Crane solutions take the heavy lifting off your workers, creating a safe, more reliable and ergonomic way to move valuable and heavy objects, products, and equipment throughout a facility. Cranes reduce the risk of injuries while improving efficiency in day-to-day operations. From overhead cranes to jib cranes, there are a wide variety of designs to meet your lifting needs, space constraints, and workflow demands.
Whether you’re looking to create a safer environment for your team, create a more efficient process in your facility, or streamline material movement, crane systems offer a customized solution tailored to meet your needs. Read below to see the frequently asked questions and answers about cranes to better understand how these systems work and to determine if a crane is right for your operations.
General Questions
What is a crane?
A crane is a heavy-duty piece of machinery that can lift, lower, and move heavy objects. These automation solutions shift the heavy lifting away from workers, increasing workplace safety and offering an ergonomic way to move items.
What industries commonly use crane solutions?
Industries that commonly use crane solutions include, but are not limited to:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Truck Centers
- Oil and Gas
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Telecommunications
- Warehousing
What are the different types of cranes?
The different types of cranes include:
What is a workstation crane?
A workstation crane is a machine mainly composed of a bridge and a runway that lifts and moves items. Workstation bridge cranes move in rectangular patterns while workstation monorail systems move in a linear X direction. Workstation crane models include free-standing, ceiling-mounted, monorail, and hybrid designs.
What is a jib crane?
A jib crane is a machine that lifts and transports material by moving in semi or full circles. Jib cranes can come free-standing, ceiling or wall mounted, or with an articulating arm.
What is a top riding crane?
A top riding crane is a type of machine that comes with a single girder or double girder bridge design. The bridge girders have end trucks attached to the ends that ride on top of the runway rails. The control panel is then used to drive the end truck down the runway.
What is an underhung crane?
An underhung crane is a machine that lifts objects with a single or double girder bridge design. The girders have end trucks that attach to the ends and mount to the bottom flange of the runway rails.
What is a gantry crane?
Gantry cranes are machines that use single or double girders, supported by freestanding legs, and are often mobile with casters. No runway beams are required and a hoist is attached to the girder.
How much weight can a crane lift?
Crane weight capacity depends on the model, but the cranes we provide typically range from 1-60 tons. Workstation cranes can handle capacities up to 4,000 lbs, with top riding and underhung systems being able to lift more.
Benefits of Crane Solutions
What is the purpose of a crane machine?
The purpose of a crane is to safely lift, lower, and move heavy items around facilities with controlled and precise positioning. By reducing manual labor and improving load control, cranes can help facilities handle material more efficiently.
What problems do cranes solve?
Cranes solve the challenge of material-handling problems such as worker injury, fatigue, and inefficient load movement. By providing controlled lifting and precise positioning, cranes allow operations to run smoothly with minimal downtime.
What are the main benefits of using a crane?
The main benefits of using a crane include:
- Safety: These automation solutions offer workers a safer work environment as heavy lifting is controlled.
- Efficiency: Cranes offer minimal downtime when moving and lifting objects in facilities.
- Operations: Crane machinery improves the flow of material, which can lead to fewer bottlenecks and smoother operations.
Technical and Operation
What crane is best for tight spaces?
Jib cranes are the best type of crane for tight spaces as they can be used in small work areas, saving floor space. These cranes have a minimal footprint and can be maneuvered easily, making them great for confined areas. Wall-mounted jib cranes don’t even require any floor space, and still have rotational capabilities. Jib cranes also work well as workstation cranes, holding high-pressure air or electrical lines suspended at the workers’ height and de-cluttering the floor of tripping hazards.
Safety & Compliance
How safe are cranes?
High-quality cranes are designed with safety in mind and prevent accidents when used correctly. Especially when using crane protection, these automation solutions offer a dependable and safe solution.
What are crane safety requirements?
Crane safety requirements are typically dictated by OSHA standards. This can include the proper installation, routine inspections and maintenance, and ensuring personnel are properly trained.
Crane fall protection is something that can be implemented with your crane solution to keep workers safe.
How often should cranes be inspected?
Cranes should be inspected regularly to ensure everything is in order. Professional inspections should take place at least once a year to ensure that everything is working correctly and safely.
Learn More About Crane Solutions
Do you want to know more about how a crane solution could integrate into your operations? Chat with your St. Louis automation expert at 833-754-2164 or fill out a form here, and someone will get back to you.
About the Author
John Fontaine
Automation Sales Lead
After a 9 year career as an officer in the US Navy Submarine Force, John developed vital experience in the advanced manufacturing and unmanned systems with business development roles at two major defense contractors. In directing the growth of ISS Material Shelving, a division of Industrial Shelving Systems, John’s mission is clear: to remain thoroughly customer-focused, ensuring that businesses who partner with ISS Material Handling seize the right opportunities for automation adoption, fueling responsible growth amidst challenging economic circumstances. When not in the office, John enjoys all things music, cooking, and fitness.