Tag Archive: American Crane

1. Maximizing Efficiency with Custom and Standard Lifting Solutions for EPC Companies and Contractors

   June 26, 2024 11:55 am Leave a Comment

   

   In the world of Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) and contracting, the reliability and efficiency of lifting systems are paramount. Whether you are a large EPC company embarking on new plant construction or a contractor seeking dependable cranes, hoists, lifting chains or rigging attachments, having the right equipment for your specific application is crucial. At American Crane and Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we stand at the forefront of providing both custom-engineered and standard lifting solutions designed to meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Discover how ACECO can help in maximizing efficiency with custom and standard lifting solutions for EPC companies and contractors.

   High-Capacity Equipment: Meeting the Demands of Heavy Lifting

   Overhead double girder bridge and box girder cranes are essential for robust lifting systems in industrial settings. These high-capacity cranes are designed to handle substantial loads with precision and ease, ensuring seamless operations in critical environments. With capacities of up to 300 tons, we engineer our overhead cranes for reliability, safety and durability, making them ideal for industries ranging from power generation to aerospace.

   State-of-the-Art Features:

   • Precision Engineering: Our overhead cranes feature advanced engineering to ensure maximum efficiency and safety in lifting applications.

   • Custom Solutions: We offer custom-designed overhead cranes tailored to meet the unique needs of your project, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

   • Enhanced Safety: Equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, our cranes minimize the risk of accidents and enhance operational safety.

   Compensator Hoist: Precision and Flexibility in Lifting

   The compensator hoist is a versatile lifting solution designed to provide precision and flexibility in handling pre-formed floor decks and other materials. This electric chain hoist attaches to crane hooks, allowing for tilting and precise positioning of heavy loads. Ideal for construction and industrial applications, the compensator hoist enhances efficiency and accuracy in lifting operations.

   Key Benefits:

   • Precision Positioning: The compensator hoist enables precise control over the positioning of heavy loads, ensuring accurate placement and alignment.

   • Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of lifting tasks, the compensator hoist offers flexibility in handling various materials and components.

   • Enhanced Efficiency: By streamlining the lifting process, the compensator hoist reduces downtime and increases productivity on the job site.

   Crane Fork & Special Lifters: Versatility in Material Handling

   Crane forks and special lifters are indispensable tools for lifting and moving a variety of construction supplies, such as bricks and tools. These attachments enhance the versatility of cranes, enabling efficient and safe handling of diverse materials. Crane forks and special lifters provide the reliability and flexibility you need.

   Advantages:

   • Adaptability: Crane forks and special lifters can be easily attached to cranes, providing a versatile solution for different lifting requirements.

   • Efficiency: These tools streamline material handling processes, reducing manual labor and increasing operational efficiency.

   • Safety: Designed to securely lift and move materials, crane forks and special lifters minimize the risk of damage and enhance workplace safety.

   Plate Clamps: Secure and Efficient Handling of Sheets

   Plate clamps are essential for picking up sheets of steel, stone, and even glass in horizontal or vertical positions. These clamps provide a secure grip, ensuring safe and efficient handling of flat materials. Ideal for industrial and construction applications, plate clamps enhance the versatility and efficiency of lifting operations.

   Features:

   • Secure Grip: Plate clamps are designed to provide a strong and secure grip on flat materials, preventing slippage and ensuring safe handling.

   • Versatility: Suitable for lifting a wide range of materials, including steel plates, stone slabs, and glass sheets.

   • Efficiency: By enabling quick and secure lifting of flat materials, plate clamps increase productivity and reduce handling time.

   Tailored Solutions for Every Application

   At American Crane and Equipment, we understand that every project is unique. That’s why we offer both custom-designed solutions manufactured and engineered in-house, as well as a wide range of standard “off the shelf” products. From small 1/2-ton ratchet lever hoists to 300-ton overhead cranes, we provide the right equipment to meet your specific needs.

   Why Choose Us?

   • Expertise: With decades of experience in the industry, our team of experts provides knowledgeable and reliable support for all your lifting needs.

   • Quality: We are committed to delivering high-quality products that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

   • Customer-Centric Approach: Our focus is on understanding and meeting the unique needs of our clients, ensuring satisfaction with every project.

