Regina Overhead Crane Training - An overhead crane is a big crane used to lift and move large, heavy stuff which cannot be moved manually. An overhead crane is typically fixed in place when in use. These machines are capable of moving huge volumes of things. Overhead cranes are commonly used in steel mills to be able to handle the steel throughout the process of fabrication. These cranes are seen at ports all over the globe, moving stuff on and off ships.
Overhead cranes are designed to have a rail or beam permanently fixed on a support structure. A crane could be built right into a structure. Alternatively, a platform could be constructed to be able to hold the beam in place. The fixed design of overhead cranes gives them great stability, that enables them to handle the very heavy loads needed in heavy industries such as shipping and steel. Several makes of mobile overhead cranes are designed to be pulled by big motor vehicles.
The overhead crane's controls are accessed via a mechanism that is mounted on a trolley, running along the rail. The overhead crane is limited to running just back and forth. Things are lifted and lowered by running rope or cable through the trolley-mounted mechanism, and then moved horizontally along the rail. This back and forth movement is enough. Like for instance, at a port, a container ship is located close to the crane, and the crane operator sends the device back and forth along the trolley in order to shuttle merchandise between a train or truck and the ship. Jib cranes are more flexible and have booms which swing for moving things in many directions.
The overhead crane's history goes back to the eighteen seventies, at which time, there were several designs that were implemented in various applications. There are smaller overhead cranes styles that are used in setting that require the lifting of heavy things. A home workshop, like for instance, may require the use of an overhead crane to shuttle tools, lumber and finished products between the loading area and workshop. Regardless of the use, overhead cranes should only be made use of by people who have received overhead crane training.