Overhead Crane End Carriage Replacement Solves Crabbing Issue in London Power Plant
Hoist & Winch: A Pillar of Support for Overhead Crane Projects
Hoist & Winch Ltd. recently completed the design and installation of replacement end carriages for two 2-ton SWL (safe working load) manual overhead cranes in a central London power plant. The project successfully addressed a potentially dangerous "crabbing" issue caused by the original end carriage design, much to the customer's satisfaction.
Overcoming Challenges in Overhead Crane Refurbishment
Beyond supplying, installing, hiring, and load testing hoist units and cranes for diverse industries, Hoist & Winch specializes in overhead crane refurbishment and rectification services. We excel at tackling complex projects that others often avoid. This particular project presented unique challenges, including high-temperature working conditions and limited access within the basement location of the cranes. These cranes operate above two large gas-fired piston engines, crucial for providing heat to neighboring buildings.
Solving the Overhead Crane Crabbing Problem
The primary objective was to eliminate the dangerous crabbing that had plagued the cranes since their initial installation. This issue prevented the cranes from operating correctly and posed a safety risk. The crabbing was due to an insufficient wheelbase on the original end carriages, compounded by inadequate tread depth on the crane wheels. This caused the wheels to "ride up" and potentially derail during long travel.
Precision Design and Installation of Crane End Carriages
Hoist & Winch conducted a thorough on-site dimensional survey to gather critical design information and assess the alignment of the existing crane rails. We then designed replacement end carriages featuring a longer wheelbase and new crane wheels with deeper treads. The design also incorporated side-acting crane rail guide rollers for enhanced stability.
Working closely with the customer's on-site scaffold team, we planned the installation process. The scaffolders erected a temporary tube and board scaffold beneath each crane to provide safe access and jacking positions for raising and lowering the cranes during the end carriage replacement.
A detailed Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS) was submitted and approved, outlining the installation procedure, equipment, potential hazards and risks, and mitigation strategies.
Successful Implementation and Testing
Following a five-week manufacturing period, the replacement end carriages were installed over four days. The project included dynamic load and 125% proof load testing using a certified roller test load for each crane. Lifting beams and temporary manual hoist units were employed to safely move the test load into the basement area.
Hoist & Winch provided a Thorough Examination report compliant with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment) regulations.
Client Satisfaction and Project Success
"The new replacement end carriages have successfully eliminated the crabbing issues caused by the original crane design," confirms Andy Allen, Director at Hoist & Winch. "Our customer is extremely satisfied, as they can now perform essential maintenance on the gas-fired piston engines, which was previously delayed. This project demonstrates Hoist & Winch's commitment to working professionally with our clients to overcome complex challenges and deliver real value to their lifting operations."
Previously, the 2-ton swl (safe working load) manual overhead cranes were suffering from potentially dangerous crabbing problems due to the original design of the end carriages.
The new replacement end carriages served to eliminate the crabbing issues exhibited by the original crane design.
Hoist & Winch Ltd recently designed and installed replacement end carriages for two overhead cranes that had not performed correctly since initial installation.
The core objective was to design and install replacement end carriages for the cranes that in the first instance would eliminate the potentially dangerous crabbing issues.
Installation took place over four days for both cranes. The work included dynamic load and 125% proof load testing with a certified roller test load for each crane.
To discuss your next project or another enquiry, contact our sales team today
Hoist and Winch Ltd
Unit 20, 11B Arrow Business Park, Alcester Employment Park, Arden Road, Alcester, B49 6HN
Tel: 08450 171126
E-mail: [email protected]