Posts by developer
Trussed Track, Plain Track, and I-Beams
We’ve received a lot of recent inquiries about the difference between plain track, trussed track (often referred to as “workstation”), and standard I-beams for cranes. Hopefully this post will clear up any questions you may have and provide readers with a clearer understanding about what differentiates each type of track/beam. Let’s start by examining the…
Read MoreCrane Fatalities & Safety
Over the past decade, there have been few safety resources available to companies and employees working with, in, or around overhead cranes. There are two major industries with an alarming number of worker fatalities due to improper or unsafe use of a crane: construction and manufacturing. According to multiple sources, including the Bureau of Labor…
Read MoreCustomized Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is always evolving to fit the changing needs of society. Businesses have been trying to determine the future of manufacturing for centuries. Today, the future of manufacturing depends heavily on technology and consumer choice. So, what can we do, as manufacturers and consumers, to ensure that we are evolving our products and…
Read MoreRetrofit Conversion Kits for Jib Cranes
What is the Point of a Retrofit Conversion Kit? Retrofit conversion kits—better known as retrofit jib drives—are used to convert an existing manual rotation jib crane to a motorized system. Motorizing your jib crane provides powered rotation of the boom, which is ideal for lifting heavy loads. Powered rotation of the jib boom is also…
Read MoreI’m All About That Base—It’s Portable!
Is your jib crane easily assembled to reduce cost? If you’re considering a freestanding jib crane in—or outside—or your facility, there are a variety of options to consider depending on the needs of your operation. For instance, the install location will dictate the type of crane you select to ensure proper installation. Foundation-mounted freestanding jib…
Read MoreUsed Overhead Cranes: When to Buy and When to Beware
The economy has been slowly improving, which means more manufacturing companies are investing in overhead lift equipment to streamline their operations and improve worker safety. Despite major economic improvements in the US, many companies are still looking to cut costs when it comes to purchasing cranes for their factories. One question we get asked a…
Read MoreWorker Safety in Cold Weather Climates
Last week we talked about cold-weather safety and “weatherizing” overhead crane components for the winter season. Cold-weather can impact multiple features of a crane including its rating and electrical components, all of which can be a safety issue in extreme situations. However, it is important to note, that your crane operator’s much more likely to…
Read MoreMaterial Handling in Cold Weather Climates
Maintaining an appropriate ambient temperature is crucial to the proper functioning and longevity of your material handling equipment. But, with the arctic weather making it’s way across the United States, it’s important to start thinking about crane and operator safety in cold weather. Using lift equipment can be hazardous on a good day, but when…
Read MoreHow to Choose a Jib Crane
If you are searching for a material handling solution that will cover certain sections of your facility or to supplement a large overhead crane, a jib might be exactly what need. Jib cranes in general are pretty simple systems—a boom attached to a mast or mounted on a wall that rotates to cover a circular…
Read MoreMixed-Capacity Bridges with One Runway—What’s the Point?
Mixed-capacity bridge cranes are an excellent solution for companies looking to leverage their system capability and reduce bridge dead weight. That’s because using heavier capacity runways with multiple smaller capacity bridges can help to leverage the system’s capability and provide multiple lift solutions within one coverage area. Mixed Capacity Bridge Cranes Explained Using mixed-capacity bridges…
Read MoreCrane Compliance
OSHA’s mission is to assure safe workplaces by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Employers must comply with all applicable OSHA standards. Employers must also comply with the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires employers to keep their workplace free of serious recognized hazards Material handling is…
Read MoreAsk Spanco: Aluminum Gantry Cranes for HVAC Applications
QUESTION I work for an HVAC company that installs HVAC equipment in distribution centers and other industrial buildings all over the state. We use a boom crane to lift commercial air conditioners to the roof to install them. Once they’re on the roof, it takes several workers to re-position them with a handcart. It’s a…
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