Author Archive: Sales and Support

Here’s Why Your Business Needs Clutch Friction Material

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Analysts expect the global industrial market for clutches and brakes to be worth $1 billion in 2020.

The clutch system is a critical part of your vehicle. When it’s time to replace your clutch, one of the most important considerations is the clutch friction material.

Why is the clutch friction material so important? How do you know which material to choose?

Find out everything you need to know about clutch friction material.

Why Is Clutch Friction Material Important?

Your clutch disc gets the most wear and tear of any component in your clutch system. The friction material determines how long your clutch will last and how it will perform.

Each clutch friction material has advantages and disadvantages. You should look for a friction material that will stand up to the engine’s torque and RPM. It also needs to stand up to the clamping force of the pressure plate. Unless you are racing, you want a clutch that will engage and disengage smoothly.

The clutch friction material determines the reliability and safety of the entire vehicle.

Types of Clutch Friction Materials

You’ll find six types of clutch facings. Each type has different features, so you can find one that meets your needs.

Organic

Organic facings are made from various materials that include phenolic resins, metallic powder or metal oxides, and compounded rubber.

These organic facings can be molded or woven. Molded facings are very economical, but they aren’t very strong. Woven facings have fiberglass yarn woven into them. They are stronger than molded facings. They last longer and have better performance.

Heavy-Duty Organic

Heavy-duty organic friction lining material has a higher metallic content than regular organic clutches. They have more heat resistance and durability. They engage almost as smoothly as a normal organic clutch.

Ceramic

Despite the name, the ceramic clutch friction material isn’t actually ceramic. It’s made from a mixture of copper, iron, tin bronze, and silicon dioxide. Ceramic clutches can also include graphite.

Ceramic clutch facings won’t fade even at very high temperatures. However, the clutch engagement isn’t very smooth because the friction material grabs very quickly.

Kevlar

Kevlar is the trademark name for a type of para-aramid fiber that you’ll find in products from racing tires to bulletproof vests. It’s strong and lightweight. It resists corrosion and heat.

Kevlar clutch friction material will last up to three times longer than organic friction material in similar conditions. Kevlar gives you the smooth engagement of the clutch overall. However, it requires a long break-in period.

Feramic

A feramic clutch facing is like a heavy-duty ceramic facing. Feramic clutch friction material uses steel instead of copper. Sintered iron is another name for feramic facings.

Feramic facings have a very high level of friction. They’re best for racing and heavy-duty trucking.

Carbotic facings are a type of feramic facing used for trucks. They engage the clutch more smoothly than a normal feramic facing.

FeramAlloy

FeramAlloy is a newer friction material. It has similar durability and temperature resistance to ceramic, but the clutch engagement is much smoother.

Choosing Your Clutch Friction Material

Choosing the right clutch friction material helps ensure you get the most out of your vehicles. Woven organic clutches are good for daily driving. Heavy-duty organic facings are a versatile choice for towing and hauling and most street performance applications.

Kevlar provides a very long lifespan. It’s good for off-roading. Ceramic and feramic facings are well-suited for racing. Feramic facings are also a good choice for agricultural applications.

FeramAlloy is ideal for heavy-duty hauling and towing as well as commercial trucking.

Kor-Pak offers a full range of industrial clutches and friction material. We’ll help you find exactly what you need. Check out our selection, and contact us when you’re ready to get started.

3 Major Components of Industrial Overhead Cranes

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Overhead cranes can move objects weighing dozens of tons. They are indispensable to factories, mills, and refineries. Yet few people know how they work. 

Here is a quick guide to the three main components of industrial overhead cranes. 

1. The Bridge

The bridge is the track for the crane. There are two different types of bridges for industrial overhead cranes. 

A single girder design uses one girder. Single girder designs allow for easier movement, and they are low maintenance and easy to install. But a single girder cannot support large weights. 

A double girder bridge uses two girders. Double girders permit a higher height to hoist objects, and they support very large weights. But double girders are heavy, so they need support within the building foundation. 

