Bridge cranes education and training is important in many aspects. Because of their unique design, overhead bridge cranes may require additional training for crane operators. Bridge cranes operate with a pulley system that suspends from a trolley. The trolley moves on tracks along beams that are called the bridge. Like other cranes, bridge cranes are used to lift and move heavy objects.

Education is also important for those entrusted with purchasing equipment. Businesses must be cautious when selecting from bridge cranes for sale; the overhead crane price is costly and businesses require quality equipment. In addition, all employees should be well aware of the proper use of the machine. When considering the bridge cranes education and training for your crane team, think about the following:

1. Safety courses allow employees to gain information and hands–on training.

2. Do-it-yourself training videos and kits allow employees to learn about overhead bridge cranes without attending classes outside of work.

3. Articles offer information and news about bridge crane operation, bridge crane safety, and bridge crane price.

Action Steps
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Attend safety training seminars and courses for bridge cranes

Safety seminars give in-depth education to crane operators. Students learn about overhead crane safety from the ground and from hands-on supervised experience in the bridge crane.

I recommend: National Crane Services offers a training seminar in Orlando. The seminar covers operation, maintenance, and inspection of overhead cranes. The Department of Water Resources in California also features a bridge crane safety course. The course teaches OSHA and California requirements for overhead crane operation.

Conduct overhead crane training at your work's home base

In many cases, it is more affordable and convenient for crane operation supervisors to conduct training courses for the employees. Several options are available for supervisor training sessions. Videos are one option. State-of-the-art technological simulators are another. At-work training is best for employees who already have some knowledge of crane operation.

I recommend: Crane Safe presents crane training simulators that are perfect for training new overhead crane operators. Mastery Tech offers online courses and videos for those working around or with overhead cranes.

Research articles detailing bridge cranes information and overhead crane pricing

Articles are a good way to stay up-to-date about new overhead crane products and techniques. Many articles also discuss the costs of bridge cranes. Look for construction magazines that feature articles about overhead bridge cranes. Also search for online articles with overhead crane prices.

I recommend: Crane Certification Association of America discusses information about bridges cranes and bridge cranes capacity signs. Find Articles has an article that discusses the limits of an overhead crane.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When examining topics for bridge cranes education and training, consider researching the types of licenses requirement for crane operation in each state that you plan to work. States require different licensing for the operation of heavy pieces of equipment.

Bridge cranes, or overhead cranes, are suspended cranes with a hoist on tracks that is capable of carrying heavy loads. Bridge cranes are useful for many applications, especially in factory assembly areas. If you're looking for bridge cranes or overhead crane pricing, look for industrial bridge crane suppliers with websites supplying product information and prices.

If you're looking for bridge cranes that fit your company's specific needs, look for standard overhead bridge cranes for sale that meet all necessary government regulations, or work with an overhead crane manufacturer to design an ideal machine. Know your options when looking for bridge cranes and bridge crane price information, including:

1. Find manufacturers both selling cranes and offering bridge cranes information that will help you choose the best model.
2. Design a custom bridge crane with the help of bridge crane manufacturer engineers.
3. Buy used overhead cranes online.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find bridge cranes information online

If you're looking to buy a new bridge crane but not sure what type or model of crane you need, look for an overhead bridge cranes manufacturer providing information on their website to help you make the right decision and find an overhead crane price and product that fits your requirements.

I recommend: Dearborn Overhead Crane provides a wealth of information about overhead bridge cranes on their website as well as selling bridge crane products. See their handy guide on bridge crane systems and request a quote for overhead crane prices. Washington Crane & Hoist sells multiple overhead bridge crane models, specifying on their website the ideal applications for each type of crane so you can choose the best fit for your business.

Contact a bridge crane manufacturer creating custom bridges

If you can't find a standard overhead bridge crane that meets your company's needs, look for a manufacturer specializing in custom crane design and production.

I recommend: SPANCO manufactures workstation bridge cranes and in addition to selling standard models creates custom cranes. Work with an engineer to modify an existing crane design, or design a full bridge crane system from scratch. North American Industries employs a highly-skilled engineering department capable of designing custom bridge crane solutions when you can't find standard bridge cranes that meet your requirements.

Purchase used overhead bridge cranes

Bridge cranes are expensive pieces of machinery. If you don't want to spend the cash necessary for a new system, find used bridge cranes equipment online.

I recommend: Used Equipment Network consolidates listings from multiple sellers of used bridge cranes, offering details about the machinery for sale and supplier contact information. Equipment Resale Inc. lists a number of used bridge cranes for sale on their website and includes photos and the cost of bridge cranes for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you don't have the capability to install bridge cranes yourself, look for a bridge crane supplier offering installation services as well as product sales.

Bridge cranes (also known as overhead cranes) are the most popular material handling equipment. These cranes are also useful for manufacturing and warehousing applications.

If you want to buy or rent bridge cranes for your industrial applications, you will need to be aware of various technical terms that state the specifications and important standards for overhead cranes. This guide intends to familiarize you with the key terms for bridge cranes, such as lifting capacity, ASME B30.2 and WLL.

Action Steps
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LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998)

LOLER aims to reduce the risks to the health and safety of workers from any lifting equipment, including cranes. While using a bridge crane, you must make sure that you are following these regulations.

I recommend: For detailed information about LOLER, you can read through a technical article about LOLER by Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

ASME B30.2

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is another industrial standardization organization. The standard B30.2 provides guidelines about basic crane construction and operating features.

I recommend: For detailed information about this standard, you can browse through ASME International’s website.

OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.179

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) is a regulatory organization that ensures work safety. The standard 1910.179 is for all overhead and gantry cranes and covers the safety requirements imposed by Federal law.

I recommend: OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) provides a detailed description about this standard and its scope.

WLL (Working Load Limit)

WLL is the maximum load that should be supported by the crane under any condition. Before selecting a bridge crane, you should evaluate the maximum load requirements for your applications.

I recommend: For the definition of WLL, you can read through information at the International Association of Oil & Gas producers (OGP) (PDF).

SWL (Safe Working Load)

SWL is the maximum mass or force that a crane is authorized to support in general service when the pull is applied in-line.

I recommend: For more information about SWL, see the glossary of terms at Crane In A Box.

Lifting capacity

Lifting capacity (also known as load capacity) is the most important specification of a crane. Lifting capacity is the maximum load or force supported by the crane.

I recommend: Concrete Monthly, a magazine for the concrete and cement industry, provides explanation of this term.