Cranes that are structurally sound – the complete cost of moderation may be approximately 50% of the cost of new crane, and the user will have in essence a new crane.
Modernization is usually charged to maintenance expense.
Reasons for Modernization:
- Increase capacity
- Crane can not keep up with production demands
- Change in hoist/trolley/ speeds
- Extend life of the crane
- Change in product handled
- Change in environment
- Change power form DC to AC
- Parts availability
- Decrease crane down time
- Reduces maintenance time
- Reduces parts costs
- Increased safety – load may be dropping
- Upgrade to ANSI B30.2.0-1967, OSHA 1910.179 (b)(2), NEC Standards
Modernization may include:
- Controls upgrade: radio, cab, traveling pendant
- Crane control: Variable Frequency Drives for accurate/precise spotting, and for lower maintenance and reduce brake/gearing wear
- Overload protection
- End trucks
- Motors: Hoist/ trolley/end trucks
- Hoist
- Remove Eddy Current brakes for Flux Vector control
- Brakes – changed from disc to shoe or shoe to disk
- Limit switches
- Addition of weight systems
- Festoon and conductor bar systems
- Operators chair