   Contact Us Today

   Ready to discover how ACECO can help in maximizing efficiency with custom and standard lifting solutions for EPC companies and contractors? Contact us today to learn more about how our products and services can enhance your operations. Our team is here to help you find a solution that works for you.

2. Blameless Problem Solving: 4 Healthy Habits for a Positive Work Culture

   June 19, 2024 11:15 am Leave a Comment

   

   Facing problems in the workplace is inevitable, and they can be frustrating for everyone involved. However, the way you handle these problems can be the difference between an argument and a teachable lesson. Blameless problem solving is a powerful technique that should be practiced in every work environment. It guides you to find the root of the issue without creating a culture of blame and finger-pointing. Explore 4 healthy habits for blameless problem solving that can be applied in any work environment for a positive work culture.

   Find the Root Cause

   Rather than single out individuals, take a step back and examine the situation as a whole. Find the root cause of the problem – focus on what went wrong not who went wrong. Once the root cause is identified, you can begin brainstorming a solution. When you find the root cause instead of blaming individuals, you create an environment where people feel confident about coming forward and talking about issues in the workplace.

   Focus on Solutions

   Prioritize finding solutions. By shifting the focus from blame to solutions, you can work collaboratively to come up with effective solutions that prevent this issue from happening again. Brainstorming solutions together is great practice and a way to remember that no one has all the answers, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in issue resolution.

   Identify Lessons

   Opportunities for improvement often arise when things don’t go as planned. Embracing this mindset encourages individuals to reflect on their actions, drawing lessons from both failures and achievements. Proactively addressing lessons leads team members to develop new and more effective habits in the workplace. Identifying lessons as a team also helps to identify gaps in knowledge, ensuring everyone stays informed and aligned.

   Get Smarter Every Time

   Mistakes are bound to happen; we are all human. The key is to treat each mistake as a chance to learn and grow. This approach views mistakes from a constructive perspective and transforms them into a teachable moment. Creating an atmosphere that promotes continuous learning enables improvement in addressing the core issue rather than merely managing the symptoms. Cultivating a blame-free culture within your company paves the way for innovation, creativity and confidence.

   At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we are consistently striving to evolve into the best versions of ourselves. Integrating these 4 healthy habits for blameless problem solving into your company creates a positive work culture, encouraging everyone to be comfortable with making mistakes. For more information on our company culture, check out our Vision, Mission and Values and see how GRIT Matters at American Crane every day.

3. Communicate Well – The Power of Effective Communication

   August 22, 2023 6:00 am Leave a Comment

   

   Welcome to the American Crane & Equipment Corporation blog! Today, we want to highlight one of our core values that sets us apart: effective communication. We believe that clear and impactful communication is the foundation of strong relationships, both internally and externally. In this blog post, we will explore why effective communication is vital, provide practical tips for achieving it, and showcase how we incorporate this core value into our daily operations.

   Why Effective Communication Matters:

   Effective communication plays a pivotal role in every aspect of our lives. In a business setting, it is even more crucial as it drives productivity, builds trust, fosters collaboration, and enhances customer satisfaction. Here at American Crane, we understand that by communicating well, we can minimize misunderstandings, align expectations, and achieve remarkable results.

   Communicate Well: Be clear with expectations, listen intently, know your audience – speak in a way they can understand, share information, get the facts – don’t make assumptions.

   1. Be Clear with Expectations

   Clear expectations lay the foundation for successful outcomes. At ACECO, we emphasize the importance of clearly defining project objectives, roles, and responsibilities. By doing so, we ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of what is expected, leading to improved efficiency and accountability.

   2. Listen Intently:

   Listening is an often overlooked yet critical aspect of effective communication. We value active listening at American Crane. By actively listening to our team members, customers, and partners, we gain valuable insights, understand their needs and concerns, and build stronger relationships. Active listening enables us to respond appropriately, address issues proactively, and foster an atmosphere of trust and collaboration.

   3. Know Your Audience – Speak in a Way They Can Understand:

   Effective communication involves tailoring your message to the audience you’re addressing. At ACECO, we recognize the diverse backgrounds and expertise of our stakeholders. Therefore, we strive to communicate in a manner that is easily understandable, avoiding technical jargon when necessary. By doing so, we ensure that our message resonates with our audience, facilitating effective dialogue and promoting mutual understanding.

