Adding an overhead crane to your existing processes brings many benefits to your business. First, it allows your workforce to lift heavy components safely. It can also support your growing business, whether that’s expansion into new areas of what you do or increasing efficiency of your workflow. When you’re adding or improving your assembly line processes — lifting two tons or less — freestanding overhead workstation cranes can be a simpler solution than a traditional overhead crane attached to the structure of your building. It eliminates the dependency on the structural steel of your building and can be customized to meet your ever-changing needs.
Easily Integrates Into Your Existing Layout
Lightweight overhead lifting solutions can be effortlessly integrated into your existing building. Unlike universal, overhead cranes that rely on the structural steel of your building, lightweight overhead cranes are installed into the concrete floor and put together to meet your specific needs. This type of crane system runs on enclosed rail track, connected to posts. This makes it configurable to your existing workflows and to current production layouts around machines and other equipment.
An added benefit to freestanding crane systems is the ability to move them. Unlike a crane system mounted to the structure of your building, freestanding workstation systems can move with your process and workflow. Since they are attached to the floor, a qualified technician and installation team can disassemble and reassemble them in the new location.
Increased Workforce Safety
Safety is your top priority. We all strive to create a safe work environment and are continually looking for ways to improve safety in the workplace. Manual lifting is an area that can create many safety concerns, especially if your workforce is not lifting properly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2001, 36% of injuries involving missed workdays were the result of shoulder and back injuries. When you have a workforce that is part of an assembly line process or needs to manually lift heavy items during their day-to-day work, adding a freestanding overhead crane can help them lift ergonomically.
Creating an Efficient Work Area
A freestanding, overhead crane can replace manual lifting to create a more well-organized work area. With so many ways to secure a load, lifting nearly anything is possible. For instance, in assembly line processes, the freestanding system can not only eliminate some heavy manual lifting, but it can also get rid of additional items on the ground to help reduce trip hazards allowing ancillary equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks to move trouble-free in the area. With the extra equipment off the ground, you can streamline your processes by adding carts and toolboxes within close proximity.
The flexibility of freestanding enclosed rail crane systems makes them customizable for your unique lifting needs. Replacing the manual lifting process helps your workforce lift ergonomically and can help make your processes more efficient. Since freestanding systems can be moved with process changes and do not depend on the structural steel of your building, this could be the game changer you’re looking for.