Purchasing an overhead crane system is an important investment for the day-to-day efficiency of your business. With the right system, daily operations can run like a well-oiled machine. With the wrong system, you can run into safety issues and experience greatly reduced efficiency. This is why it is so essential to do your research before making a purchase. Here’s what you should know before buying an overhead crane system.
Consider Your Workflow
The overhead crane system you choose should be designed specifically for your business. The warehouse you operate in, the operating environment, and your production method are all going to be unique to your business. If you purchase a new crane system, it can be designed specifically for your workflow. First, you need to figure out your CMAA service class. To figure out your service class, you’ll need the following points of information.
- Rate of load – A capacity estimation of the loads your new crane system will need to lift.
- Service needs – The number of hours per day your overhead crane will run.
- Lifts per hour – The number of times the overhead crane lifts a load in an hour.
- Distance – The average length of each movement throughout your facility.
The manufacturer can use this information to identify your service class and manufacture the right system for your needs.
Buying A Used Overhead Crane System
Don’t forget that you can buy a used crane system to cut costs. Especially for smaller companies expanding their businesses and scaling up for the first time, buying a used system is a great way to save money.
You also don’t need to wait as long to obtain a used overhead crane system. New systems can take from 90 days to 12 months to design, source, fabricate and install. Purchasing a used system can help speed up the process.
Surprise Costs
Like any big purchase, there can be a series of costs that surprise you if you don’t have a clear understanding of the overhead crane system that you’re buying. Material costs, freight costs, inspection, building access, load testing, the condition of your flooring, and a lot more can catch you off guard. This is why it’s so important to compare quotes and work with your crane manufacturer to get a full understanding of what you’re getting.
Go To The Experts
The last thing that you should know is that you absolutely do not have to do this on your own. An overhead crane system is a massive purchase, and there are a ton of lifting specialists working for all kinds of great companies throughout the country that can walk you through it.
Whether you need a new or used overhead crane system, go to the experts at Sissco Material Handling Equipment. For over 45 years we’ve made the manufacturing and maintenance processes more efficient, cost-effective, and safe. Our technicians and field operations team offers the industry’s most experienced overhead crane and hoist mechanics and electricians. Contact us today to get in touch with the best in the business.
