Benefits of Motorization

Spanco’s Workstation Bridge Cranes, Gantry Cranes, and Jib Cranes can be manually operated to provide excellent material handling services for the end user.  But the end user may discover that a manual crane is challenging to operate in certain situations.  If the load is difficult to access, a person could be put in a dangerous situation to maneuver it manually.  If the work zone is congested with obstacles, then a manual crane may not offer the precise movements that would be required around those obstacles.   Or if the load is too heavy or imbalanced, then a manual operator may not have the capability to maneuver the load.  All of these are common scenarios that industrial environments face every day.  And in these situations, motorizing the crane could be the ideal solution.

Motorized cranes can optimize a shop’s operation with a few key improvements.  Some loads are difficult to manually push after being elevated.  This could be due to the load’s weight, shape, location, or a variety of other factors.  A motor on a bridge or jib crane can neutralize these challenges, by giving the operator the capability of maneuvering a load from a wired controller.  The controller (or pendant) can allow the operator to remotely maneuver a load that would otherwise be difficult or dangerous due to its mass and size. 

Another common scenario is that many work areas are filled with obstacles and obstructions.  Maneuvering a load through these congested work environments can be challenging and dangerous if performed manually.  Motorizing a crane can give the crane operator precision and accuracy to maneuver a load remotely.  This will help avoid the obstructions that would be challenging for a manually operated crane. 

Which Spanco Cranes can be motorized?

Not all cranes can be motorized.  These are predominantly limitations to the crane’s design.  If the crane you’re considering doesn’t support a motor, then your Spanco rep can help direct towards a similar crane that will have motor capabilities.  Here is a list of the Spanco cranes that can be motorized:

Jib Cranes:

• Freestanding 100, 101, and 102 series
• Mast-Style 201
• Wall-mounted 300 and 301 series
• Foundationless 600 series
• Only the mast can be motorized to rotate 360 on all cranes

Workstation Bridge Cranes

• Workstation cranes with a capacity of 1000 pounds or higher
• The trolley and the bridge can be motorized. 

Gantry Cranes

• PF Gantry crane
• Gantry cranes can only be motorized to provide high-capacity ground travel.  These motors are installed at the casters of the PF Gantry. 

What does it take to motorize a crane?

Motorizing a crane is an optional add-on, and does not come as a default application for the cranes listed above.  During discovery, it’s important that the Spanco dealer discusses the pros and cons of motorizing the crane, so that the end user can have the opportunity to make the request.  What’s convenient about the motors is that they can be installed on a date after the crane has already been installed.  If the end user has not made a decision about motorization, then they can still move forward with the crane installation.  Installing a motor on a Spanco Workstation Bridge Crane requires minimal disassembly.  A jib crane that was previously installed can also be retrofitted with an RDU Kit to convert it from a manual crane to a motorized crane jib.

Installation Requires a Certified Industrial Electrician

Once the end user agrees to adding a motor, the next step will be to request the help from a certified electrician.  Motors require a variety of voltages, which need specific connections to 60 Hz and 3 phase power.  Incorrect connections can cause the wiring to short-circuit, damaging the motherboard and internal components.  These wiring variances will depend on the type of crane, and the power provided by the building.  The certified electrician can safely identify the proper electrical connections, which will ensure that your motor is operating safely and as intended. 

Motor Maintenance

Spanco’s motorized drive enclosures are rated NEMA 4.  This rating verifies that the electrical components of the motor are encased in a housing unit that can be subjected to occasional washdowns or exposure to cutter coolant.  The housing unit includes a swing door that, when shut, is clamped down against a gasket that creates a strong seal, helping to protect the electrical components.

This housing unit is designed so that the motors require little maintenance for the end user.  The internal unit has self-lubricating sealed bearings, that prevents the need for replacement.  However, motors should be included in the same inspection schedule as with the crane.  Before every use, the motor should be visually checked.  This includes engaging the motor to replicate movement along the bridge and trolley without load.  In this test, the motor should operate smoothly, without drag or hesitation.

The operator will need to continue the visual inspection, even while the motorized crane is under load.  Poor rotation from the boom in a jib crane would be a sign that the motor needs repair or maintenance.  Intermittent movement from a motorized bridge or trolley would be an indicator that the motor needs repair or maintenance.  If the inverter is signaling faulty codes then that is likely a sign there is a problem with the motor.  Faulty signs could also suggest that the wires have overheated.  The odor of smoke would be a common signal to the operator. Overall, the addition of a motor can improve the performance of your crane in the right environment.  Crowded work zones are good candidates, as well as industries that often need to move heavy or oddly shaped loads.  But the operator must be prepared to include the motor in their crane inspection checklist.  If your existing Spanco crane looks like it could use a performance-push, contact a Spanco representative to find out if motorizing your crane is the right move.