What is an overhead crane?

If you need a license to drive it, find in this article its operation and the different types of overhead cranes that we offer to facilitate your lifting operations.

What is an overhead crane?

The overhead crane is a handling device equipped with one or more tracks (rails) and a rolling beam for the transfer and lifting of heavy loads:

• Inside or outside a warehouse;
• An industrial company;
• Or even a construction site.

An overhead crane can be either single-beam or twin-beam.

It consists of:

• A steel (horizontal) structure, called a bridge. It is she who moves on both tracks;
• A hoist (cable or chain) or winch, which can be suspended or even installed. It is there to wind the cables or the lifting chain.

How does an overhead crane work?

Overhead cranes act like cranes. The loads are lifted using a mobile mechanism and their maximum range is several tens of meters.

Unlike cranes, the bridge is built on two rails that guide the sleeper while the cargo moves, so there is no risk of tipping. These rails can also be laid on the masonry support of the building or hung under the frame.

This allows the device to adapt to the floor plan of the building, although the load capacity of the mechanism varies from model to model.

If the raceway serves as a steering guide for the bridge, it in turn carries a suspended trolley equipped with a lifting mechanism. This is the element that allows you to lift and unload loads.

Many overhead cranes use the winch as a lifting device, while other lifting devices use rope hoists. However, each of the two systems has its own advantages.

To facilitate the operation of the device, the control box of the system allows the operator to operate the electrical components of the machine.

These include:

• A frequency converter for training groups;
• A display of the load;
• Push-button boxes;
• An electric motor.

On some models, the crane is operated manually on the running rails. They are also called manual overhead cranes, as opposed to electric overhead cranes.

How to drive an overhead crane?

Prior to the issuance of a driving licence, the use of overhead cranes may only be outsourced to properly trained, healthy users who have reached the age of 18. This knowledge can be recognized by an AAUSPR (Certificate of Aptitude for the Safe Use of Overhead Cranes).

Only properly trained operators can operate the crane. Such training usually leads to the issuance of the CACES R484, or a certificate of competence for the safe operation of overhead cranes, gantries and semi-gantries.

However, the employer may delegate this work to the young employee if he is considered medically qualified and a declaration of tax exemption under labour law is sent to the labour inspector.

The crane manipulator is called a bridge operator. He must respect certain safety rules before handling any load whatsoever using the said bridge.

These include:

• If the machine has apparent defects, avoid using it;
• Avoid handling loads exceeding the maximum working load (cmu) of the crane or that of the machine;
• The lifting of charges with non-approved slings is prohibited;
• That a person clings to the moulding or load is a risk;
• When transferring loads, make sure they do not fly over workers;
• Respect the maximum lifting height even if there is an obstacle;
• By positioning the device directly in front of the load to be lifted, you avoid making it swing;
• When the device has reached its safety threshold, which is two complete towers of cable on its drum, avoid lowering the crane mouflag.

Once these safety measures are assimilated, you can start moving loads safely.

In the event of a power failure, especially when using a cab crane, place the control of the device in the off position when you are at the station. In other words, wait for help before leaving the craft.

What are the different types of Manut-LM overhead cranes?

If you are moving your luggage on a large work surface, an overhead crane is the ideal answer. It allows the installation of several lifting solutions and their use in different workplaces.

Manut-LM offers stem and crane solutions such as:

• >The T-structure overhead crane;

Adapted to the work environment. The wheelbase is small, but the running surface is large and the aluminum rails provide unparalleled comfort and fluidity of movement.

• The overhead crane on fixed stems;

Its self-supporting structure reduces the number of poles to improve access to the work area while limiting clutter.

• The suspension crane with recovery under frame ;

Eliminating footprints, the coverage area extends over the entire surface of the building and can meet the requirements of handling goods in all workplaces.

To conclude, remember that overhead cranes are intended to lift and transfer heavy loads, which makes them dangerous.

It is all the more important to observe the safety instructions listed in this article before handling. The safety of the handler and other employees working in the same environment is at stake.

Choose Manut-LM’s cobotic solutions for overhead cranes that maximize your productivity safely!