensure a long working life for the crane.

As to the types of cranes covered under CMAA (Crane Manufacturers Association of America) Specification No. 70 (Top Running Bridge and Gantry Type Multiple Girder Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes); there are six (6) different classifications of cranes, each dependent on duty cycle. Within the CMAA Specification is a numerical method for determining exact crane class based on the expected load spectrum. This chart is to be used as reference only. For better detail our sales team can answer any questions

Aside from this method, the different crane classifications, as generally described by CMAA, are as follows:

CMAA Class Description Details A Standby or Infrequent Service This service class covers cranes where precise handling of equipment at slow speeds with long idle periods between lifts. Capacity loads may be handled for initial installation of equipment and for infrequent maintenance. Typical examples are cranes used in powerhouses, public utilities, turbine rooms, motor rooms, and transformer stations. This is the lightest crane as far as duty cycle is concerned. B Light Service This service class covers cranes where service requirements are light and the speed is slow. Loads vary from none to occasional full capacity. Lifts per hour would range from 2 to 5, and average 10 feet per lift. Typical examples are cranes in repair shops, light assembly operations, service buildings, light warehousing, etc. C Moderate Service This service covers cranes whose service requirements are deemed moderate, handling loads which average 50 percent of the rated capacity with 5 to 10 lifts per hour, averaging 15 feet, with not over 50 percent of the lifts at rated capacity. In terms of numbers, most cranes are built to meet Class C service requirements. This service covers cranes that may be used in machine shops or paper mill machine rooms. D Heavy Service In this type of service, loads approaching 50 percent of the rated capacity will be handled constantly during the work period. High speeds are desirable for this type of service with 10 to 20 lifts per hour averaging 15 feet, with not over 65 percent of the lifts at rated capacity. Typical examples are cranes used in heavy machine shops, foundries, fabricating plants, steel warehouses, container yards, lumber mills, etc., and standard duty bucket and magnet operations where heavy duty production is required. E Severe Service This type of service requires a crane capable of handling loads approaching the rated capacity throughout its life with 20 or more lifts per hour at or near the rated capacity. Typical examples are magnet, bucket, magnet/bucket combination cranes for scrap yards, cement mills, lumber mills, fertilizer plants, container handling, etc. F Continuous Severe Service In this type of service, the crane must be capable of handling loads approaching rated capacity continuously under severe service conditions throughout its life. Typical examples are custom designed specialty cranes essential to performing the critical work tasks affecting the total production facility, providing the highest reliability with special attention to ease of maintenance features.

We Have the Answers

Questions on any of this information we covered in this article? We have a very knowledgeable team who can answer any questions or provide more detail on any of the above topics. G.W. Becker, Inc. works with a variety of hoist manufacturers, as well as manufacturing in-house, to get you the best equipment for your specific application.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Semi Trailers.