   4. Share Information, Get the Facts – Don’t Make Assumptions:

   Accurate and timely information is the lifeblood of any organization. At American Crane, we foster a culture of sharing information openly and transparently. We encourage our team members to verify facts before sharing them and to avoid making assumptions. By doing so, we prevent miscommunication, maintain trust, and make well-informed decisions.

   Incorporating Effective Communication at American Crane

   At ACECO, our commitment to effective communication is engrained in our company culture. We provide ongoing training and workshops to develop our team’s communication skills, ensuring that everyone is equipped to express themselves clearly and confidently. We also foster an environment where open and honest communication is valued, enabling us to address issues promptly and find innovative solutions together.

   By practicing effective communication, we have seen numerous benefits within our organization. Our teams collaborate seamlessly, productivity soars, and our customers feel heard and understood. Ultimately, effective communication is the key to our success.

   We invite you to join us on this journey of effective communication, whether you are a member of our team, a customer, or a partner. Contact us today, and to learn more about Our Vision, Mission, & Values, visit https://www.americancrane.com/mission-values.

4. How Our Vision, Mission, & Core Values Reflect Our Culture

   August 8, 2023 6:00 am Leave a Comment

   

   At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, our company’s culture is deeply rooted in the values that shape our identity and guide our actions. Our vision, mission, and core values, encapsulated by the mantra “GRIT Matters: Perseverance, Heart, & Integrity,” serve as a compass for every aspect of our organization. In this blog post, we will explore how these principles resonate throughout our culture at ACECO and define who we are as a company.

   Our Vision: Respected for Our People and Products

   At the heart of our mantra lies our vision: to be the overhead lifting company most respected for our people and products. This vision speaks to our profound appreciation for the contributions of our employees and the value we place on delivering exceptional products and services to our customers. By prioritizing respect, we foster a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

   Our Mission: Delighting Our Customers and Making Lives Easier

   At American Crane, we are passionately dedicated to delighting our customers. Our mission is to make their lives easier by delivering on our commitments, executing tasks with excellence, and ensuring promptness. By consistently providing high-quality solutions and exceptional service, we build lasting relationships with our customers, earning their trust and loyalty.

   The Importance of Our People

   At ACECO, we firmly believe that people are our most valuable asset. We understand the significance of creating a culture that fosters growth, empowerment, and safety for our employees. By investing in their personal and professional development, we cultivate a team of highly skilled and motivated individuals who are committed to delivering excellence in all that they do.

   Embracing GRIT: Perseverance, Heart, & Integrity

   At American Crane, we embody the spirit of “GRIT Matters” by infusing every action with perseverance, heart, and integrity. This ethos resonates throughout our organization, from the shop floor to the boardroom, driving us to overcome challenges, approach tasks with passion, and uphold the highest ethical standards.

   Our Core Values:

   Our core values serve as guiding principles that define us and guide our decisions and behaviors. Let’s explore some of these values that shape our culture:

   1. Keep It Simple:

   At ACECO, we believe in keeping things simple. We avoid unnecessary complexity and focus on clear goals and straightforward solutions, enabling us to solve problems effectively and deliver optimal outcomes.

   2. Be Lean:

   Continuous improvement is ingrained in our culture. We encourage curiosity, eliminate waste, and constantly seek areas for improvement. This mindset fosters a culture of innovation and efficiency.

   3. Work Hard:

   Our success at American Crane is the result of the dedication and hard work of our employees. By pulling together and going the extra mile, we accomplish our goals and achieve collective success.

   4. Practice Follow-Through:

   Actions speak louder than words in our company. We place a strong emphasis on delivering on our commitments, following through on our premises, and taking responsibility for our actions.

   5. Be Passionate:

   Passion fuels innovation and drives excellence at ACECO. We encourage our employees to do what they love, creating an environment where dedication and enthusiasm thrive.

   6. Be Humble:

   Humility is a cherished value within our organization. We remain grounded, value the contributions of others, and work collaboratively toward our shared goals.

   7. Life Matters, Be Safe:

   Safety is paramount in our operations. At American Crane, we understand that investing in safety is not only a moral imperative but also an investment in the well-being of our employees and the overall success of our business.

   At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, Our Vision, Mission, and Core Values are the foundation of our culture. By embodying the principles of perseverance, heart, and integrity, we create a culture that fosters excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Together, we strive to maintain our position as a leader in the overhead lifting industry, delivering outstanding products and services to our valued customers while creating a fulfilling and empowering environment for our employees.

