When you need to install a new overhead or top running crane to a new building, or if you are considering adding a crane system to an existing building there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Working with a top manufacturer with the ability to design and customer overhead traveling cranes to meet your unique needs and requirements is always the best possible decision. Specific considerations have to be incorporated into any crane system. Working with the specialized engineers from the crane company will ensure the crane designed is a perfect match for the needs of the facility.
Span and Capacity
For any overhead traveling cranes, the span or the width of the crane system is a critical factor for making the right component choices. Many of the top running cranes will span the entire width of a building. The underhung cranes can be free-standing with their own runways that are of a width that is less than the building.
It is also possible to have motorized or push-pull types of overhead crane systems that are designed on a runway. Knowing the options to consider and the capacity of each system will be essential in customizing the right design.
Ideally, look not just to current needs but also potential future needs when determining the capacity, or the maximum lift ability of the crane. Operating a crane at over lifting capacity will result in increased wear and tear on the crane and increased downtime for repairs and component replacement.
Building Structure
With an existing building, or when designing a building that will house a crane system, working with the crane manufacturer to determine the weight the building can bear will be essential.
The load capacity of the beams of the facility cannot be exceeded by the combined weight of the load and the overhead traveling cranes. For existing buildings, increasing the structural support or moving to a free standing crane may be required. With new building construction in the design phase, additional structural components can be added to reinforce and boost the load bearing capacity to allow for the installation of a system that is directly attached to the building.
Additionally, you will need to use the duration of time or the operational frequency of the crane. Different use applications and frequencies will require different classes of cranes and the manufacturer can assist in ensuring the correct crane is installed based on your specific usage requirements.
