3 Things You Should Know About a Crane Braking System

The number of cranes in North America is increasing by almost 5% every two quarters. These have specific demands in how a manufacturer constructs them, from the building method to the braking system. So, what do you need when it comes to the brakes?

Below, we expand on this question and more. By the end of the article, you should know more about crane braking systems and what can influence them. You will also learn about the mandates on their construction from different oversight bodies.

1. OSHA has specific demands

Regarding safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has something to say. For example, their regulations demand that the overhead crane brakes you use be large enough to stop a moving load in a specific time.

More specifically, the regulations state that any brakes must be able to stop the crane trolley within a specific distance. That distance in feet is equal to 10% of the speed in feet per minute when the trolley is at a full load and its top speed.

As such, for example, if your load is moving at 5 feet per second, it needs to stop within 0.5 feet. The crane controls also need to do this when the crane is moving at its greatest possible speed when it is at its maximum listed load.

2. ASME Has Requirements

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) also has its demands. They state an industrial braking system must exist, or the crane must have enough friction to stop fast enough. The exact rule they use is that in the case of stopping thrust, the crane trolley must stop within 10% of its speed, much like OSHA requirements.

3. Many Factors May Influence Braking Speed

Many things affect crane braking systems and speed them up or slow them down. When choosing your trolley brakes and the person to operate them, you should bear these in mind. 

These include:

  • A lack of proper methods for working out the speed and position of the crane trolley
  • How distracted the crane operator is
  • A lack of working knowledge of crane operating techniques
  • The state of repair of the brake pads and whether they need replacing
  • The state the crane operators are in at the time of working
  • A lack of traction on the crane trolley due to environmental factors
  • The visibility of the area around the crane trolley and if the operator can see it clearly
  • The make and model of crane brake you intend to use

Make sure you understand how each could impact your ability to know how fast a crane can brake.

Getting a New Crane Braking System

You can come to us to ask if you need more information on industrial braking systems.

Our specialists are ready to discuss your needs with you and find you the perfect crane braking system. So, give us a call today and start the conversation.

Posted in Crane, Industrial Brakes and Clutches.