Like other equipment and machinery, cranes age. And with age comes wear and tear and the inability to keep up with newer equipment. Of course, investing in a modern crane doesn’t always fit into your budget.
The fast pace of innovation makes keeping up with the latest and greatest in equipment difficult for many companies. But you’ve got another solution, crane modernization.
Read on for a brief breakdown of the various crane components and what happens during modernization.
Crane Components and Crane Modernization
During modernizations, cranes often undergo control upgrades, lifting upgrades, and mechanical upgrades. Let’s break each of these down further. Along the way, we’ll discuss the components involved, too.
The modern workplace makes worker safety paramount. As a result, control upgrades are often in order when it comes to bringing a crane up to today’s standards.
Control Upgrades
What’s the problem with outdated control systems? They tend to be load-dependent and must regularly get tuned or adjusted. What’s more, getting parts for older systems can prove difficult and time-consuming.
Fortunately, control system upgrades are affordable. And they’ll improve the safety of your workplace. They include installing a radio control system and a load display system, so you always know how much you hoist.
Load display systems and load limiting systems both impact employee safety. These systems prevent dangerous situations created by overloads.
Another important system is the collision avoidance system. As the name suggests, it prevents a variety of different accidents in the workplace between cranes.
Lifting Upgrades
Besides safety considerations, antiquated cranes don’t have the same lift capacity as newer ones. Working with this type of equipment results in inefficiencies and loss of time and money.
But lighter weight materials and structural reinforcements can increase lift capacity. So can higher strength wire ropes and modern components.
Best of all, these component upgrades work with the existing structure. Changes worth considering include replacing cast iron:
- Frames
- Drums
- Bull gears
- Gear cases
By reducing the weight of the crane with lighter weight components, you’ll increase lift capacity.
Mechanical Upgrades
Mechanical components, such as overhead crane components, also make a big difference.
Mechanical improvements include new braking systems and bridge crane component upgrades. It’s also worth upgrading wheel cube and end-truck installations.
And don’t forget about gear reducer upgrades and hoist replacements.
Why these particular systems and components? For one, many older cranes come with hoists equipped with mechanical load brakes.
These are constant wear components, which mean plenty of replacements. What’s more, substitutes prove time-consuming and costly.
Some parts prove so old they’re no longer manufactured. You know what that means? Custom-manufactured parts, for which you might have to pay top dollar.
An overhaul of your overhead crane system comes with many advantages when it comes to modernizing your equipment.
Retrofitting Your Crane
If you’re tired of workplace safety hazards and inefficiencies, then upgrade your crane. Not only will it mean you get more work done, but it’ll help you comply with OSHA.
Fortunately, there are many ways to modernize this workplace staple without costing you an arm and a leg. Ready to learn more? Contact us to discuss your current equipment and workload needs.