Features/Benefits Provided: Easy to Move and Position Enclosed Track Design - Eliminates Dire and Dust Fewer Floor Columns - Less Interference Reduced Fatigue and Injuries

An automotive manufacturer in Canada needed a process for overhead material handling when their plant converted from a warehouse operation to a manufacturing operation. They chose Free Standing Bridge Crane systems to serve their engine/transmission assembly lines because the building could not support Ceiling Mounted Bridge Cranes. The bridge crane system has three bridges on a single run way which is 86' long. Each bridge serves a work area that is approximately 28' long.

In the first work cell, sub-components for engines and transmission parts are brought to the work cell for assembly via lift trucks in palletized loads. The first bridge goes into action right at the start of production. The operator uses the crane to pick up an engine from the pallets at the side of the work cell and with the help of the electric chain hoist moves the load and places it on a sub-assembly stand. While on the stand, parts are added to the engine by an operator using another bridge. The engine assembly is then transferred to a fixture for mating with the transmission.

The transmissions are introduced to the process by a lateral feed conveyor, and are then carried by bridge three to the pallet that holds the engine.

The system is easy to move and position, so anyone can perform this task with minimal training. The enclosed track design of the system virtually eliminates dust and dirt from the rolling surface, reducing wear on wheels of the trolley and end trucks. Their trussed support allows for long spans which means fewer columns and less interference at the floor level. The ease of movement of the crane has effectively eliminated many of the injuries in the work place and reduced worker's fatigue.

is a proud member of the EASE Manufacturers Association of Material Handling Industry of America

Jeff McNeil
600 Fishers Run
Fishers, NY 14453-0596
Phone: 800/821-0086 / Email: info@gorbel.com / Website: www.gorbel.com