For many manufacturing workshops, choosing a well designed, cost effective material handling solution is critical to streamlining workflow and maximizing productivity. In today’s marketplace, there are multiple options, but ceiling mounted workstation cranes are a very common and popular solution. These inexpensive ceiling mounted cranes, generically called “overhead bridge cranes,” are efficiently moved by the worker’s own power and have proven to be the ideal material handling solutions for many companies because they can streamline and maximize productivity, while adding little to the cost of the process.

Manufacturing floors have limited work space. Overhead crane systems are a perfect solution for floors with little space because they can provide necessary coverage without the use of support columns, which can take up valuable floor space. Many ceiling mounted systems can also be linked together with a monorail or another crane that uses interlock sections, making them a welcome addition to any floor already performing efficiently.

Supported by the existing building structure, overhead crane systems do not require support columns. Before shopping for a handling solution, consult a qualified architect or engineer to decide if an overhead crane system is the right solution. They will be able to tell you if your building structure is able to support overhead crane systems.

When choosing an overhead crane for your workshop, there are several factors to consider. Crane capacity is the first point to consider. Buying higher capacities than required creates extra load weight and leads to dead weight on the bridge. This requires more weight for the operator to move a load, though typically only one percent of the actual force weight is required for movement.

Length, height, and width are three major points of consideration for an overhead crane. Measure from the floor to the point from which a hoist is suspended to determine the height. Length is determined by the specific area requiring coverage. Width is determined by the length of the bridge between the two runways.

There are also different types of overhead cranes to fit the needs of most manufacturing workshops. Need a crane for load transportation? Overhead cranes create easy, ergonomic movement for most operators. Have a fast paced working environment? Manual overhead cranes tend to operate more quickly than motorized cranes.

Motorized systems can be used effectively if the application requires moving heavier loads in comparison to manual cranes. A motorized system should be considered for any manufacturing floor that requires its crane to transport 1000, 2000, or 4000 pound objects. The need for a motorized system also comes up when bridge travel across an inaccessible area is required.

Overhead cranes are a great solution for any manufacturing workshop that requires a cost effective solution for handling materials while saving precious workspace. There are many overhead crane options, however, so proper consultation and consideration should be done before making a purchase. Always make sure that the crane solution you select is truly the best fit for your business needs.

Tags: construction, construction equipment, cranes, Manufacturing, overhead bridge cranes, overhead crane, safety advice

This entry was posted on Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 1:52 pm and is filed under Manufacturing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.