Plan your service call - Two simple options
When it comes to overhead cranes, tandem lifting has become increasingly popular. But, truth is, this method is not new. With technological advances, this technique has evolved and is not quite the same as it was when I started my career 18 years ago!
Do you have lifting height constraints? Do you face stability problems when lifting your parts? Do you have more complex lifting operations to perform? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it may bring a host of unpleasant complications into your operations. However, depending on your situation, tandem lifting may be an effective solution to these problems. But what exactly is this technique? How does it really work? What are the applications and benefits for today's industries?
In this article, you'll discover the modern approach to tandem lifting, how it works and how it can be used in different situations. After reading, you'll have all the information you need to decide whether this method could help you optimize your operations.
The term tandem lifting is used when a load is lifted with more than one piece of equipment simultaneously. In the past, several operators had to coordinate their actions, which increased the risks. But today, thanks to technology, a single operator can control several pieces of equipment at the same time with a single transmitter. This includes the possibility of using three or four devices, or even more.
The modern version of a tandem lift is based on the use of a single transmitter that controls several pieces of equipment simultaneously. Although the selection method may vary, the operator can turn on several lifting devices by activating a command on the transmitter.
However, although tandem lifting is safer today, there are still risks involved that need to be mastered. To learn more about these risks and how to use this technique safely, we recommend reading the article "Is tandem lifting dangerous? Master its unexpected dangers!"
Used with caution, this method can be employed in a variety of applications, where it is a valuable asset. Let's take a look at these possibilities.
While it's true that tandem lifting involves unsuspected risks, it also brings unsuspected advantages. Here are just a few applications of tandem lifting that demonstrate the possibilities this method has to offer.
The first simple application is when the object being lifted is too heavy for a single piece of equipment. The use of two overhead cranes ensures safe weight distribution.
The second application is when the workpiece is too long or too large to be lifted by a single lifting device. In this case, the load would start to sway and threaten to topple over due to the lack of stability, making it virtually impossible to handle. With several pieces of equipment, you get several anchoring points on the part, which stabilizes the load. This kind of application is frequently seen in steel yards, but also in other sectors. For an example of this application, see the case study "Machinex: Mastery of tandem lifting" .
In some cases, the handling of certain parts requires the use of slings (cables or chains) or expensive and complex accessories suspended from the hook. As a result, these accessories reduce lifting height (to find out more, read the article "The 5 solutions to increase the lifting height") However, it is sometimes possible to replace these accessories by using several hoists in tandem. This way, the hooks can be attached directly to the anchor points (the places where the hook is fixed onto the workpiece), eliminating the need for an accessory. What's more, this will increase the flexibility and the number of options for attaching the hook to the workpiece (see the illustration below).
Some parts are complex, involving anchor points at different heights. These configurations sometimes make slinging complex and arduous, which can affect part stability and operational productivity. Here again, thanks to a tandem lifting approach, the lifting hooks attach directly to the anchor points. This speeds up the attachment procedure and offers greater lifting stability. The result is greater efficiency and safety.
Turning a heavy load involves significant safety risks. But these risks are much higher if only one piece of lifting equipment is used. With the right technique, the use of at least 2 hoists allows for a better control of part turning, as shown in the following video.
Premium Industrial Group regularly uses this technique to turn beams or boxes during the manufacturing of overhead cranes. This handling facilitates production work, particularly for welders who do not have to bend and adopt an uncomfortable position in their work. This method is also commonly found in the machining and pressure molding industries (die-casting).
Now you know in which situations tandem lifting can be advantageous. As you read this article, you may have thought of some of your operations where this approach would be useful. Indeed, when tandem lifting is done properly, using modern safety practices, it can simplify your lifting and save you a lot of headaches. Whether you need to lift heavy or long parts, gain lifting height or stability, or for a turning maneuver, tandem lifting is an advantageous approach in many respects.
To determine whether this mode of operation can be applied to your lift, read the article "I need an overhead crane! What information to I need to pass on to my supplier?" which will help you analyze your needs. With all this information in hand, you'll be ready to talk to your lifting specialist, who will be able to advise you on the right solution for your needs. If you wish, you can consult one of our specialists by filling in the form at the bottom of this page.
Upgrading equipment to tandem mode
A single-hoist overhead crane can be upgraded to a double-hoist so that it can be used for tandem lifts. It is often not necessary to completely replace the equipment.
Example: an owner has a 10T overhead crane and would like to convert it into a 2 x 5T overhead crane (crane with 2 5T hoists) in order to operate in tandem. It will be possible to recover the overhead crane itself, along with several components, and replace the 10T hoist with 2 x 5T hoists.
