How 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…

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Mixed-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…

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Crane 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…

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Ask 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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Top-Running Vs. Under-Hung: Differences and Advantages

Under-hung ceiling-mounted workstation bridge crane

There are dozens of options available in the world of overhead cranes, many of which serve a specific purpose for a specific operation. One of those options is whether your crane’s end trucks will travel on top of the crane runway or on the bottom flange of the crane runway. We’re going to take a…

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Overhead Cranes Versus Lift Trucks for Metal Fabricating & Manufacturing

Single leg gantry crane

Lift trucks are commonly found in metal fabricating and manufacturing operations. They’re often used to move steel materials around metal fabricating facilities because they’re familiar and operator training is quick and simple. Oftentimes, these facilities have been using lift trucks for a long time, and making the switch to an overhead crane system seems costly…

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Crane Operator Conduct and Safety: Administrative Controls and Hand Signals

Hoist ASME hand signal

Conduct of crane operators is outlined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME B30.17-1992) to promote the safe operation of overhead crane systems in industrial environments. It instructs crane operators to remain focused on the safe operation of their overhead crane system by never engaging in any practice that could divert their attention while…

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Track Options & Power Drive Kits for Easy Gantry Travel

PF-Series gantry crane

Gantry cranes come with multiple options and accessories, which can help to better tailor your system to your operation. One of the most useful options and accessories regarding gantry cranes is track mounting. Track mounting is useful for applications requiring lift and movement over a fixed route. Tracks are used for manual or motorized travel,…

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Enclosed Track Systems

Many overhead crane manufacturers produce bridge cranes and monorail systems with enclosed track. There are many benefits to using an enclosed track system, including ease of use and installation. But, it’s also important to know what defines an enclosed track and the design features associated with it, in addition to the benefits and advantages. If…

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Customizing Your Crane

Hot dip galvanizing crane

Although we’ve covered “Selecting the Right Overhead Crane” in a previous blog post, it’s important to note that some operations require specific components that can be slightly altered to customize a system. In that case, you can work with a qualified crane manufacturer to develop a system that meets the needs of your application. Developing…

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Providing Fall Protection in Industrial Crane Environments

Fall protection and cranes

The crane industry has seen many fatalities due to insufficient fall protection for technicians who need to access facility cranes. Crane maintenance and inspections require workers to access overhead cranes system in areas that can be dirty, narrow, and cramped, with little space to move. There is also little information available about how to effectively operate…

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