If your operation requires lifting heavy materials, you may be looking for the most efficient and simplest way to perform this job. Portable lifting tools can work well but in many cases overhead crane systems are the better choice. However, there are several considerations and a lot of choices to think about and this can become confusing. Here is helpful information to help you choose the best equipment for your applications.
Crane Types
Did you know there are several types of cranes in which to choose? In fact, you can buy four basic types. Each one is designed to work best in a specific situation.
Bridge Cranes
Bridge cranes include two runways for support and a bridge for the lifting mechanism to travel on. Runways are steel girders designed to support the bridge. These types of overhead crane systems are perfect for mounting over workstations. Bridge cranes are often seen in the metals industry. In fact, a crane may be used in every operation of the process.
Bridge cranes can be ceiling mounted or free standing. Your choice depends on the kind of operation and building you use. You also can choose top running or underhung models. Plus, you also have your choice of power.
Manual vs Electric Cranes
One of the biggest choices you will need concerns electric or manual power. If you want to save on costs, manual is much cheaper. In addition, they work well when you need to position your load accurately. However, there are some trade-offs to take into consideration.
With manual equipment, you have to do the lifting and moving by hand. This can be very time consuming. Plus, you’ll want to use manual overhead crane systems on smaller loads, because heavy loads could be much too difficult to move and lift manually. Loads can be moved by a chain drive or a simple push/pull operation.
Electric cranes remove all the hard work and are best for heavy loads. You’ll see them in a wide range of heavy duty applications.
Jib Cranes
A jib crane has a strong support structure with an overhead boom (jig). Some jigs can be moved to provide 360-degree rotation.
Gantry
Gantry cranes resemble children’s swing sets in appearance. They feature and overhead beam supported on each end by a structure with two legs. The legs have wheels underneath which makes it easy to move.
Monorail
A monorail is basically a single beam crane. It can be ceiling mounted or free standing. Overhead crane systems provide features you may or may not need (depending on the design). It’s best to talk to your crane professionals for the right kind of advice and highest quality equipment.
