A Custom Crane Configuration From Gorbel Helps A Small Machine Shop Maximize Space

New York -- Free-Press-Release.com-- Dec 3, 2010 -- An overhead bridge crane from Gorbel with custom header to column connections allows a small machine shop to maximize space and provide wall to wall crane coverage.

As the owner of a tool & machine shop, Rodney Fuller was running into some large problems. His customer base was growing, and the parts he was running through his CNC lathes and milling machines were becoming larger and more diverse.

"A lot of the parts were smaller, maybe 65 pounds,” said Fuller. “But now we’re getting parts that are 12-inches in diameter, and they weigh about 225 pounds.”

The Problem:
It took 3 workers 45 minutes to maneuver and load the parts into the machines with the old way. Two of those workers were taken away from their own tasks in order to load the machine, leaving them behind in productivity.
"It would take three of us to maneuver it and load it. It didn’t take long to realize that I was taking safety risks and taking additional people away from what they’re working on to help load one machine."

The Solution:
Fuller decided to go with a 500 pound capacity Gorbel work station bridge crane. What made the decision easy was the way the system would maximize the space available. The system featured custom header to column connections, which brought the 16 foot, 11 inch runways right to the edge of the room, allowing wall-to-wall coverage.

This tight fit was made possible by installing maintenance gates along the system’s runways, which allow a section of the track to be temporarily removed so the bridge can be installed.

For more overhead handling and ergonomic lifting solutions from Gorbel, check out our online library of case studies and products.

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Gorbel Inc.
Susan Griepsma
(800) 821-0086
http://www.gorbel.com