If you’ve ever walked into a manufacturing facility, you’ve probably seen multiple cranes looking overhead. You might have wondered if all overhead cranes are the same? According to Integrity Crane and Hoist of Columbia, TN, the answer is no.
Q: How many different types of overhead cranes are there?
Integrity Crane and Hoist: There are several, actually. These include overhead bridge cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, freestanding cranes, monorail cranes, and overhead traveling bridge cranes. Each has a different application, but, ultimately, they are all designed to keep employees safe and streamline labor-intensive operations.
Q: What is a gantry crane?
Integrity Crane and Hoist: A gantry crane is an overhead device that looks much like a standard bridge crane. The primary difference here is that a gantry is supported by a duo of A-frame steel supports, which sit flush to the floor. Sometimes, the crane is equipped with casters, which allows it to be relocated from one part of the building to another.
Q: When would a manufacturing environment utilize a jib crane?
Integrity Crane and Hoist: Of all of the different types of overhead cranes, jibs are one of the most specialized. These are typically part of a specific action and are often installed permanently. There are many types of jib cranes, including motorized and, for light applications, portable. Depending on where the jib crane is mounted, it may offer anywhere from 180° to 360° of work area coverage.
Q: What makes a monorail crane different from other overhead cranes?
Integrity Crane and Hoist: Again, the application is always the same in that cranes lift heavy objects and relocate them from one place to another. However, monorail cranes are a bit different than overhead bridge cranes, and you might find a monorail in an assembly line. A monorail is mounted on an up-and-down axis, and it may be curved to move around tight spaces.
Q: What is the largest type of overhead crane?
Integrity Crane and Hoist: For most manufacturing applications, the largest possible device is an overhead traveling bridge crane. These are usually custom-designed to run the entire length of a building. They are available as a single or double girder and operate on three axes.
Q: How do manufacturing managers decide which of the overhead cranes is right for their needs?
Integrity Crane and Hoist: For those contacting Integrity Crane and Hoist, we start with a full evaluation of their needs. We find out everything from the maximum capacity needed to how often the crane will be put into service. We may pay a visit to their facility to evaluate crane travel length and headroom distance, indoor or outdoor placement, and whether or not the client needs something that moves at a single speed or can be customized based on load.
When your manufacturing floor needs a new crane system, contact Integrity Crane and Hoist online.