5. How to Choose the Best Crane Service Provider for Your Application

   February 1, 2017 4:36 pm Leave a Comment

   Overhead lifting systems can yield major cost and space savings for manufacturers and material handling companies alike. To remain in continuous operation and comply with strict regulations, these systems demand proper crane service, routine maintenance checks, and regular quality inspections. American Crane & Equipment Corporation can provide these services for not only their own equipment but for other Overhead Equipment Manufacturer’s products as well.

   To ensure these standards are met, production is optimized and downtime is minimized — Buyers should keep a few key considerations in mind when choosing a crane service provider. Below, we’ve outlined eight important factors to take into account.

   8 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Crane Service Provider

   1. OSHA Standards

   When crane maintenance crews conduct installations and repairs, OSHA’s strict compliance directives should always be at the forefront. Overhead and Gantry Cranes, specifically, have their own set of rules under OSHA 1910.179.

   2. Monthly and Yearly Crane Inspections

   While OSHA crane inspections are mandated; OSHA (1910.179 (j) inspection (ii)(b)), many companies don’t realize they must also maintain their cranes on a more regular schedule; OSHA (1910.179(j) inspection (ii)(R))  based on the duty cycle of the equipment. It is important to always have a service provider who is familiar with these OSHA requirements.

   3. Supply Parts on Short Notice

   It’s important to have access to a large inventory of top-name crane parts and components, especially since technicians work on all different makes, models, and sizes of cranes and hoists. This will prevent delays, as procurement and maintenance teams will not be scrambling to get machines back up and running after inspections.

   4. Versatile Technicians

   When a crane repair is needed, you’ll want to work with technicians who have extensive knowledge of different types of cranes across various industries, as well as a full understanding of the cranes used specifically in your facility. With this expertise, technicians will be able to offer valuable insight and provide easily interchangeable parts if necessary.  You should only use a company whose technicians meet or exceed the crane inspectors’ certification requirements.

   5. Load Testing

   To comply with OSHA crane safety standard 1910.179 (k) testing (z), test loads cannot exceed 125% of the rated load. Owners must show a historic record proving they are in compliance with this standard and respect the safe working load for the crane.

   6. Capabilities to Rebuild Existing Cranes

   When assembling your crane service team, look for partners who can provide a wide range of services — a team that can help out with minor headaches but also take full control of complex or involved projects, such as rebuilding existing cranes.

   The benefits of overhead cranes are only as good as the maintenance team ensuring their proper working order. To maximize run time, maintain OSHA compliance and outline the best possible project plans, plant managers should carefully select their crane service team.

   Additional Resources

   American Crane has been partnering with strategic resource managers for years as a third-party service team to ensure safe, smooth operation of all facilities. Whether these managers are looking for an expert in specialized crane systems or a generalist with broad industry knowledge, American Crane can help.

   To learn about what to look for when selecting a crane service provider, download our free Crane Buyer’s Guide.

   
   
   

6. Top 10 Crane Terms to Know

   February 17, 2016 3:28 pm Leave a Comment

   Choosing the right crane for your business can be challenging. If you are exploring different material handling systems for your company, here are the top 10 terms you will need to know to help narrow down the search:

   1. C.M.A.A. – Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc. (formerly known as EOCI – Electric Overhead Crane Institute).

   2. Critical Load – A load that, if released or moved without the proper control, could compromise the safety of the entire system. A crane lifting a critical load requires a single failure proof feature (defined below as term #8) so that any possible failure will remain isolated and not halt the rest of the load.

   3. Explosion Proof Crane – Specially designed cranes with electrical components that keep any potential explosions contained within the components, therefore preventing any accidental ignition of hazardous materials in the surrounding air.

   4. Flux Vector Drive – A closed loop system that uses an adjustable, incremental encoder to monitor the speed and direction of a crane’s motor shaft. This control provides systems lacking a mechanical load brake with more reliability and a greater range of speed.

   5. Lift – The highest safe point at which the crane’s hook, magnet, and buck can move.

   6. Load Block – The assembly of all crane accessories including the hook, swivel, bearing, sheaves, pins, and frame, suspended by the hoisting ropes.

