Harriman Material Handling specializes in designing, building, and servicing complete overhead crane systems tailored to meet the unique needs of each customer. In this case study, we explore how Harriman Material Handling helped a trailer manufacturer in northern Indiana to improve safety and efficiency in their workplace.
Challenge
The trailer manufacturer needed a safer and more efficient way to remove drill heads from their machines. The current process was to manually lift the 200 lb. gear cases over the technicians’ heads, which was both dangerous and non-ergonomic. The location of the drill head removal area and a column in the middle of their workspace prevented the use of a crane to handle the removal and transfer of the drill heads.
Solution
Harriman Material Handling proposed an overhead crane system with telescoping sections that could be lowered down into place when it was needed and raised back up when no longer needed. The telescoping crane was designed with interlocks so that it could not operate while overhead or while people were working underneath it—ensuring no one could be injured by it while it was operating. The team also provided maintenance personnel with an easy way to return it back to its home position when they were finished using it so that they wouldn’t have any issues using other equipment in their shop as well (which could also be damaged).
Implementation
The Harriman Material Handling team worked closely with the trailer manufacturer to design and install the overhead crane system. The team took into consideration the location of the drill head removal area and the column in the middle of their workspace, and designed the crane system to fit seamlessly into the space available. They also made sure that the crane system was easy to operate and maintain.
Results
The overhead crane system has greatly improved safety and efficiency in the trailer manufacturer’s workplace. Maintenance personnel no longer have to manually lift the 200 lb. gear cases over their heads, which has reduced the risk of injury and improved ergonomics. The crane system has also increased efficiency by reducing the amount of time it takes to remove and transfer the drill heads. The interlocks on the crane system ensure that no one can be injured while it is operating, providing peace of mind for everyone in the workplace.
Feedback
The trailer manufacturer’s maintenance personnel have reported that the overhead crane system is one of the best improvements they have ever had to their scope of work. The ease of use and increased safety have made their job easier and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Harriman Material Handling’s overhead crane system has helped the trailer manufacturer in northern Indiana to improve safety and efficiency in their workplace. The crane system was designed to fit seamlessly into the space available and is easy to operate and maintain. The interlocks on the crane system ensure that no one can be injured while it is operating, providing peace of mind for everyone in the workplace. The feedback from the maintenance personnel has been overwhelmingly positive, proving that the overhead crane system has been a valuable addition to their workplace. Harriman Material Handling continues to provide custom solutions to customers’ unique challenges, ensuring that their businesses run safely and efficiently.
For more information on how Harriman Material Handling can help you, contact us.