2. The Trolley

The trolley is the vehicle that travels on the bridge. There are three types of trolleys. 

A plain trolley is the simplest design. The operator pushes or pulls the trolley into position. The operator grabs the load by hand and positions it along the bridge. 

A geared trolley is more complicated. The hoist operator pulls on a chain hanging from the trolley, which has gears attached to the chain. The trolley then rolls along the bridge. 

A motorized trolley has a motor attached to its wheels. A control pendant hangs from the bridge, and the operator presses buttons to move the trolley along. Motorized trolleys are fast, so you need to take safety precautions. 

3. The Hoist

The hoist lifts the load up and down. You can customize your hoist according to your needs. 

You need to know how much your loads weigh. Pick a hoist that can more than carry your objects. If you work with one-ton loads, purchase a hoist that lifts two tons. 

Determine the amount of lift you need. Subtract the resting location of your load from the hanging location of your hoist. Purchase more than enough chain and rope to lift the load up and down. 

Then determine the speed you need. If your objects are fragile, pick a low-speed hoist. 

You can install your hoist on top of or beneath your bridge. Top running hoists permit greater lifting heights, while under running hoists reach loads in shorter periods of time. Double girder designs usually use top running hoists. 

You can suspend your hoist from a hook or from a lug. Many hoists use lug suspensions, as lugs are smaller than hooks. Pick a lug if you want more flexibility to move and secure loads. 

Go to the Experts on Industrial Overhead Cranes

Parts make up the whole. Industrial overhead cranes work because their parts work together well. 

The bridge is the track or tracks the crane runs on. The trolley is the vehicle that runs on the bridge. The hoist is what lifts objects up and down. 

These three simple components are what make industrial cranes work. But they can only work if you maintain them. Read this checklist on maintaining your crane.

Drum Brake vs Disc Brake: Which Is Better?

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Who wants to stop before they even get started? Choosing the wrong brake for your applications could bring you to a grinding halt, costing you time and money. It is important you know the difference between various types of brake and which is more effective for your situation. 

For industrial applications or automotive, disc and drum brakes both have several pros and cons. Below, we discuss which is best, so you can make an informed drum brake decision.  

How Do They Work?

Drum brakes were the original form of a brake, patented by Louis Renault in 1902. They consisted of a wooden block attached to a lever. When the level was pulled, the block would touch the wheels and stop a vehicle’s motion. 

A drum brake is made of a round metal drum. The drum has brake shoes and two pistons. The drum rotates near a wheel and pushes down on the pistons when it fills with brake fluid. 

The pistons then press the shoes against the wheel, slowing it down. This friction will then stop the wheel from spinning. 

Disc brakes use a metal rotor that spins in conjunction with the wheel. A caliper applied the brake pads pushes them onto the rotor. The resulting friction then slows the wheel down. 

Drum Brake Pros

Drum brakes are more cost-effective than disc brakes. This low price also makes them more cost-effective for maintenance. If you are buying a vehicle, you may find that some brakes are drums and some are disc, and both are used in industrial applications.

Drum Brake Cons

Many of the cons with drum brakes are because all their parts are housed within the drum. This means any adverse effects, like heat and water, cause problems for all the parts involved. When these parts become less effective over time, it is known as brake fade. 

Drum brakes are not ideal in wet conditions. Water can gather inside the drum, which hurts performance. This makes them unsuitable for some industrial applications. 

Drum brakes also tend to hold more heat than disc brakes. You may find they get hotter with repeated usage. As the heat does not dissipate, it can make them fade over time. 

Disc Brake Pros

Disc brakes do not suffer the same problems that afflict drums brakes, making them more efficient all around. The first pro is that the rotors cast water away, so they do not hold water as a drum brake would. This makes them better in wet conditions. 

They also dissipate heat better than drums brakes. This means they are less likely to fade and last longer with less maintenance. Finally, during heavy braking, they will not lock as much as their counterparts.

