The most heavy duty track cranes, called the Samson and Goliath, were first introduced in Belfast during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and were capable of lifting more than 800 tons. Track cranes are simple to both install and relocate which makes them a wise investment to help you assemble products faster.

Also called gantry cranes, heavy duty track cranes are made for lifting extremely heavy objects with the support of beams in factories or workstations. The beams typically run the length of the factory or assembly line and are equipped with a hoist that carries engines or other heavy metal parts to and from a particular location. The carrying capacity of enclosed track cranes typically ranges from two to 200 tons depending on the application:

1. Adjustable or used truck cranes for businesses on the go

2. No-weld industrial track cranes

3. Power-providing track crane accessories

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

Get adjustable track cranes for big versatility

To get the most out of your track crane, shop for an expandable or mobile system. They can be taken apart and assembled back into other configurations by adding or subtracting extra lengths of track. Construction track cranes expand and condense in the form of truck cranes -- also called truck-mounted cranes -- which are units that are mounted to a truck or construction vehicle. They can typically endure very heavy loads and are made of steel.

I recommend: Both Spanco and Ace Crane offer well-made expandable track crane systems. Venturo sells truck-mounted cranes as well as workforce trucks. BoomTruck.com can save you big bucks with a solid assortment of used truck cranes.

Find monorail cranes for a speedy, no-weld solution

Monorail cranes provide a interlocking solution that can be reconfigured without welding and can deliver electric power for delivering goods along assembly line routes. You can use switches to alter the route of the load and, unlike many conveyor-type assembly systems, monorail systems take up no floor space whatsoever.

I recommend: Lode Rail boasts a monorail system that can be installed with everyday hand tools. TC/American Monorail offers monorail track cranes for sale as well as downloadable product brochures.

Look to suppliers of track cranes for accessories, too

Monorail systems require an electric power source. It is best to buy power source accessories from the same company that sells you the unit itself, especially if the company also handles installation. But if you're looking to update your system, buy your power source from a company that specializes in manufacturing units that can withstand touch facilities like steel mills and auto plants.

I recommend: Industrial Power and Control sells handheld units that cover a 1,000-foot range. Tele Radio lists spec sheets for all of their receivers and remotes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Safety information about any industrial track crane should be available through its manufacturer, but remember as you shop that the best track cranes have low-voltage controls for operator safety and are fitted with emergency stop buttons. Track systems coated with yellow, epoxy-based paint are a plus for both safety and corrosion resistance.