Introducing a remarkable case study: When a leading national manufacturer of diesel engines required a battery-powered below-hook lifting device capable of safely handling fully assembled engines and generators, the challenge seemed daunting. However, the collaborative efforts of Harriman Material Handling and CraneWerks proved to be more than equal to the task. Explore the extraordinary solution and success story that unfolded as these industry experts stepped up to the challenge.
Application
Customer: Major National Diesel Engine Manufacturer
Dealer: Harriman Material Handling
Below-hook Device Designer, Manufacturer, and Installer: CraneWerks, Inc.
Engine Manufacturer: Cummins, Inc.
Generator and Power Systems Manufacturer: Fridley Minnesota
The customer was a Columbus, Indiana company that makes diesel engines for commercial vehicles. They needed a below-hook lifting device to pick up a fully assembled commercial diesel engine with 30-liter Fridley diesel generator.
Challenge
Customer needed a lifting device to pick up their fully assembled 9 ton engine and generator. This fixture needed to be able to locate around a large engine and onto the supporting frame. There were limited locations that would allow the fixture to lift the engine assembly safely with no damage to the supporting frame. Fixture needed to be battery-powered, while still providing enough power to operate.
Solution
CraneWerks provided a custom grab-lifting device – a carefully engineered solution that doesn’t damage the engine or its supporting frame. This fixture is large enough to locate around the engine while providing enough travel to safely close around the entire assembly and lift its nine tons. The device includes a redundant locking mechanism that automatically provides a mechanical lock when in the locked position. An indicator light displays lights to the operator to inform when the fixture is locked and ready to lift. A battery-operated system provides abundant power to operate the fixture’s many moving parts, along with a remote to control operation.
Results
Customer received a custom, affordable design to safely lift their engine assemblies, one that’s much more efficient and safer than previously-used equipment. Their new CraneWerks fixture perfectly balances the engine assembly while providing a convenient power source for mobile operation.
