This case study looks at how we helped a customer move his existing Jib crane to his new factory unit as well as modifying the crane to fit and work correctly in the new location so that loads can be lifted and re-positioned as necessary. This was all undertaken as cost effectively as possible.
Our customer had multiple challenges to consider when faced with a complete factory move to a new unit. This type of crane was essential in their manufacture and handling of fire suppression equipment.
Firstly costs needed to be kept as low as possible in order to minimise the cost of moving, lock, stock and barrel! There was also the moral ideals of why leave behind or scrap a perfectly good piece of lifting equipment and incur more costs with a new replacement. The customer wanted to re-cycle the existing Jib if possible.
The challenges then turned to logistics; the crane was fixed to the floor, raising the question how do we remove and dismantle the crane?
After measuring up in the new factory it was determined that the Jib arm was too long and would be hindered by existing structural steel work during rotation. Can it be made shorter?
Time to call in the Specialists!
This shows the Jib crane in its original position prior to dismantling for modification and factory move.
After an initial visit from the team, it was determined that the move and modifications could be accomplished in a cost effective manner, and so it began!
Experienced engineers from Lifting Gear Direct begin the dismantling by first removing the jib arm. This was completed using a fork lift truck to support the arm whilst removing the king-pin supporting it on the main column. This was then placed on the back of our lorry.
The forklift which was the customers own to further reduce cost of hiring one, was used once again for supporting the main column using choked slings ready for removal. The engineers then undid the nuts on the chemically anchored floor bolts, and raised the column up to free it, all the time ensuring the column was safe and supported continuously. The column was then laid down on the truck bed. The bolts that are left sticking out of the floor are cut off to floor level with a grinder.
After transporting to the new factory and unloading, the Jib column was ready to be re-fitted into its new position. The floor foundations had already been checked by the customer to ensure suitability for the load. We worked with the customer to ensure the correct placement was obtained with many measurements taken. Once in position the engineers drilled straight through the holes in the base plate into the ground to a specific depth. This ensures correct alignment. Special chemicals are injected into the holes and the floor bolts are placed and temporarily tightened whilst setting. Angles are checked to ensure correct alignment and position.
Next up came the modification to the arm. Now the column was in position we could accurately measure the maximum length the jib arm could be, ensuring it could move unhindered through its 270 degree rotational arc. Using hand grinders the steel beam was cut to the correct length, this now left a raw, rough edge which the engineers fettled and cleaned off before painting to match the original colour.
Using the same method as when it was removed in reverse; the arm was re-attached to the column then the floor bolts re-tightened to a specific torque now the chemical anchor had set to ensure stability. After a specific time had past to ensure the floor anchors had properly cured the newly adapted and fitted crane was load tested and re-certified to confirm it is safe to use.
The customer had a powered hoist and trolley from the old factory to re-use so these were re-wired in, set up and tested.
Job complete.
Upon completion the customer was really pleased with his newly installed crane which would enable the essential load lifting of the fire suppression system components the company manufacturers and moving then around within the specified area to speed up productivity in a safe way; whilst being safe in the knowledge that the set up had been tested and certified for safe use for another year.
Overall the job was completed in a timely and cost effective manner helped by re-using existing equipment and being more environmentally friendly than it would have been scrapping the crane and commissioning a new one. If you need your crane moved and/or modified then get in touch with the specialists at Lifting Gear Direct.
This shown the Jib crane in its new factory location after the modification of the Jib arm.
