Free Standing Crane
Looking for Free Standing Cranes?
Free-standing cranes are a versatile and efficient solution for your material handling and can be used in many industrial settings. Unlike bridge cranes that run on elevated runways or wall-mounted jib cranes, free standing cranes are self-supporting structures, meaning they do not require existing building columns or overhead structures for support. This independence gives you significant flexibility in terms of placement and application, making them a popular choice for facilities seeking optimised workflow and improved productivity.
What is an Industrial Free Standing Crane?
Free standing cranes are made of a vertical mast or column anchored to the floor, from which a horizontal boom (or jib) extends. A hoist, trolley, or other lifting mechanism is then attached to this boom, allowing for the lifting and movement of loads within a defined circular or rectangular work area. Their self-supporting nature means they can be installed almost anywhere within your facility, provided the floor can support the weight and anchoring requirements.
Types of Free Standing Cranes Available:
There are several types of free standing cranes which we have available, each designed to meet specific operational needs:
- Free Standing Jib Cranes: These are the most common type. They feature a single column with a horizontal boom that can rotate up to 360 degrees. They are ideal for individual workstations or areas where repetitive lifting tasks are performed within a localised radius. Their simplicity and relatively small footprint make them very adaptable within your premises
- Free Standing Workstation Cranes (Patented Track Cranes): These systems consist of a series of parallel runways supported by free standing columns, across which a bridge (or bridges) can travel. They offer more extensive coverage than single jib cranes, often spanning entire bays or production lines. Their modular design allows for future expansion and reconfiguration within your operation
- Gantry Cranes (Mobile/Portable Gantry Cranes): While many gantry cranes are large, rail-mounted systems, smaller free standing gantry cranes are also available. These often have wheels or casters, allowing them to be moved around a facility. They are excellent for temporary lifting needs or for operations that require flexibility in the crane’s location
What are the Advantages of using a Free Standing Crane
The self-supporting design of these cranes offers several key benefits for your lifting operation:
- Flexible Placement: They can be installed virtually anywhere with adequate floor support, without relying on building infrastructure. This is particularly advantageous in leased spaces, older buildings, or areas in your building where modifications are impractical or costly
- Ease of Installation: Compared to overhead bridge cranes, free standing cranes generally have a simpler and quicker installation process, minimising disruption to your operations
- Scalability and Reconfiguration: Many free standing systems, especially workstation cranes, are modular, allowing for easy expansion, relocation, or modification as production needs evolve
- Dedicated Work Zones: Free standing cranes excel at serving specific workstations, machines, or assembly lines, providing localised lifting power exactly where it’s needed, thereby reducing bottlenecks
- Cost-Effectiveness: For many applications, free standing cranes can be a more economical choice than large-scale overhead crane systems, both in terms of initial investment and installation costs
Free Standing Crane Applications
Free standing cranes find widespread use across numerous industries, including:
- Manufacturing: For loading/unloading machinery, assembly line operations, and material transfer between workstations
- Fabrication Shops: Handling heavy metal sheets, beams, and components for welding or machining
- Warehousing & Logistics: Moving pallets, containers, or heavy items within specific areas of a warehouse
- Automotive Industry: Engine installation, bodywork, and component handling
- Maintenance & Repair Facilities: Lifting heavy parts for inspection or repair
What to Consider When Using a Free Standing Crane
While highly versatile, choosing a free standing crane for your industrial facility requires careful consideration of:
- Your Capacity: The maximum weight the crane needs to lift.
- Building Span/Reach: The size of the area the crane needs to cover.
- Height Under Hook: The required lifting height.
- Your Flooring Requirements: The existing concrete floor’s thickness and strength must be sufficient to support the crane’s weight and the maximum load, often necessitating specific foundation designs.
- Operational Duty Cycle: The frequency and intensity of use.
- Safety Features: Ensuring the crane meets all relevant safety standards and includes necessary protective mechanisms.
Free standing cranes are an indispensable tool for enhancing efficiency and safety in your material handling operations. Their flexibility, ease of installation, and adaptability to diverse environments make them a valuable asset for businesses looking to optimise their workflow and productivity without extensive reliance on building infrastructure.
Contact our team today to find out more about our range of free-standing cranes, alongside our installation and servicing available UK-wide.
