Workstation bridge cranes are designed to lift and move loads within a rectangular space in an ergonomic manner. They are best suited for applications where flexibility and adaptability are important, such as in rented facilities or environments with constantly changing workflows. There are two main options for workstation bridge cranes: freestanding and ceiling-mounted. When deciding which option is best for your operation, it’s important to consider the following factors.
Ceiling-mounted workstation bridge cranes are ideal for applications with limited floor space, facilities with large mobile equipment, or layouts that may change. These cranes allow for easy expansion of runway lengths and the number of bridges. They can also be integrated with monorail crane systems and meet industry standards for underhung cranes and monorails. However, they may require additional structural support from the ceiling or building. Free-standing workstation bridge cranes are suitable for areas with sufficient floor space and a fixed layout. They provide a self-contained lifting solution without relying on ceiling support. These types of cranes are often preferred in new plant installations where the building structure was designed with workstation crane support. They may have a larger footprint due to support columns.Ultimately, the choice between ceiling-mounted and free-standing workstation bridge cranes depends on the specific needs and constraints of the workspace. It’s essential to carefully evaluate your requirements and consider these factors before deciding.
Our manufacturing client chose a Spanco ceiling-mounted workstation bridge crane for their operation. They were adding a new line to their offerings and required a more flexible way of production. The specifications of this model include:
- Capacities: 250 to 4,000 lbs.
- Bridge Lengths, overall: up to 40’
- Runway Spans: up to 40’
- Height is determined by the size of the building.
The Spanco ceiling-mounted systems allow you to easily expand runway lengths and the number of bridges, and add links to monorail crane systems, making this system adaptable and scalable for your specific manufacturing operation. The ergonomic benefits of this system are further highlighted by eliminating the need for manual lifting. The crane’s hoist or attachment suspends the load and provides precise control, allowing operators to guide and position it manually or using a powered trolley, without having to lift or push/pull heavy loads. This enables operators to manage it safely and efficiently. Through this, operators no longer need to bend, twist, or strain to lift or move loads, minimizing the risk of overexertion and related injuries. By reducing the exposure to heavy loads and minimizing repetitive strain injuries associated with manual lifting and handling, you can improve your facility’s overall productivity, safety, quality, and ROI by integrating this system into your operating procedures.
It’s important to note that workstation bridge cranes can work effectively with other material handling systems, such as conveyor belts or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), to create a comprehensive and efficient material handling solution. When combined with conveyors, workstation bridge cranes can transfer materials between conveyor belts or load/unload materials onto/from conveyors. This combination allows for efficient movement of materials over long distances and facilitates processing and sorting. Bridge cranes can also be used to load or unload materials onto AGVs, which can then transport them to other areas of the facility or to other machines for processing. This integration enhances flexibility and productivity within your facility. Additionally, they can be used in conjunction with stackers and reclaimers to efficiently move bulk materials between storage and processing areas, as well as palletizers and depalletizers for efficient loading and unloading and assembly and disassembly.
If you’re interested in having a similar solution designed and installed for your manufacturing operation, please give us a call or visit our website’s contact form.
