THREE BENEFITS OF MODERNISING A CRANE
Modernisation is a cost-effective way to extend
the service life of a crane and update it with the
latest technologies.
Overhead, gantry and jib cranes are the workhorses
of the manufacturing industry, and are
major investments for manufacturing companies.
From a few hundred kilos, right through to
hundreds of tonnes in any factory, warehouse
or facility, cranes are a safe, reliable and efficient
way to lift and move just about anything.
But as technology advances, and cranes experience
natural wear, users face an interesting
dilemma to keep production at optimum levels
of safety, efficiency and reliability – upgrade to a
new crane, or modernise the existing one?
Replacing a crane is sometimes the only viable
option, especially in situations where the existing
crane is reaching the end of its design life, and
the replacement cost is similar to the cost of
modernisation. However, in many other cases, a
crane modernisation may provide all the required
benefits for a lower cost and with less downtime.
Before committing to one or the other, it is
advisable to consult with professionals who can
assess the current situation and make appropriate
recommendations. Lets look at the three main
advantages of crane modernisation.
1. COST-EFFICIENCY
Modernisations preserve aspects of the existing
asset that are in good condition (saving capital
funds) and complement those aspects with the
addition of selected new replacement components
that enhance reliability and safety, adding
current technologies. Common modernisations
include the replacement of hoists, trolleys,
operator cabs and controls to achieve increased
capacity, speed, duty and load control.
2. ADD THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
Upon commissioning, cranes have the latest
and greatest technology, but each year newer
and more advanced technologies are being
researched and incorporated into cranes. After a
crane has been in service for a number of years,
it may still have fully functional components, such
as rails, ropes or hoists, but it may not have the
latest remote monitoring technology installed,
for example. These sorts of situations are when a
crane modernisation is an ideal solution.
3. MINIMISE DOWNTIME
Decommissioning an old crane and installing a
new crane is a major undertaking, and even the
most efficient replacements will involve some
downtime. A modernisation, however, just adds
the new technology to the existing crane, and
is able to be completed much quicker, meaning
the crane can be back in service with minimal
downtime.
BY JOHN JACKMAN, MODERNISATION
MANAGER, KONECRANES
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
STEPS BEFORE MODERNISATION
Before determining what modernisations are
needed on a crane, it is highly recommended that
the crane undergo a thorough evaluation such as
Konecranes’ crane reliability study (CRS). In some
cases, a major assessment will need to be undertaken,
such as cases where it is a very old crane
and there is no record of one being done recently.
The major assessment is one way of ensuring the
crane is standards compliant.
The CRS is an engineering assessment that
evaluates the current condition of a crane and
provides a theoretical estimate of its remaining
design life and provides recommendations for the
next steps. Any of the structure or components
excluded from the modernisation scope will still
be assessed in compliance with Australian Standards,
which provides a complete and compliant
solution upon completion.
Konecranes modernisations achieve outstanding
results through a combination of consultancy,
careful inspection, observation, and world class
experience and solutions. Konecranes’ capability
to provide a life extension on existing assets is
fiscally responsible and delivers a high return on
investment.
As the world’s largest crane organisation, with
over 450,000 cranes and related pieces of equipment
of all makes and models under maintenance
worldwide, Konecranes has extensive experience
in crane modernisations and inspections.
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