Compressed Air Company Uses Spanco Aluminum Gantry Crane for Field Operations
Products used
Overview
Comairco is a compressed air supply company specializing in compressed air systems and equipment. Comairco provides sales and support services throughout Canada and the US to many industries, including automotive, pharmaceutical, mining, medical, and manufacturing applications. Comairco offers everything from small shop compressors to large industrial air compressors, including electric, oil free, and portable compressors, as well as auxiliary compressed air products and equipment.
Comairco also provides technical services including maintenance, repair, and 24/7 on-site emergency service. Workers go to their customers’ facilities to perform maintenance or repairs on their compressed air equipment. To complete their tasks, workers have to hoist various components off of the systems to repair on site or transport to Comairco’s facility for repair.
In many cases, workers have used forklifts, sometimes with a lifting attachment, to perform the lifting. However, using forklifts for the task can be inefficient and unsafe; the forklifts can be hard to control for precise lifting, and communication between the forklift operator and the worker directing the lift can be difficult. They needed a solution that was simpler, safer, and more reliable than the forklifts.
Solution
Leaders at Comairco considered using lifting beams with forklifts to stabilize the lifts or attaching hoists to overhead structures. However, these solutions weren’t ideal for the situation. Paul Smith, Manager at Comairco’s oil free compressor department, chose to purchase a Spanco A-Series All-Aluminum Gantry Crane. The Spanco Gantry Crane was purchased through Cornerstone Material Handling, a local Spanco dealer, who also provided a trolley and hoist for the Spanco crane.
The Spanco Aluminum Gantry Crane has a capacity of 2,000 pounds and an overall span of 10 feet. The crane also has an adjustable height with a minimum Height Under Beam of nine feet, seven inches, and a maximum HUB of 12 feet, one inches.
The new aluminum gantry crane is able to be disassembled and loaded onto workers’ service trucks. When workers reach their destination, they can assemble the gantry crane on site, maneuver it into position, and perform the necessary lift. After the job is done, the workers can disassemble the crane again and pack it back into the truck.
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Impact
Paul explained some of the benefits that have come with the new Spanco Aluminum Gantry Crane. One of the most important benefits is the light weight of the aluminum system. Because the gantry crane is transported to different work sites, it is crucial that workers be able to assemble it quickly and easily. The lightweight aluminum construction accomplishes this requirement.
Another important benefit is the stability offered by the Spanco Aluminum Gantry Crane, which is especially important when moving the loaded gantry. Paul mentioned that the workers have used other A-frame style gantry cranes, and they’ve had mixed experiences. “Some A-frame gantry cranes are very loose, and when they’re moved, they tend to sway,” he explained. In contrast, the Spanco A-Series All-Aluminum Gantry Crane fits tightly together. This tight fit allows the system to remain stable while moving under load, which makes the lifting and transporting process safer.
Paul also said that the engineered design is important for their business. Because Comairco works with large, international companies, it is important to demonstrate their commitment to high standards. The engineered capacity ratings make it clear that Comairco is dedicated to providing quality service by using the best products. With all the benefits, the Spanco Aluminum Gantry Crane offers the best solution for Comairco’s needs.