Questions to Ask Your Crane Builder - R&M Materials Handling

Date: 09/10/

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When you work with a crane builder to choose overhead crane and hoist equipment for your facility, you’re in the driver’s seat. Crane manufacturers have a wealth of knowledge and resources to help you find the right-sized crane package for your application. Ensure the longevity, reliability and efficiency of your material handling equipment by asking your crane builders these questions.

What is your experience with similar applications?

Your crane builder can explain how their equipment recommendations can be customized to meet your specific needs, from building specifications down to environmental considerations, and even the number of shifts you’re running. With open communication on the ins and outs of your project, you can ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. 

What criteria did the crane builder use to scope the equipment that is being suggested?

To prevent the excessive cost of change orders, project managers should have an in-depth conversation with the crane manufacturer about the specifications and dimensions that went into the final recommendation. The plan they share with you can instill confidence that your specific application was considered from all angles and that the recommendation is sound. Asking this question ensures that you know exactly what you’re getting before the order is placed.

What type of support do you offer with this equipment?

Although crane builders should automatically provide you with a comprehensive list of support services, taking the initiative to get it in writing could save you stress down the line. Request a list of the support services that are offered, including warranty period, spare parts availability and technical support that will be on hand if you need them.

How do the included features and benefits affect the total cost of ownership?

Be sure to ask the crane builder for the full list of features and benefits they are proposing in the offer, including additional technology and safety features. While you may be able to save some cost up front with the cheapest products, they could be unreliable or wear quickly compared to higher-quality options. By discussing the total cost of ownership with your crane builder, you can be confident that you’ve chosen the features that will provide safety and efficiency over the equipment’s entire lifecycle.

What is the longevity of this equipment?

To ensure the equipment you choose is both safe and reliable, ask your crane builder how long the equipment has been in the market and how long it will last. Is it equipped with the latest technology? Will this equipment meet the ASME, CMAA and CSA C/US guidelines required for my company’s OSHA inspections? What is the reputation of this equipment and its brand?

Taking extra time to talk to your crane manufacturer can improve the safety of your crane operators, prevent expensive change orders and save you money in the long run. These questions will set you up for a good relationship with your crane builder and a well-informed equipment purchase.

Whether you’re replacing an existing overhead crane or installing a new one in your facility, knowing some basics will make getting a request for quote (RFQ) a lot easier. If you are a buyer or purchasing agent without the exact technical knowledge, it can be a daunting task to get a crane project quoted. Sometimes you don’t know where to start and sometimes you don’t have the information needed to talk to a dealer or manufacturer.

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Here, we will give you an overview of what to expect when you are starting a request for quote on your next crane project.

1. Description of what you are lifting or a description of the application

An essential component of a crane quote usually begins with a description of what you’re lifting. It can help determine what type of system is recommended. Some industries have specific processes or requirements for lifting, which is why having this piece of information is indispensable to the crane dealer or manufacturer.

2. Location of the crane

This is an important detail, because if the overhead crane will be installed outdoors there is more to consider. Not only do you need to account for wind and weather, but the design must include covers to protect the hoist and motor when it is not in use.

3. Girder and Trolley Needs

Generally, a single girder crane lifts lower capacities, while double girder cranes are commissioned for heavier loads— normally 15 tons and up. This is why a crane dealer or manufacturer will design the crane to perform best for your particular needs.

When deciding on the type of crane, building design can drive whether the crane needs a top or underrunning endtruck. If you’re replacing a crane, it’s easy to see which type you need. For new cranes, the primary factor in this decision will depend on the design of your building. Often, you’ll see top-running cranes on runways that are sitting on columns mounted to the walls of the building. Under-running cranes are used on cranes with runways suspended from the ceiling, for example, when a crane is placed in the middle of a building.

4. Capacity of the crane

Knowing how much weight the crane will lift matters for many reasons. The biggest reason is safety. A crane lifting more than it is designed for is hazardous to your workers and increases the stress and maintenance to the crane and building superstructure. You want to ensure the crane will be able to lift enough weight for what you’re doing today and in the future. Listen to the dealer or manufacturer, as they will be your greatest resource and partner when purchasing a crane.

5. Duty requirements of the crane

The CMAA (Crane Manufacturers Association of America) has a listing for crane duty classification. This classification defines how much the crane is used and allows the dealer or manufacturer to quote the best equipment for the job. Duty classes are labelled A through F and ranges from standby/infrequent service to continuous severe service. Generally, when no other duty requirement is indicated, class C is frequently quoted. This detail will be discussed further by the dealer or manufacturer as your quote is being developed.

6. Length of the Span

The span of a crane is the distance across the runway or the pieces that the bridge runs on. The bridge runs across the runway. Measuring the span of the crane is a crucial part of the RFQ process. When you initially begin a request for quote, your own measuring will be sufficient. Once you go deeper into the quoting process, a manufacturer or dealer will schedule a site visit to finalize the quote.

7. Speed requirements

Each crane manufacturer has different standard speeds for lifting a load. Generally, you should indicate whether you require two speed or variable speed lifting. Unless you have specific needs to discuss with a dealer or manufacturer, indicating what type of speed (two speed or variable speed) will be your starting point.

8.Voltage requirements

Voltage requirements vary by your location. There are 3 main voltages used in North America—230 volt, 3 phase, 60 hertz; 460 volt, 3 phase, 60 hertz; and 575 volt, 3 phase, 60 hertz. Knowing the electrical requirement for the project is necessary. Following CSA electrical standards are required in Canada. These standards are also followed throughout North America. 

What to Expect After You Submit a Request for Quote

Once you have submitted your request for quote, this will lead to a further conversation with the dealer or manufacturer. Sometimes this conversation happens during a site visit, where a representative comes out to see the site and take final measurements, or it can happen over the .

There are many benefits to having a site visit for a crane project. First, the person on site can see your facility and your process to make the best recommendations for your project. This gives them a firsthand look at your processes and environment, and even the opportunity to talk through how a crane can improve your workflow. A site visit also allows you to ask questions and have a face-to-face conversation about the application of the crane.

During this visit you will be able to talk in more detail about the load. You can discuss the duty requirements in more detail, zeroing in further on what crane duty classification fits your requirements best, including details like the number of lifts per hour at full and varying capacities. You will talk about the hook coverage, assuring the hook will reach the entire floor area where loads are lifted. You may talk about the runway type and length to find the optimal lift speed, and wheel loading requirements so you can appropriately lift and move the load you want to pick up. Your dealer or manufacturer representative will also talk to you about what type of hoist will work best for your crane application. Generally, a chain hoist is appropriate for lifting loads up to two tons, while wire rope hoists are more robust and appropriate for loads over two tons.

Even if you are not a technical expert on cranes, providing yourself with some basic information when requesting a quote will make the process easier and allow you to have a more robust conversation when the real experts step in and help you finalize the quote.

Doing more research on what's needed for an overhead crane quote? Read more about lift height, c-dimension and headroom.

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