However, mechanical and electrical modifications will have to be made to the equipment at various levels.
Share this :
Groupe Picard- Jean-Denis Perron
“ Their ability to listen to our specific needs was a major strength. They have always responded quickly and efficiently, especially in emergency situations, which has greatly contributed to the continuity and success of our operations... I highly recommend Premium Industrial Group to any company looking for a reliable, structured and responsive partner. Their professionalism and commitment to quality and safety make them a model in the industry. „
Université Laval
Michel Lafrance
“ Since the beginning of our collaboration, Groupe Industriel Premium was able to help us target our needs while respecting our high safety criteria. At every step of the project, from the engineering to the completion of the project, we benefited from courteous, efficient and fast service. In addition, I would like to specify that this project was delivered within the deadline in collaboration with the various subcontractors present on the field. I have no doubt about the expertise of Groupe Industriel Premium. „
Modern Event Furniture – Jean-Francois Delisle
“ Nowadays, everyone claims to offer exceptional service, but very few know the real definition. Throughout the project of our new plant, the work done by Industrial Premium Group took place on time, at cost, and especially in a super-efficient way. This collaboration was a real pleasure from beginning to end, and they really can claim to offer exceptional service. Thank you all! „
Fabrinov – Rémi Poulin
“ I want to thank you all for the good work you’ve done at Fabrinov. I am extremely satisfied by both the quality of the product and the professionalism of your crew. Job was finalized quicker than expected and everything went smoothly. While no one was running on site, there was no waste of time! Your crew knew exactly what they were doing! „
Continental
Benjamin Cloutier
“ We are fully satisfied with the result. The whole project met our expectations in terms of budget, deadlines and quality. Even the tidiness of the old structure in the roof beams was done as requested. „
Les Entreprises Carco inc.
“ Groupe Industriel Premium is a team of professionals! We have done several overhead crane installation projects with them. A reliable, experienced and qualified team that listens to the needs of the client and respects deadlines and safety. „
Unisson Structures
Marc Sauriol-F
“ I wanted to personally thank you for all your hard work. Sometimes accolades are hard to come by, especially when there are a few surprises along the way, but I really mean it: Thank you! „
RMH Industries
Gaétan Dionne
“ Thank you to the Groupe Industriel Premium team for their great work on this project. They presented a personalized offer answering to the specific needs of our company. The project was delivered on time and respected the initial specifications. „
CR Nouvel-Air- Jonathan Milette
“ Very good specialized company. Extraordinary value for money. Company with very human service. „
TMS Solution
Marc-Antoine Coulombe
“ Thanks to the support of the Groupe Industriel Premium, we made the right decision according to our needs. We had the equipment delivered on time with a fast installation. Thank you for helping our company on its journey. „
Danaca Transport
“ Thank you to Groupe Industriel Premium team for their excellent service! „
Structures RBR
Alain Lebel
“ We have Premium who takes cares of our overhead cranes and we can rely on them. „
Stornoway
Yves Perron
“ To the Groupe Industriel Premium team, thank you for the excellent work. You have greatly participated in the success of the Renard project. „
AnodiQ inc.
Steve Fontaine
“ After 5 years of operation, we are proud to have kept their service, the quality of our Gorbel structure allows us to successfully complete our activities. „
Groupe Machinex
Jean-Michel Paré
“ We usually had a traditional crane come out to pick up the baler and set it on transport. Now, we are saving a lot of time because we just pick it up with those two overhead cranes, set it on transport, and it's off to our client's facility. „
Robover
Gordon McAllister
“ Professional and safe work, consistent habits of all staff. „
Comairco
-Marjorie Pleau
“ "Nous avons fait affaire avec l’équipe de Premium, car ils nous ont proposé une structure adaptée à nos besoins. Ils ont su respecter l’échéancier de production afin que notre équipe soit opérationnelle rapidement." „
Contact a specialist!
To obtain information, submit a project request or order replacement parts, please complete the following form.
3 steps to a quick response!
Service Call
Plan your service call - Two simple options
Option 1: Talk directly to our service team
Québec
Toll free :
1 888-650-0588
Montréal
Toll free :
1 888-968-0588
Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., dial 1
to speak to our team.
Outside business hours, dial 8
and a technician will call you back within 15 minutes.
Option 2: Complete our online form
Click on “Service call"
Describe what's wrong, and attach photos to help with diagnosis.
Submit your request
Click on “Send” and your request will be given priority by our team. A supervisor will contact you as soon as possible.