Bridge cranes - they are safe, durable, efficient and essential for intelligent lifting.
(This article is only available in French)
In the industrial sector, the transport of heavy loads is frequent. When the weight is significant and/or the movement is repetitive, we can no longer rely on the muscular power of our workers. This is when handling and lifting equipment becomes essential.
Which one to choose?
A lifting device performs a so-called handling action (for transporting or supporting a load), but even more, it performs a lifting action to lift and move a heavy load or to replace a repetitive movement. This type of device can be a crane, a jib or even a overhead crane .
And why an overhead crane?
Often used in industrial parks, overhead cranes facilitate the transport of raw materials or finished products within a defined space. This solution is chosen for the different possible movements that the overhead crane allows:
Translational movement : movement of the bridge on the running track (z);
Steering movement : movement of the carriage in the transverse axis (x);
Lifting movement : movement of the hook in the vertical axis (y).
And also because it is a solution ergonomic, safe and high performance!
>Note: On more specialized bridges, there are additional movements such as rotation, tilting, etc.
To install such a system, you will need space. The width of the bridge will depend on the space available or required. The span of the bridge (distance between the axes), in turn, can vary according to the need.
In the Gorbel manufacturer family, there are two types of overhead cranes, which are composed of a horizontal steel structure moving on two tracks with hoists or attachments. (The movement of the bridge can be done manually or motorized.)
The self-supporting overhead crane (ground supported)
This type of bridge is intended for heavier loads.
It avoids transmitting loads to the upper part of the building while covering a fairly large working area. Installation is simpler than that of a suspended overhead crane. In addition, relocation and modeling are possible.
Important: Always check ground conditions to ensure stability.
Capacity: 150 to 4,000 lbs;
Steel or aluminum bridge;
Bridge Span: Up to 34 ft;
Span between supports: maximum 30 ft;
110:1 productivity ratio for effortless movement (to put it better: you only need 4.5 lbs of force to move 500 lbs);
Coverage in both axes (east-west/north-south);
No matter where the load is placed on the bridge, the motion does not vary along the way;
Bridges of different sizes and capacities can be used (mixed systems).
Nominal capacity explained
The rated load is the payload that can be lifted by a lifting system. Ex: A 1,000 lb. Gorbel overhead crane can pick up a 1,000 lb. load provided the hoist weighs 150 lb. or less and the lifting speed is less than 50 feet per minute (1:15 capacity). The overhead crane must never be overloaded (overloading can cause serious personal injury and/or property damage).
The suspended overhead crane (ceiling mounted)
Applicable when the building configuration is complex.
Here the width of the building is well exploited and allows an optimal use of the ground surfaces (for machinery, production tables, etc.). The bridge is placed under the frame instead of being mounted on columns on the ground. We note an ease of positioning and movement.
This type of aerial solution frees up the floor and makes handling easier. During installation, it is important to ensure that nothing will hinder the movement of the load during lifting and moving (same for moving the bridge).
There is the possibility of installing lifting systems (hoists or attachments).
Capacity: 150 to 4,000 lbs;
Steel or aluminum bridge;
Bridge Span: Up to 34 ft;
Span between supports: maximum 30 ft;
110:1 productivity ratio for effortless movement;
Coverage in both axes (east-west/north-south);
No matter where the load is placed on the bridge, the motion does not vary along the way;
Bridges of different sizes and capacities can be used (mixed systems).
Important: Always check the strength of the roof and/or the structure of the building.
Note: It is suggested that the bridge length be reduced in high cycle production areas as well as the height of the forklift saddle (height less than 14 ft) for better control of load positioning. For lower cycle production areas, longer bridge lengths are preferred.
Note: Be sure not to exceed the allowable load. Do not lift the load sideways; center the crane directly above the load before lifting to avoid swinging the load.
Possible applications with loads less than 4,000 lbs:
- Assembly of parts;
- Machining;
- Injection molding;
- Warehouse loading dock;
- Equipment maintenance;
- Truck service centers, etc.
In summary
Why choose this lifting device? To improve productivity, provide a safer working environment for its workers and perform so-called complex lifting actions.
Two possible choices:
- The overhead crane self-supporting : it is easy to relocate and model, and its weight does not exert pressure on the building structure;
- The overhead crane suspended : for floor space saving (its weight on the building must be taken into account).
Our team is here to serve you
For your information, these solutions are used by both small and large companies. For a quality installation, our experts will be there to assess your handling and lifting needs and to optimize your spaces and productivity. With Pedlex, you get more than advice, we support you throughout your project. Don't hesitate to ask for a quote!
