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WHY UPGRADE OR MODERNIZE?
- Increased production requirements may demand more capacity, faster operating speeds, better controls, or automation.
- Reliability may have deteriorated resulting in unscheduled shutdowns and increased production costs.
- Parts may be obsolete, resulting in high spare parts costs and long lead times.
- Inspections may show excessive wear or non-compliance with current safety standards or practices.
Three options exist for equipment improvement – buy a new crane, refurbish a used crane, or upgrade the present crane. There are several reasons why it is safer, more efficient, productive, and cost-effective to upgrade your existing crane.
HOW YOU CAN UPGRADE YOUR OVERHEAD CRANE?
- Modernizing the Motor Controls
- Installing New Motors
- Upgrading to Modern Crane Brake Systems
- Adding a Remote-Control System
- Implementing an Anti-Collision System
- Installing New Crane Lights
- Bridge, Runways, and Structure – A crane’s runway or bridge will sometimes need additional reinforcement to support wheel loads. Structurally, the beams will often need reinforcement by adding a cap channel.
- Controls – If you change the work of the motor, the drive system will also change. It’s a good idea to add a modern control system to eliminate abrupt stops and starts. Control systems should be able to display diagnostic data, such as the capacity of lifts, fault codes, amp draw, and voltage.
- End Trucks and Wheels – When upgrading wheels, choose a hard material. Ensure they’re compatible with the crane’s rails. They should also be able to handle heavier loads. Upgrading to an anti-friction design reduces wear and increases productivity. The anti-friction design will also prolong the life of your wheels.
- Brake Systems – If the loads you lift and carry have become heavier, your old brakes cannot handle the additional weight. The brakes should be next if other parts have been upgraded to lift heavier loads.
- Electrification – The wiring size in a crane’s electrification system can be upgraded to allow for higher amperage. The size of the electrification can be upgraded as well.
SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF OVERHEAD CRANE MODERNIZATION:
- More cost effective than replacing an overhead crane
- Can extend the useful life of a crane
- Has the potential to reduce cycle times and increase productivity
- Leads to better energy efficiency
- Can better protect employees, loads, and other equipment
- Much shorter lead time for replacement parts
- Reduces the frequency of unscheduled shutdowns
- Can lead to more precise control of the crane
- Less wear and tear on the parts