Disc Brake Cons

Disc brakes are more expensive to make, and this is passed on to consumers. This expense means they can also cost more to maintain. 

Industrial Brakes

Once you know the difference, you can begin to decide which is best for your needs. Kor Pak has many solutions for your industrial disc and drum brake needs. Browse our catalog, then contact us for a quote.

Flip the Switch: Here’s What a Frequency Inverter Is Used for

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When you operate in the industrial field, one of your chief goals is to operate in the most energy-efficient manner possible. And that’s where a frequency inverter comes into play.

The question is, what is a frequency inverter exactly? And how can you use it to maintain a high level of productivity in your operations?

If you’re not sure what a frequency inverter is used for, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about these devices — and why you need them this fall.

Let’s jump in!

What Exactly Is a Frequency Inverter?

A frequency inverter is a device used in several industrial applications and sectors to control an alternating-current (AC) motor’s speed.

You will use a frequency inverter if a production process or application requires an AC voltage that is adjustable. In other words, your process or application requires a controllable speed. 

In this situation, a frequency inverter can produce a voltage that is variable in terms of both frequency and amplitude (the level of your output voltage). It does this by transforming a fixed-frequency AC current into the abovementioned variable voltage.

The chief benefit of frequency inverters is that you can use them to change motors’ speeds from zero to the speed you need in a relatively seamless way. Plus, you can access a huge speed range. 

In addition, frequency inverters enable you to switch a rotation’s direction easily. With a single control, you can change your phase sequence. This will cause your machine’s downstream AC motor to turn in the opposite direction as needed immediately.

Frequency Inverter Applications

A frequency inverter can be used for powering an air conditioner, pump, or three-phase motor. In the latter, you can control the AC motor’s torque and speed by varying your frequency. This won’t restrict your motor’s performance but rather will make it more efficient.

Frequency inverters can also be used in drives for fans, conveyor belts, assembly lines, and processing machines. Also, you’ll find them in cranes and material handling systems.

With frequency inverters, you can optimize your production processes due to producing variable speeds. Also, because inverters enable speed control, you can save energy in your operations.

How We Can Help

We are a leading manufacturer of industrial technology. Thus, we take pride in offering frequency inverter technology, as well as other first-rate industrial solutions.

Our frequency inverters are indispensable for controlling the drive trains found in systems and machines. Our other popular products include industrial clutches and brakes. We also offer crane wheels and even industrial couplings.

We also provide expert services such as crane upgrades and modernizations, equipment repair services, and overhead crane inspections.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you to keep your industrial equipment in tip-top shape so that you can get the job done with ease every time. 

How Does It Work: Overrunning Clutch

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If you’ve ever coasted downhill on a bicycle, you’ve enjoyed the benefits of an overrunning clutch.

But an overrunning clutch does more than smooth out a bicycle ride. They make heavy machinery function efficiently and safely. Keep reading to learn about how an overrunning clutch works. 

What is an Overrunning Clutch? 

An overrunning clutch is also known as a freewheel clutch. It is a mechanism that allows the driven shaft to turn freely under specific conditions.

You can find an overrunning clutch in heavy-duty applications as well as bicycles. The agriculture, aerospace, mining, and industrial metal processing industries all benefit from the overrunning clutch. 

How Does an Overrunning Clutch Work? 

When the shaft you’re controlling, the driven shaft, rotates faster than the drive shaft, the overrunning clutch will mechanically disconnect the two shafts. So the driven shaft can keep moving faster without affecting the driven shaft.

The overrunning clutch overruns the process, allowing the driven shaft to spin freely without the driveshaft controlling it. 

This is why a cyclist can keep moving downhill without moving his pedals, making inventions like the e-bike possible. 

Technically, the overrunning clutch transfers torque only in one direction. The overrunning clutch then permits the driven shaft to keep rotating even when you stop the driver. 

