Overhead cranes are a common sight on manufacturing floors across the country. But, many people don’t fully understand this heavy equipment’s full value and utility. We recently sat down with Tennessee-based Integrity Crane and Hoist representatives to learn a little more about overhead crane systems.

Q: What type of applications are an overhead crane and hoist system useful for?

Integrity Crane and Hoist: There are many different reasons that a business might use an overhead crane. They are most often found in industrial settings in an assembly line, transportation department, warehouse, loading and unloading dock, or packaging station. They can be located in a single spot or designed to move about the building. 

Q: Which industries most often use an overhead crane and hoist system?

Integrity Crane and Hoist: Manufacturing, construction, steel mills, distribution, mining, food processing, gas and petroleum, beverage plants, and automotive plants are the most common. In a manufacturing environment, a crane moves large and cumbersome pieces from one department or location to another. In construction, you might see an overhead crane lifting beams as a building goes erect. For mining, an overhead crane and hoist would be used to transport gravel, coal, ore, or other material from the mine or mining equipment to another location. Beverage and automotive plants deal with heavy materials and supplies. Instead of utilizing manpower, these types of businesses use cranes.

Q: What is the primary purpose of using a crane?

Integrity Crane and Hoist: Safety is the number one reason that businesses use cranes. However, they also create a more efficient work environment, and cranes can free up floor space from large items and materials being transported through a warehouse.

Q: What are some common bits of terminology that someone new to the manufacturing or construction industry might need to know about overhead cranes?

Integrity Crane and Hoist: Overhead crane and hoist systems are built of many different components, including the girder, end truck, and trolley. You might also hear terms, such as axial load, drag brake, running speed, and span, thrown around in any of these settings. Our best advice for anyone thinking about a career in an industry that utilizes a crane and hoist system is to ask lots of questions and, if possible, receive professional training on the equipment.

For more information about Integrity Crane and Hoist, visit the company online at Integrity-Crane.com.

While companies using cranes for years are fairly well-versed in their upkeep and maintenance, Integrity Crane And Hoist says that it takes time to fully get up to speed on the process. Many new crane owners are not, and they have lots of questions. Today, the experts from ICH answered a few of these for the absolute beginner.

Q: Why should I have an overhead crane inspection?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Safety is the obvious first answer, but another important reason: it’s required. OSHA mandates that all in-service crane and hoist systems be inspected at least once each year. This is because everyday wear and tear can have a significant impact on components, many of which you can’t see with just a casual visual inspection. Failure of any of these parts puts your team at risk and can lead to expensive lawsuits as well as reputation damage for your company.

Q: Who should perform these inspections?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: All crane inspectors, according to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, must have no less than 2000 hours of hands-on, direct experience in the repair, maintenance, service, and modification of cranes and hoists. Anyone performing an overhead crane inspection must also be trained in local, state, and federal codes, documentation processes, industry terminology, and safety and design standards.

Q: When is the best time to have my crane and its components inspected?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Your first overhead crane inspection takes place at installation. OSHA 1910.179 mandates that this equipment is compliant with the provisions put forth in that section. Some machinery also requires a load test. During this, your crane inspector will test your equipment load rating (at no more than 80% of its maximum). All findings during this and subsequent inspections must be logged and signed by the inspector.

Q: Why am I required to perform a visual inspection before each shift?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: A functional test inspection also keeps you in compliance with OSHA standards. This is a visual assessment that looks for maladjustment, leakages, deterioration, excessive wear, distortion, hook deformation, and other issues that would render your equipment potentially dangerous.

Q: What is the difference between a frequent inspection and a periodic inspection?

Integrity Crane And Hoist: Your initial test and daily examinations are not the only types of inspection your machines need. Frequent inspections may happen weekly or monthly, and the frequency of which depends on how you use your equipment and what’s listed on its paperwork. Periodic inspections are also equipment-dependent, but these are typically performed quarterly. Each of these looks for malfunctions, but your periodic inspections go a bit further by testing the electrical components, checking for corrosion, and evaluating the overall condition of the brake system.

If you still have questions, your overhead crane inspection professional at Integrity Crane And Hoist can walk you through the process. Our dedicated staff is fully trained and committed to helping you create a safer working environment for your employees.

Integrity Crane And Hoist is a leader in the material handling industry. With nearly 30 years of experience, our team can handle repairs and testing, maintenance, and upgrades.