Need A New Overhead Crane? Here's Some Buying Tips

Overhead cranes, commonly referred to as bridge cranes or gantry-style cranes, are primarily used in factories and industrial environments to move heavy loads from one area of the manufacturing floor to another.

If your business is taking on a new manufacturing process that requires the purchase of an overhead crane, then these tips will help you decide which one is the best to meet your needs.

Tip: Set a Budget and Don't Overspend for Unnecessary Extras

As with any large piece of equipment your company needs to purchase, there are always going to be the machines that meet your needs and those that offer loads of extras your staff won't likely ever utilize. 

To save money and avoid purchasing a bridge crane that is too big or offers things you don't really need, make sure to set a budget and avoid the tendency to overspend as you shop around and find better and better options.

Tip: Know the Weight and Speed Your New Overhead Crane Needs to Accommodate

On the market today, there are small bridge cranes that are designed to lift smaller and lighter loads all the way up to massive gantry-style cranes capable of very easily lifting tons of weight.

In addition, some overhead cranes move their loads from one place to another slowly and manually, while others are automated to move quickly in order to keep up with even the fastest manufacturing environments.

When shopping for your company's new overhead crane, it's important to know the weight you want it to move and how fast it needs to get from Point A to Point B. 

Tip: Consider Renting Before Buying to Get a Feel for Your Options

As with other industrial machinery, overhead cranes are a capital equipment purchase for your business and as such come with a hefty price tag and long-term commitment. Since each crane manufacturer produces machines with different capabilities and advantages, you should consider renting before pulling the trigger and buying one. 

By renting before buying, your staff can work with the crane and determine if it suits the needs of the new manufacturing process or not. If it does, then you can purchase the same model. However, if it doesn't, then you can very quickly and easily return it and rent a different crane. 

Finally, while you may see the rental process as being a bit cumbersome, it is one of the best ways to ensure you get the right machine.

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