Bicycles and Heavy Machinery

You can find an overrunning clutch on more than a bicycle, though. You can find it in just about any mechanical piece of machinery.

The overrunning clutch will connect to coaxial shafts. Sometimes it will connect a shaft to a freely moving part resting on the shaft. 

Not all overrunning clutches look the same. You can find these three configurations:

  • Ratchet and jaw configuration
  • Circular cylinder and eccentric rollers
  • Self-tensioning helical springs

Each of these configurations helps create an overrunning clutch. You can find them in a variable transmission where they convert a rocking motion to a rotary motion.

You will also find them in machines like metal-cutting machines with high-speed shifting. These machines need a slowly rotating shaft to rotate faster in the same direction. Arresting devices and winding mechanisms that need a clutch to prevent reverse shaft rotation also use overriding clutches. 

What is the Purpose of the Overrunning Clutch in the Starter Drive? 

When you attempt to start your heavy machinery, you need the engine to start to turn freely as your engine attempts to run. The overrunning clutch in the starter drive makes this happen. So the overrunning clutch transmits torque in one direction but then freewheels in another direction. 

The starter motor can then transmit torque to the ring gear. This way, the ring gear cannot transfer torque to the starter motor. 

PTO Overrunning Clutch Function 

You may wonder, from 0–10, what does a PTO overrunning clutch do? 

Similarly, the overrunning clutch allows a shaft to freewheel; the overrunning clutch allows a PTO shaft to move in one direction. Thus the overrunning clutch controls the speed of the implement that a tractor is hauling. It prevents the farm implement from going faster than the speed of the tractor when the tractor slows down. 

So, the overrunning clutch accomplishes which of the following? 

  • A vehicle can start. 
  • The implement being hauled cannot run faster than the tractor hauling it. 
  • You can coast downhill on your bicycle. 

If you’ve answered all three, you are correct. 

Critical Element

Because the overriding clutch is critical, you should have your heavy machinery inspected regularly. Overhead cranes and the like need regular maintenance. 

Contact us for all of your parts and mechanical inspection needs.

Clutch Facing: Everything You Should Know

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When you’re operating heavy-duty equipment, you depend on your clutch more than you may realize. For this reason, having a quality clutch facing is essential.

You need a clutch because your engine constantly spins, but your industrial vehicle’s wheels don’t. Your clutch allows you to disconnect your wheels from the engine. As a result, you can stop your vehicle without killing your engine.

However, the clutch facing is just as important, as it helps to ensure that your clutch operates at its optimal level.

Here’s a rundown on everything you should know about oilfield clutch facing products.

Let’s jump in!

Purpose of a Clutch Facing

When you engage your clutch, you transfer power from your vehicle’s engine to your transmission system. During this process, your clutch facing makes sure that the gears don’t grind against one another. It also provides support and elasticity in your gear area.

In other words, the clutch facing prevents destructive metal-to-metal contact in your clutch set. This results in less wear and tear on your clutch components.

Clutch facings are also designed to remove the majority of your engine’s clutch vibrations. Without a clutch facing, your metal parts will wear out much faster. On top of this, the vibrations and noise coming from your clutch will be higher.

A clutch facing furthermore allows your engine to achieve a high speed without harming its components.

Quality Clutch Facings

Clutch facings can be used in a wide variety of industrial applications. For instance, you’ll find them not only in trucks that are heavy duty but also in marine engines, power presses, and the engines of lightweight vehicles.

These facings are manufactured from various materials, ranging from ceramic materials to woven fibers. Their materials must be durable so that they can endure the strong tension involved in creating heat energy from kinetic energy.

In fact, the higher quality your clutch facings are, the smoother and more stable your engine’s performance will be. 

Note, though, that facings will eventually wear down due to the engine’s extreme conditions and pressure. This is especially true if you consistently run your engine at high speed. 

For this reason, you should periodically check and replace your clutch facing. This will help to ensure that its protective elements remain intact.

