[WRE UPDATE | BUSINESS]
Not only was the additional weight from the 20-ton crane a challenge, but also limiting the allowable load of the new crane to sections of runway that were reinforced for a 20-ton load.
THE SOLUTION
In 2019, Bohl Crane provided the plastics company with an additional 20-ton customized crane for the previously expanded runway. Tey turned to R&M to assist in a custom solution to add the additional crane while avoiding any major adjustments to the existing runways. Dave Haase, an Account Manager at Bohl Crane explained that like the 15-ton cranes, the 20-ton crane would need to be “stooled up” meaning that there would need to be a spacer added between the end truck and bridge girder to gain additional height of lift due to the low elevation of the existing runways in the building. He also stated, “We do not do many stooled bridge girder cranes, but when we do, we note that the costs associated with raising the entire runway system are much higher than stooling the crane itself.” However, this combination of stooling the crane with the increased capacity to 20- tons created additional obstacles especially with the need to add the crane to the existing runway.
Haase stated that, “the 20-ton crane project required an engineering analysis of the existing building and runway systems.” He also added that due to the analysis results “in the manufacturing area, we completed reinforcement of the existing runways and minimal modifications to the building steel.” With the help of R&M’s team, the wheel loads were spread out along the runway with a long wheelbase end truck and extended trolley gauge.
Bohl was able to limit the allowable load of the new
crane in certain sections by installing R&M’s advanced safety features of zone control and collision avoidance technology. Tis solution would restrict the weight allowed in certain zones of the runway that had not been reinforced for 20-tons, while also keeping all cranes on the runway a specified distance apart to ensure that no single section of the runway could be overloaded. Haase commented that, “Radio control was added to make it easier for the operator to move the cranes around the equipment. Te collision avoidance was added to keep the cranes apart to avoid overloading the runways and building steel as they were only designed for one crane per bay.”
THE RESULTS Bohl Crane and R&M collaborated to provide a unique solution to the material handling demands of the ever- evolving TH Plastics’ facility. A custom solution was provided that maximized the existing building layout,
increased productivity, and provided a safe operating space for employees, all while minimizing expansion costs. Bohl Crane continues to provide inspections and
repairs for TH Plastics, Inc. and plans to assist in any future expansion projects as the innovative company continues to grow. y
With 90 years of developing and perfecting crane packages, electric chain hoists, and wire rope hoists, R&M is ready to help your business rise above your material handling challenges. Troughout North and South America, R&M products are critical to operations in a wide range of industries – from automotive and general manufacturing to metal production and mining. Teir chain hoists, wire rope hoists and crane components lead the industry in innovation, performance and reliability. Tose products are backed with state-of-the-art proprietary software, support and expertise. Visit
www.rmhoist.com to learn more.
WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2020 77
Each crane at TH Plastics is rated to Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) Class C duty.
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