Installation

Proper planning: the key to a successful installation

Installation is not just a formality in a lifting equipment project. It helps ensure performance, productivity, safety, and compliance with industry standards. But for it to be successful, effective planning and excellent communication are essential. Your supplier must be a company you can trust, because this phase will involve coordination with your production team and multiple checks to meet the desired timelines.  

How much does overhead crane installation cost?

The cost of installing lifting equipment depends on many factors, such as the region, space constraints, the type of overhead crane, the required structure, and more.  

To get a budget estimate for installation costs, you can refer to the page " How much does an overhead crane cost? ". The right-hand column of the tables provides information on common installation costs.

How Do You Get the Overhead Crane Into the Building?

Before the crane can be lifted onto the runway rails, it has to get inside. The method is determined during the site visit, based on the available access points and the dimensions of the equipment.

Through an existing overhead door. This is the most common and most economical approach. No work on the building envelope is required. The clear width and height of the opening need to be confirmed early, along with the outdoor clearance needed to manoeuvre the load.

Through a temporary opening in the roof or a wall. When no existing access is large enough, a section of roofing or cladding is removed, the crane is brought in with a mobile crane, and the opening is closed back up. This method adds cost and time to the schedule, and if the work affects the building structure, an RBQ licence and engineer-sealed drawings may be required.

In bolted sections. When access is too restricted or the dimensions exceed what is permitted on the road, the girder is engineered with a bolted splice and assembled on site. Assembly takes longer, but the building stays intact. This decision has to be made at the engineering stage, not at delivery.

The 3 most common methods for placing an overhead crane on the rails

Once the overhead crane has been delivered to the site and the structure is ready to receive it, it is time to erect it on the runway. The overhead crane is placed on the rails using lifting equipment selected based on the weight of the equipment, the height to be reached, and the available space. Three methods are used most often.

1. Forklift

This is the most common method when the floor area is clear and the lifting height allows it. A turntable attached to the forks makes it possible to rotate the load for a safe manoeuvre.

2. Crane

A crane, often a mobile crane, is used when the overhead crane is too heavy for a forklift or a when the rail height is beyond its reach.

3. Tri-lifter

This compact hydraulic lifting system is used when space is limited, or when no crane can be positioned inside the building.

The method is chosen during the site visit, based on the specific constraints of your site. However, placing the overhead crane on the rails is only one step in the overall process. To see the full sequence, from contract signing to commissioning, read the article " 8 steps of an overhead crane installation ". 

Avoid unpleasant surprises during installation

Various problems can arise throughout the installation. Caution is needed, because unexpected issues can increase the final cost and delay the commissioning date. Poor planning can also have negative consequences, such as an incomplete or non-compliant installation.

Knowing the common pitfalls in a lifting equipment installation helps reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises. Read the article " Overhead crane installation: 8 problems to avoid " to prepare accordingly. If the project involves a new building, the article " Crane project in a new building: avoid the pitfall with 5 checks " will be very useful.

Ready to start your overhead crane project?

A successful installation is a very important step in your project. But before getting there, the project must be assessed to select the right lifting equipment. Ready to get your project started?

If you would like to learn more about Premium and how we carry out installations according to industry best practices, visit the " About us " page.

If you are at the stage of choosing the overhead crane suited to your needs, read the article " Need an overhead crane: where to start? " or contact us by filling out the ''Contact a specialist'' form.