How We Can Help

We offer top-tier clutch facing products along with other products designed to keep your heavy equipment operating smoothly and strongly. After all, we pride in helping our clients keep their heavy industry machinery operating at their peak efficiency.

For instance, we have a strong track record in sourcing top-of-the-line replacement parts, repairs, refurbishing or retrofitting. Also, we offer first-rate new parts, accessories, systems, and even custom fabrication to meet your unique needs.

Get in touch with us to learn more about how our clutch facing, and other products/services can keep your operations and, thus, your bottom line strong in the years ahead.

5 Surefire Signs That Your Stromag Industrial Brakes Need Repair

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For safety, efficiency, and the health of your machines, the most vital piece of your industrial equipment will always be your brakes. Industrial disc brakes can be the difference between safe stops and major accidents. They don’t last forever, though.

Knowing when your industrial disc brakes are starting to fail takes a keen eye and ear. Through your routine maintenance checks, you can catch the tell-tale signs of a brake in need of repair.

What kind of signs should you look for? We have the expertise to help you spot the problems before they arise. 

The Big Signs for Brake Repair

Whether you are in a massive construction site or a busy factory, there will be many noise and distractions. These can hide many details if you are not careful, such as the 5 biggest signs that your industrial disc brakes need some repair. 

The best way to spot any of these issues is with proper maintenance and some operation communication. All 5 of these items will be easy spots for a trained operator, so ensure that your crew knows to be open and honest about issues with your machines. 

Let’s dive deeper into the 5 sure signs of a brake going bad. 

1. Squeaking Brakes

Industrial disc brakes should not make any major sounds when they work. A loud squeak or squeal is a major sign that the brakes themselves have hit their limit.

This sound is often made from the metal indicators beneath the brake pads. When a brake pad wears through, it exposes that metal indicator, and the squeaking sound happens as it connects.

2. Rough Vibrations

While engines may vibrate a bit when operating, your brakes should not vibrate and rattle. This can often come from warped rotors in the brakes themselves. 

Rotors will warp after enough heat, so well worn brakes may see warping over a long period. 

3. Veering Directions

One of the most dangerous signals on this list is that some vehicles may veer in one direction when you set the brake in. This issue will be similar to a car’s misalignment of the steering system. 

If your brakes have gotten knocked out of place bad enough that the engines veer to one side or another when you brake, you are in desperate need of an emergency repair. Letting this go can cause some unexpected accidents as you veer into a collision. 

4. Slow Brake Response

Another dangerous sign of a bad brake is a slow response. Even a few extra seconds of time between operating the brake and the machine or vehicle stopping can be a big issue. 

This can also be a sign of a deeper problem. There may also be a problem with the connections between your brakes and their controls. 

5. Repair Indicators

Sometimes the easiest signal is the most powerful. Most machines have indicators and sensors to monitor the status of all of your pieces. These should be right on the dashboard or near the controls. 

If you spot one of these flashing indicators, don’t ignore it! Even if it is a false alarm, it is better to be safe than sorry. 

The Best Place for Industrial Disc Brakes

All of these signs can be subtle or sudden. With the proper maintenance and skilled operators at the helm, they won’t remain unnoticed. 

When the times comes for replacement and repair for your industrial disc brakes, no one beats us here at Kor Pak. Contact us today for more information. 

Semi-Metallic Vs Ceramic Vs Hybrid: What Is the Most Efficient Friction Material?

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Which friction material is best? Well, that depends on what you need it for.

There are so many different applications for friction materials that no single material is best in all situations. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages compared to the others.

So, to help you discover which is best for your needs, we’ve written you this guide. Below, we’ve listed the three main types of friction materials, along with the pros and cons of each. Look through this list to determine which is the best fit for your needs.

1. Semi-Metallic Friction Materials

Semi-metallic friction materials are made of a combination of sintered metals and synthetic materials. They’re the longest-lasting friction material on our list.

