In industrial facilities and large warehouses, moving large, bulky items can be difficult and take up a lot of space. Overhead cranes can make some of those tasks more manageable and can speed up the process for you. Installing an overhead crane in your facility can require some planning but can help simplify moving large items over long distances.
Overhead Crane Types
Before installing any overhead crane in your facility, you will need to determine what kind of overhead crane you need. Some cranes only travel on one axis, and others move on multiple axes. The standard crane will lift the load and travel the facility's length so that you can move the load easily.
Other options include overhead cranes that lift the load and move on multiple axes that allow the movement to be in just about any direction you need. This allows the load to be moved to anywhere in the facility. A crane that moves that way can be a little more complex to design and install.
For extremely heavy loads, there are overhead cranes that use a girder on each side of the trolley for additional support. The vertical support needs to be fabricated to work with those systems, and it can take up more space in the building, but if you need the support, that is sometimes a required sacrifice.
Layout and Design
The overhead crane company installing your crane will come to your facility to determine the best way to add the crane in the configuration you need. It is essential that you walk them through what you want the crane to do and where it needs to travel while it is loaded.
The design process is critical for custom overhead cranes because each part is often fabricated precisely to fit the crane for your use. Once all the measurements are complete and the crane's path is determined, the fabrication of the parts can be completed and then shipped to your facility.
Installing Your Overhead Crane
Most overhead cranes span work areas in the facility they are used in. Installing an overhead crane in your facility may mean you need to shut down the operation for a day or two or pick a day when there will not be anyone working in the building.
A crane designed specifically for your operation can be assembled quickly, but it is a good idea to talk to the installer about the amount of time they need to put the crane in place. You might be able to schedule the installation over a weekend or during a facility shutdown. Discuss the options with your installer to determine the best time for the work to be completed.
