Whether you own a workshop in your premises or you operate a commercial venture, an overhead crane can come in handy especially if your work involves lifting of heavy items. As a first-time buyer, choosing a crane that will serve your needs can be challenging considering that there are many types and models of overhead cranes that often have varying capabilities. The discussion in this article will feature the top five questions you should ask yourself if you need an overhead crane for your workshop.
1. What Amount of Space Is Available in My Workshop?
Overhead cranes come in varying sizes. If you are seeking this type of crane, remember that as the name suggests, it operates overhead. Before going to the market, first consider the space you have in your shop. Will you be able to install your crane and utilize it optimally in the available space? Remember that depending on your needs, you may have to remodel your joint so that your desired crane can be fitted and function effectively?
2. Which Load Sizes Do I Need to Lift?
Overhead cranes tend to have different load capacities. When choosing a crane, you should be guided by the load sizes that you will be lifting. Ensure to enquire from your crane dealer if it can handle your desired load rate. Remember that it always better to purchase a crane with a bigger load rate than what you actually require than one has a lower load capacity than you need. Exceeding the load limits of an overhead crane is a recipe for chaos and disaster.
3. Does My Workshop Have the Necessary Support Structures?
When fitting a crane for indoor use, you should always ensure that the building has support structures that can support the weight of the crane as well as the loads to be lifted. If you fit an overhead crane in a building with weak support systems, there is usually a high likelihood of your building collapsing which can lead to injuries not to mention extensive damage to your property. Ensure that you consult a structural engineer or the crane manufacturer to understand if you need to reinforce your building before using the crane.
4. What Will the Workshop Overhead Crane Be Used For?
In the market, you can easily get new or used cranes as well as cranes that are for lease. Before choosing the type of crane to acquire, consider the magnitude of work at hand. Do you have a long-term project or do you simply need the crane for a few days? Depending on the duration of time that you will be using the machine, you will be able to select the most financially prudent method of acquiring your desired crane.
5. How Many Hours Can the Workshop Overhead Crane Be in Operation?
Different overhead crane models have different capabilities when it comes to the maximum hours of operation. To choose the right crane for your workshop, consider the magnitude of work at hand or hours that you will need to use the machine. Remember that if you overwork any type of machine, you will be increasing its chances of breaking down. Ideally, you should go for a crane that can serve you optimally to avoid constant machine breakdown as well as excess downtime at your shop. Learn more workshop overhead cranes here: https://steelmillcranes.com/workshop-overhead-crane/