   7. Overhead Crane – A type of crane that works from an overhead fixed runway structure. It includes a moveable bridge carrying either a moveable or stationary hoisting mechanism.

   8. Single Failure Proof – Mentioned earlier as a consideration for critical load (#2), single failure proof safety features ensure that the failure of one component will not compromise the rest of the load. The crane will maintain control of a critical load, even if one component fails.

   9. Top Running Crane – A model of overhead traveling crane that runs along rails with truck ends attached to runway support beams.

   10. Wheelbase – The length from the center of each wheel, measured parallel to the support rail.

   The American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) is a leader in standard and custom cranes, hoists, and lift systems across various industries. With over 40 years of experience, American Crane thrives on a problem-solving culture to find the right system for your needs.

   When you work with American Crane, you work with an entire team dedicated to strategizing your solution, including a project manager who understands material handlers’ language.

   For more considerations to make when deciding on a lift system, we invite you to read our eBook, “The Crane Buyer’s Guide.” Inside the comprehensive resource, we’ve included the ultimate crane terminology glossary.

7. How to Improve Safety & Efficiency with Aerospace Critical Lifts

   June 30, 2015 4:29 pm Leave a Comment

   When you have an aerospace critical lift that could impact your project or the environment, it’s doubly important to follow all the proper procedures for safety and compliance. Many people are unsure of the exact legal requirements and the best way to ensure compliance. Here is a brief rundown on managing critical aerospace lifts.

   Identifying Critical Lifts

   A lift is considered critical if it has one or more of the following characteristics:

   

   1. If loss of control over the lifted item could invoke a declaration of a site emergency per the governing regulations such as NASA-STD- 8719.9.
   2. If the item to be lifted is vital to the project schedule or irreplaceable.
   3. If the item is lost during the lift, the resulting impact on cost or schedule might jeopardize program commitments.
   4. If the lift occurs in close proximity to items that fit any of the definitions in items 1 through 3.
   5. If the load exceeds 80 percent of the crane’s capacity, it is critical. If two cranes are used and the lift weight exceeds 75 percent of the rated capacity of one of the cranes, it is also considered critical.

   Aerospace Critical Lift Requirements

   If your planned lift fits into any of these categories, you are required to take certain safety precautions. The precautions may vary depending on the characteristics of the lift, but almost every aerospace critical lift will require specific safety precautions.

   Lift Supervisor

   This person is responsible for ensuring that every member of the lift team understands their role and has the proper training. The Lift Supervisor must also confirm that the equipment has been properly inspected and has the right safety ratings to safely carry out the lift plan.

   Safety Representative

   The Safety Representative cannot be the same individual as the Lift Supervisor. The Safety Representative is responsible for reviewing and checking all inspections, the lift plan, and must be on site during the lift to monitor the process and ensure adherence to the plan.

   Critical Lift Plan

   The Critical Lift Plan includes both a Hazard Report and a Lift Procedure. The entire team, but especially the Lift Supervisor and the Safety Representative should be familiar with the details of the plan.

   Safety Review Meeting

   Before undertaking the lift, the team must hold a Safety Review Meeting to ensure that all team members have a firm grasp on their roles and all lift procedures. The meeting can be held up to two weeks prior to the lift for very complex lifts, but two to three days is more common.

   Equipment Requirements

   For aerospace critical lifts, you must use equipment rated to handle the necessary load plus a margin of error. The equipment must meet these requirements whether it is leased or owned and must meet  minimum load rating for every item used in the lift, including rigging, jigs, cables and hoists.

   American Crane Aerospace Equipment is designed to meet the requirements of aerospace critical lifts. American Crane Critical Lift Cranes are designed for durability, reliability and safeguarding equipment during lifts and to comply with appropriate industry guidelines. With over 40 years of experience designing and building the industry’s most respected cranes, American Crane products offer custom design and fabrication and a complete in-house quality assurance program to comply with standards. Before shipment, all cranes are completely tested and fully assembled to meet CMAA duty cycle requirements.

   Inspections

   You must have certificates of inspection and original rating certificates for all equipment. These should be part of the Lift Plan and reviewed and validated in the Safety Meetings.

   If you are responsible for managing a project or program that may include an aerospace critical lift, consider working with the experienced team at American Crane. Our team of experts provide high quality equipment, safety and reliability in every aerospace critical lift.