Electric Crane Definition of Electric Crane A 'crane' is a type of machine, generally equipped with a hoist, wire ropes or chains,

and sheaves, that can be used both to lift and lower materials and to move them horizontally. It is mainly used for lifting heavy things and transporting them to other places. It uses one or more simple machines to create mechanical advantage and thus move loads beyond the normal capability of a man. Cranes are commonly employed in the transport industry for the loading and unloading of freight, in the construction industry for the movement of materials and in the manufacturing industry for the assembling of heavy equipment. History The first construction cranes were invented by the Ancient Greeks and were powered by men or beasts of burden, such as donkeys. These cranes were used for the construction of tall buildings. Larger cranes were later developed, employing the use of human treadwheels, permitting the lifting of heavier weights. In the High Middle Ages, harbour cranes were introduced to load and unload ships and assist with their construction some were built into stone towers for extra strength and stability. The earliest cranes were constructed from wood, but cast iron and steel took over with the coming of the Industrial Revolution.

Cranes have been a useful construction and manufacturing tool for centuries. This simple device has gone through many changes to adapt to the needs of its users, and an electric crane is one of the more recent technological developments. These tools are smaller than enormous construction cranes and come in two distinct types that assist with small, precise jobs: the jib crane and the overhead crane. The electric crane also is renowned for being more environmentally friendly and quiet than other types of lifting devices. All cranes use leverage and external power to lift and lower items with much more strength than humans can provide individually. This tool is believed to have been invented by the Greeks in the sixth century B.C. and utilized the same principles of a winch and pulley and long leverage boom that still are used today. Over time, a variety of sources were used to control the pulleys, from animal power to steam power, fossil fuels and, currently, electricity. The electric jib crane encompasses the most traditional form of electric crane because of its long boom arm design. This arm usually is mounted to a wall or floor to give it the stability necessary to lift much heavier objects. Electrical motors allow the arm to move horizontally or vertically, giving it a full range of motion like a human arm. The jib crane can be programmed to perform the same function over and over again, such as in factory work, or it can be hand-controlled to perform unique tasks, such as in construction and warehouse operations.

An electric overhead crane is the most popular type of crane found in many manufacturing and organizational settings. The basic setup of this electric crane is a series of overhead metal girders that act as a track for the crane to move forward, backward and from side to side. An electric motor powers the movement along the girders as well as the wench-andpulley system used to do the lifting. Overhead cranes are commonly found in factories that routinely require large items to be moved where other tools, such as a conveyor belt, might not be practical. Organizational industries, such as warehouses and docks, also use overhead cranes to move heavy objects and reorder them with precision. Precision and power are two major advantages these cranes provide, but they are not the only reasons they are used. Electric motors run more quietly than fuel-powered engines, so communication is easier among workers because of the lower noise level. Electric power also is more environmentally friendly than the use of fossil fuels.

Beck Electric Supply In Electric Crane

Beck Electric Supply has been the primary marine electrical distributor on the West Coast since the early 1970s. Our reputation has been built on our business integrity, supreme service and our specialized product lines. The terminal container cranes at our West Coast ports are vital to our nations economy, and we are proud to play a small roll in keeping them supplied with the necessary parts. Over the years, Beck Electric Supply has become franchised stocking distributors for many of the electrical product lines that are imperative to the operation of these cranes. Each of our three West Coast facilities has experienced personnel who are very familiar with the braking, drive, control and lighting systems unique to your equipment. We are just minutes away from the Port of Seattle, Tacoma, Oakland, Los Angeles and Long Beach and can meet you there anytime to take a closer look at your particular problem. Our three decades of experience has given us considerable expertise with Terminal Cranes, Transtainers and RTGs and we stock many of the necessary parts that you require on a daily basis. Beck Electric Supply is interested in total order fulfillment and wants to make sure you get the right product at the right price in a timely manner.

Our Shop Online web section only has a few of the crane components that we stock. Please call if you do not see the product you are looking for and our experienced sales staff will gladly check our full inventory and give you a very competitive price. Advantages of Electric Cranes Cranes can be electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or manually operated. When comparing electric cranes and hydraulic cranes, both are great tools to move loads in ways that are impossible for us to do on our own. Electric cranes offer more precision for shorter running cycles. A booster can be incorporated to add voltage while the battery is charging and dischargingmore on this later. Hydraulic cranes are best for extended duty applications, as their operation can be virtually continuous. To prevent heat build-up in the oil, the cranes reservoir needs to be larger the heavier the use. Because electric cranes offer more precise control than most hydraulic cranes, they provide the very important accuracy needed for setting motors or transmissions. Not requiring an engine to run, electric cranes are greener than hydraulic, and easier to install and move if necessary, as they do not need a pump, reservoir or hoses. Electric cranes for very heavy lifting must be equipped with a storage battery and a reversible booster to enable the crane dynamo, or motor, to work at a steady load. The booster adds the necessary voltage when the battery charges and discharges to keep the crane at a constant, balanced pressure.

Some of the first electric dock cranes were built by British engineering company Stothert & Pitt in 1892. Without having to wait on a boiler or steam engine, each crane had a powerful central motor for immediate use. These lighter, more mobile cranes could be brought right to the dock edge on their own rail lines, increasing efficiency by moving from ship-to-ship, unlike a fixed crane that ships had to wait in line for.

From 12-volt electric cranes with a 1000 lb. capacity to larger units up to 6000 lb. maximum capacity, electric cranes are used indoors in factories and warehouses for precise handling applications, and outdoors for heavier material handling. And, electro-magnetic cranes offer the advantage of ferrous-metal recovery in such places as scrap yards.

Five Disadvantages of Electric Cranes Most cranes are powered by electricity or propane, but some also use gas and diesel. Electric forklifts have a few disadvantages. Some of them include recharging, battery weight, and power. This article will discuss some of the disadvantages of electric forklifts.

Recharging One of the first disadvantages of electric forklifts is the amount of time they take to recharge. The batteries only last six hours or so before they need to be recharged. They take eight hours to recharged completely and then must be cooled off for another eight hours before they can be used. Other types of forklifts are much easier to refuel. You simply have to load a new propane canister for propane-powered forklifts. Gas forklifts only need to be filled at the pump. Charging Station Another disadvantage of electric forklifts is that they require a charging station. The area that houses the charging station for electric forklifts must be dry, ventilated, and have a controlled temperature. Other types of forklifts don't need a charging station as they can be refueled practically anywhere. Weight The weight of the battery is also a disadvantage of electric forklifts. The battery can weigh as much as 3,500 pounds. If you routinely have to change batteries, there is no way that you will not be able to lift the battery. Therefore, you will have to use special battery hoists just to change the batteries.

Power Another disadvantage of electric forklifts is their power. Forklifts with internal combustion engines are capable of generating more torque and power. If you need to handle more than 15,000 pounds, you will not be able to get the job done with electric forklifts. Location One of the final disadvantages of electric forklifts is that they should rarely be used outdoors. The fact that they generate no emissions makes them perfect for indoor use, but this does you no good if you need a forklift that can be used outside. However, you can sometimes use electric forklifts outdoors only if you use them on a well-paved location. Also, you need to make sure you don't use them in the rain because doing so is very unsafe. These are some of the disadvantages of electric forklifts. They will only provide power for six hours before needing to be recharged for eight hours. The batteries used for electric forklifts are also considerably heavy, so you will need a special crane just to change the battery.