They also have very high-heat tolerance and amazing stopping power. If you need a certain heavy machinery component to stop quickly, semi-metallic materials are your best choice.

However, since they’re made so resilient and powerful, they’re somewhat harsh to the machinery they’re installed into. That is, they tend to wear out your rotors/related components more quickly than other friction materials.

2. Ceramic Friction Materials

Ceramic friction materials are made of porcelain/clay combined with sintered metals, usually copper. Unlike semi-metallic friction materials, ceramic materials are best suited for more gentle stopping needs.

Their biggest advantage is their quiet, clean operation. They produce very little noise or dust during use.

But, as we said, they’re not as durable or heat-tolerant as semi-metallic friction materials. Thus, they will wear out faster than your semi-metallic options.

Even worse, if you use them too harshly, they can overheat. This could cause warping and other damage to the components they’re applied to. On the other hand, if you use them gently, as intended, they’re less damaging to your equipment than semi-metallic materials.

3. Hybrid Friction Materials

As their name implies, hybrid friction materials are essentially a hybrid of both ceramic and semi-metallic friction materials. And, as you’d expect, their performance is the exact middle-ground between those two options as well.

In other words, they’re more durable and heat-resistant than ceramic materials. And they’re cleaner and quieter than semi-metallic friction materials.

However, being in-between doesn’t necessarily make them the “best of both worlds.” As stated, the other materials are specifically designed to be the best in certain situations. It’s only if your needs lie somewhere in-between that hybrid friction materials are your best option.

For example, maybe you need your machine component to stop quickly, but only sometimes. Choosing semi-metallic materials would be overkill. Most of the time, during general use, the semi-metallic materials would be unnecessarily loud and hard on your machinery.

The bottom line is that hybrid friction materials have excellent stopping power and are also well-suited for general use.

Which Friction Material Is Best For Your Needs?

Based on this list, you should be able to determine which friction material is best suited for your industrial machinery. However, if you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us here if you need more information or you want to request a quote for a specific part or service.

 

 

Your Official Guide to the Most Impressive Industrial Clutches

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Did you know that the industrial brakes and clutches market is predicted to grow by $158.30 million over the next four years? What’s more, this annual growth is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of two percent over that period.

And by 2027? Expect to see the global industrial clutches and brakes market reach a stunning $1.5 billion. The US market alone will see approximately $364 million in sales.

Depending on the industry you’re in, the industrial equipment you use will vary greatly. Each industry requires specific technology to meet its needs and play to its advantages. 

Keep reading to learn more about industrial clutches and the best designs for your specific needs. These designs are already available on the market, although bear in mind innovation continues every day.

Industrial Overrunning Clutches

Overrunning are also referred to as freewheel clutches. They permit driving in one direction of rotation while freewheeling in another. When the driven shaft is rotating faster than the driveshaft, it mechanically disconnects the driveshaft.

Used in heavy-duty applications, these clutches are popular in mining, aerospace, agriculture, industrial metal processing, indexing, etc. When multiple-speed, dual- and one-way drives and backstops are required, overrunning clutches are often used. 

They can be categorized into four different types of styles:

  • Roller ramp clutch
  • Sprag clutch
  • Wrap spring clutch
  • Wedge ramp clutch

Let’s take a closer look at each of these options and how they facilitate industrial operations.

The Roller Ramp Clutch

The roller ramp is known as one of the longest-lasting designs in the industrial clutch world, and with good reason. It has cylindrical rollers positioned in a wedge-shaped area. This area is formed by an inner flat surface and an outer cylindrical surface.

How does the clutch engage? When these surfaces generate friction with the rollers, the rollers get wedged firmly as the flat inner part rotates in the driving direction.

The Sprag Clutch

You’ll find similarities in how the roller ramp clutch and the sprag clutch operate. But the sprag clutch uses bean-shaped or irregular sprags that only allow operation in one direction. The sprag clutch also has an outer and inner cylindrical shape.

These clutches offer greater torque. Yet, due to their radial space restrictions, they are limited by their bore size. 

