Bridge Variations

How Spanco Customizes Bridge Functionality for the Customer

Workstation bridge cranes can offer a lot of customization. Some can be freestanding, while others can be mounted to the ceiling. They can be accessorized with components that extend the hook approach beyond the standard trolley travel footprint, or even designed with motorized hoists for precise part maneuvering and placement.

But one overlooked focal point is the bridge type. Trying to increase the Trolley Clevis Height? Then a Double Girder Bridge would be a good consideration. Working in a tight space with limited width and span? Then you could likely squeeze a Plain Track Bridge into this work zone. Or if your operation needs a wider work zone outside the standard trolley travel zone, then a cantilevered option will be a good place to start.

Each one of these bridge variations are custom designs with intentions to accommodate the end user’s goals. These designs aren’t interchangeable, with each one offering a specific feature or benefit to match that work zone’s requirements. Here is a breakdown between the differences of each of these bridge types:

Standard Bridge

The most common bridge in a workstation crane is a Standard Bridge. Standard Bridge cranes are not fully trussed. The top chord is shorter than the bottom chord, leaving the ends of the bottom chord exposed. This is a feature that allows the end trucks to be connected to the bottom chord, offering a higher Trolley Clevis Height compared to a fully trussed option. Spanco, Inc excels in Standard Bridge design and fabrication. We are the only company that can manufacture a Workstation Bridge with a 40’ span.

Standard Bridges are popular due to their versatility. But as the size of the work area decreases, so does the need for a trussed support for the bridge. Plain Track Bridges and Tube-Reinforced Bridges are two alternatives that can support high load capacity in small widths. Plain Track Bridges and Tube-Reinforced Bridges can offer the same load capacity as Standard Bridges, but can only operate within a short span usually not exceeding 6’ – 8’.

Motorized Bridge

Motorized Bridges are a great accessory in specific applications. If the load is unable to be moved manually due to its physical size, then a motorized bridge can carry the load to the desired location. Motorized bridges can also offer precise movement and placement within the hook approach region. Often, these areas can be fitted with obstacles and obstructions. Manually moving a large or awkward load can be challenging and dangerous. Motorized bridges are equipped with wireless remotes that give the operator precise control over the load, allowing them to navigate and maneuver safely.

Telescoping Bridge

Standard bridges really excel with diverse solutions because they can be equipped with extensions. Sometimes a client requires the hook approach area to extend beyond the runways. This is a common problem when workstations are adjacent to forklift aisles. The forklift operator will often place a load in the forklift aisle, outside the standard trolley travel zone. To solve this, a standard bridge can be equipped with a telescope. The telescope extensions can expand and retract, allowing the hook approach to expand into forklift aisles, or adjacent areas where loads may be placed. Telescopes also have the functionality to maneuver around problematic columns. The Standard Bridge can then increase their trolley approach, without compromising the end truck approach.

Fully Trussed Bridge

Fully trussed bridges are another option when a client needs to extend the hook approach into an adjacent work area. When a fully trussed bridge is mounted to the runways, they will often have cantilevers that extend outside the standard trolley travel zone. This gives the operator the flexibility to reach outside the standard trolley travel zone if loads are stationed in adjacent areas.

Although this is a viable solution, there are drawbacks. Due to the fixed cantilever, the bridge will never be able to travel beyond any obstructions. These obstructions often include columns from a freestanding bridge crane, or from the building’s own structure. Anyone considering a cantilevered Fully Trussed Bridge will need to understand that this will decrease the system’s end truck approach. This is where Spanco outperforms many of its competitors. Spanco has the talent and capability to fabricate bridges that span 40’ on 40’ runways. If a Fully Trusted Bridge is the right solution, then maneuvering around free-standing columns may not be an issue if your area can support 40’ runways. Fully Trussed Bridges are common workstation cranes in loading docks.

Double Girder Bridge

If a customer’s facility has a low ceiling, and cannot tolerate a lot of overall height, then the Double Girder Bridge can accommodate. These bridge systems construct a trolley that is nested in between two parallel bridges. This trolley mounts the clevis higher than if it were mounted at the bottom of a bridge. This provides addition Trolley Clevis Height for the operator.

A Double Girder Bridge has compromises. Because the trolley is nested in the center, the hook approach will decrease.

Double Girder Accessory

– Articulating Jib

Some work areas require optimized load maneuverability. CNC machines are good examples of machines with sensitive parts and components that require precise placement. A standard hoist in a workstation bridge crane can be moved with only 1 pound of force for every 100 pounds of load. But if the operator is looking to optimize even further, articulating jib cranes are a great option. These jibs can rotate 360°. This provides the operator the flexibility to move a load, without having to move the hoist trolley or bridge trolley.

Although an articulating jib can improve the maneuverability of the load, it adds head room to the crane.

– Manipulators

Double Girder Bridges can also be customized to support manipulators. Manipulators are becoming more popular in industrial workforces due to the ergonomic benefits they provide for workers. Facilities looking to add a manipulator to a bridge crane will need to provide the specifications to Spanco so that we can custom build the right crane for your manipulator.