Overhead Bridge Cranes: Retrieving Pallets Safely

Each and every warehouse is unique in the way its operations work, from retrieving inventory to placing items on racks. Efficiency looks different in each facility. Material handling solutions often are the catalyst for this smooth performance. Specifically, overhead bridge cranes, offer a streamlined solution for warehouses. In the correct setup, these cranes can really shine, adding efficiency to one’s operations. In this blog, we’ll demonstrate how a specific overhead “bridge and mast” crane can handle inventory, safely retrieving and restocking items.

Overhead cranes come in several different types: bridge cranes, monorail cranes, gantry cranes, and jib cranes. From there, these cranes can be customized further. For example, a jib crane can have an articulating arm, while gantry cranes can be track mounted or equipped with casters for added mobility. Most cranes come with safety features such as overload sensors or emergency stops to ensure your workers and products remain safe.

In terms of installing these cranes, depending on your load capacity, our St. Louis-based material handling experts can provide guidance for installing a freestanding crane anywhere in the U.S. using your existing concrete floor, taking into account maximum load, seismic requirements, and slab thickness. Wall or column-mounted options are available as well as ceiling supported cranes.

Below is an installation of an overhead “bridge and mast” crane paired with adjustable racking as part of a Stak system. This warehouse was looking for a safe way for their warehouse workers to move and retrieve inventory. With this crane in place, a warehouse worker can easily move the arms of the crane up and down, and side to side to perfectly be able to grab a pallet. Once the arms of the crane are aligned with the pallet, the crane can bring the pallet down to the worker safely with control.