Below The Hook Lifting Device

The client, a major national manufacturer of diesel engines, needed a below-hook lifting device to safely pick up a fully assembled engine and generator. Oh, and it needed to be battery-powered, too, for mobile operation. That’s no mean feat, but Harriman Material Handling and CraneWerks were more than up to the task.

The Application:

Customer: (major national diesel engine manufacturer)
Dealer: Harriman Material Handling
Below-hook device designer/manufacturer/installer: CraneWerks, Inc.
Engine manufacturer: Cummins, Inc.
Generator/power systems manufacturer: Fridley Minnesota

The customer was a Columbus, Indiana company that makes diesel engines for commercial vehicles. They needed a below-hook lifting device to pick up a fully assembled commercial diesel engine with 30-liter Fridley diesel generator.

The Challenge:

Customer needed a lifting device to pick up their fully assembled 9 ton engine and generator. This fixture needed to be able to locate around a large engine and onto the supporting frame. There were limited locations that would allow the fixture to lift the engine assembly safely with no damage to the supporting frame. Fixture needed to be battery-powered, while still providing enough power to operate.

The Solution:

CraneWerks provided a custom grab-lifting device – a carefully engineered solution that doesn’t damage the engine or its supporting frame. This fixture is large enough to locate around the engine while providing enough travel to safely close around the entire assembly and lift its nine tons. The device includes a redundant locking mechanism that automatically provides a mechanical lock when in the locked position. An indicator light displays lights to the operator to inform when the fixture is locked and ready to lift. A battery-operated system provides abundant power to operate the fixture’s many moving parts, along with a remote to control operation.

The Results:

Customer received a custom, affordable design to safely lift their engine assemblies, one that’s much more efficient and safer than previously-used equipment. Their new CraneWerks fixture perfectly balances the engine assembly while providing a convenient power source for mobile operation.

If your company or facility is like most, you spend countless hours comparing manufacturers of crane systems so that you choose the one that is best for your needs. You carefully consider costs, scope, scale, and reputation in the industry, as well as the ability of the crane manufacturer to design a system that is perfect for required lifting and moving needs.

These are always important aspects of a lifting solution. However, there is one element that is often under evaluated: below the hook lifting devices. These may well be one of the most important elements of the system to consider.

Use Considerations

Any below the hook lifting device has to be compatible for the specific lifting needs. This includes the ability to lift specific load limits, as well as the ability to withstand particular work environments. This is determined by American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

For example: Stainless steel below the hook lifting device are highly corrosion resistant, and can be a perfect option for clear rooms, food production, pharmaceutical uses, or in areas where there is a high risk of corrosion. These are often the devices used when corrosive chemicals are present, or when there is a need for a wash-down or sterilization process.

Fit with the Load

Not all hook and lifting devices are the correct match for all loads. ASME actually specifies the proper shape-and-capacity fitting is used with each load. The best crane providers will always use ASME and OSHA standards, eliminating any need for the company to evaluate the use of the specific device.

It is important to always maintain and inspect lifting devices. Checking for any signs of wear, stress, or fatigue in the metal will be critical for ongoing safe operation.

Case Study 4: 30-Liter Genset Lifter

Do You Have The Right Below The Hook Lifting Device?

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