Tag Archive: ACECO Bridge Traveler Technology

1. Enhancing Bridge Safety with Advanced Travelers for Maintenance and Repair

   July 22, 2023 5:58 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Regular maintenance and repair are crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of bridges. American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) specializes in providing innovative lifting solutions tailored to streamline bridge maintenance and repair operations. Our expertise lies in the development and deployment of advanced travelers designed specifically for bridge maintenance.

   Maintenance and Repair Travelers

   Our maintenance and repair travelers are movable platforms engineered to enable easy access to the undersides of bridge structures for inspection and maintenance tasks. Unlike traditional scaffolds, these travelers allow technicians to reach critical areas without disrupting traffic flow.

   To ensure optimal performance and user safety, our bridge maintenance and repair travelers are equipped with essential features including:

   • Anti-skewing technology: Facilitates operation on uneven or misaligned runways, ensuring stability and precise movement.
   • Fully enclosed work platforms: Provide a safe environment by preventing personnel from falling while working on the platforms.
   • Slip-resistant platform surfaces: Minimizes the risk of accidents caused by slipping and falling during maintenance activities.
   • Convenient on-board personnel access lifts: Enhances accessibility for technicians, enabling them to reach their work areas efficiently.
   • Portable operator controls: User-friendly controls that are easy to operate and maneuver.
   • Redundant drop capture systems: Prevents accidental separation of the traveler from the bridge,

   Key Features of ACECO’s Bridge Maintenance and Repair Travelers

   Our bridge maintenance and repair travelers are available in various configurations, including self-propelled gas, diesel, or electric options. While each traveler is customized to meet specific requirements, they share several features, such as:

   • Durable construction: Stainless, galvanized, or plated steel construction on non-painted surfaces ensures longevity and corrosion resistance.
   • Weather-resistant design: Specially designed for heavy-duty performance with corrosion-resistant coatings to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
   • On-board personnel lifts: Facilitate easy access for technicians to their designated work areas.
   • Optional features: Customizable options include personnel seating, telescopic extensions, Coast Guard-approved navigation lights, diagnostic equipment, backup motors, escape devices, emergency stop buttons, and warning devices.

   Setting Ourselves Apart with SAFTRACK Technology

   ACECO’s bridge maintenance and repair travelers stand out due to our exclusive SAFTRACK technology. By integrating proprietary control software with proven bridge crane components, SAFTRACK offers several advantages, including:

   • Implementation of anti-skewing technology
   • Utilization of conventional crane components
   • Independent control of each traveler’s drive
   • Smooth acceleration and deceleration

   Partner with ACECO for Expert Bridge Maintenance Equipment Solutions

   ACECO is your trusted Expert, Craftsman, and Partner for all your bridge maintenance equipment needs. We strive to simplify your tasks by offering comprehensive material handling solutions supported by extensive experience and top-quality resources. Our custom bridge maintenance and repair travelers empower your technicians to safely access critical bridge points without the need for road or lane closures. To learn more about our products or discuss your specific requirements, please contact us, or request a quote today.

2. Technology to Fix America’s Failing Infrastructure

   January 6, 2015 12:06 pm Leave a Comment

   The New Year is always a time of reflection and self-improvement, but it’s also a great time to consider public sector improvements that are long overdue. Recently, much attention has been drawn to the declining infrastructure in the U.S. From roads and bridges, to pipes and other vital structures, the whole country is in a general state of disrepair.

   According to a USA Today article, “Six states have 30% or more of their major rural roads with pavement in poor condition, and in five states, at least one-fifth of rural bridges are structurally deficient.” In particular, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in rural areas, with a quarter of them falling into this category. In the article, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation clarifies by stating that the bridges are not unsafe, but they will require significant repair and/or eventual replacement to meet recommended standards.

   An article in The Week further examines the true costs associated with infrastructures that were not upgraded and cited numerous structural failures that resulted in avoidable fatalities. According to the American Society of Civil Engineer’s (ASCE) most recent U.S. infrastructure report card, the country received a D+ overall; and with many pipelines and roadways nearing a century in age, this grade is no surprise.

   But with increased attention drawn to this issue, it’s likely that improvements will start to be made. Roads and bridges are used on a daily basis, so it’s imperative to repair known problems and regularly inspect and maintain functional structures. Some structures are harder to examine than others, but there is equipment available to ensure that all sites are accessible to crews.

   For example, American Crane’s bridge travelers are movable platforms that provide safe access to the underside of bridges for inspection and maintenance. These bridge travelers are crucial in providing a safe and effective work environment in an otherwise difficult to navigate location. There are self-propelled gas, diesel and electric powered travelers available to suit all needs.

   Currently, American Crane travelers are being used on the Queensborough, Mid-Hudson and Thousand Island bridges in New York, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington State, and the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. Our project for the Mackinac Bridge included eight of the most sophisticated travelers in the Western Hemisphere, and featured telescopic platform extensions.

   We welcome the opportunity to discuss the applications of ACECO bridge traveler technology for your bridge project. Together we can improve America’s failing infrastructures.