The Wrap Spring

For low-speed operations that don’t require a heavy-duty design, go with wrap spring clutches. They use a helical spring that transmits torque in one direction. This, in turn, tightens on a cylindrical sleeve.

The Wedge Ramp Clutch

If you’d like a clutch that draws from the best of all three designs mentioned above, then go with a wedge ramp clutch. Easy to repair and low cost, these clutches offer high overrunning torques and speed.

They rely on a flat surface and compact springs rather than a cylinder-shaped outer member. This design provides a larger area to boost torque.

Learn More About Industrial Clutches

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to clutches and brakes for the oil and gas, marine, and mining and metals industries. This equipment gets used in various applications, including cable laying, anchor handling, presses, pumps, draglines, and more.

Are you interested in learning more about industrial hydraulic, electromagnetic, and pneumatic clutches? We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to discuss your industrial clutches needs. 

Crane Questions: What’s the Best Overhead Crane For My Industrial Business?

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Overhead cranes are a critical business investment, but you also want a decent ROI on your purchase. The first thing you need to look for is a quality crane you can trust.

Investing in the right overhead crane is one thing, but you need to ensure your investment’s performance and longevity.

Brands like Stromag, Marland Clutch, and Scan-Pac are leaders in overhead cane clutches, limit switches, hoists, wheels, couplings, and brakes. These upgrades are essential for optimal performance and safety.

Let’s take a closer look at the industry’s best overhead cranes and upgrades so that you can make the most of your purchase.

Types of Overhead Cranes

Take your time to find the right overhead crane for your needs. Depending on the project, you may need a bridge crane, single-girder bridge crane, double-girder bridge crane, jib crane, or a gantry crane.

Bridge cranes are the largest overhead cranes you can buy, but you can switch to a single-girder if you want a flexible, lightweight crane. Upgrade to a double-girder if you plan on moving a lot of large, heavy loads.

A major benefit of gantry cranes is that they don’t require elevated runways like bridge cranes. Gantry cranes support themselves with sturdy legs. These cranes do operate on special ground tracks, but many smaller gantry cranes don’t require tracks.

Like the gantry crane, jib overhead cranes also support themselves. Instead, jib cranes support themselves with sturdy mounted columns. Jib cranes also feature a mounted boom that can maneuver 360 degrees.

Some jib cranes are mounted on walls, but they don’t come with a 360-degree rotating boom. However, wall-mounted jib cranes don’t take up as much space as other cranes.

Tips for Buying Overhead Cranes

If you’re buying or renting your first overhead crane, gather referrals to ensure you’re buying a quality crane. Call around and ask for quotes. As an industrial business owner, you want to build long-lasting relationships with trustworthy crane vendors.

New purchasers should also familiarize themselves with crane basics, like crane types, hoists, various bridge parts, runway beams, pendant conductor tracks, hook blocks, and trolley festoons.

You may need to switch cranes or upgrade to another crane as you scale your business. Simple ROI calculations can help you determine the true value of your crane.

You will need to subtract your overhead crane’s initial value from your final investment value; next, divide the crane’s net value by the total investment cost and multiply that number by 100.

How to Improve Your Overhead Crane

You need a high-performing overhead crane to complete jobs on time, improve safety, maintain compliance, and deliver quality results. It’s normal for crane parts to wear down over time due to wear and tear; therefore, you need a reliable crane part supplier, as well.

Fortunately, you can purchase and customize high-quality crane parts to improve your current crane’s performance. Take a look at the latest parts from such top suppliers as Stromag, Optibelt, and more to discover the right upgrades for your crane.

Discover the Right Overhead Cranes and Upgrades

High-quality equipment is essential to your company’s reputation and profits. Remember these tips as you make strategic investments for your business goals.

Buy a quality Demag crane or improve your current crane’s performance with the latest upgrades. Browse our catalog of quality parts and manufacturers, or contact us right now to place an order.