American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

John E. Raulerson

American Bureau of Shipping has been promoting maritime safety since its inception in 1862. ” At ABS, setting standards of excellence in marine and offshore classification is not a mere motto…it is the way we conduct business” www.eagle.org. Setting Standards of Excellence: ” The responsiblity of the classification society is to verify that marine vessels and offshore structures comply with Rules that the society has established for design, construction and periodic survey.”
The classification process includes:

The development of standards, known as rules
Technical plan review and design analysis
Surveys during construction
Source inspection of materials, equipment and machinery
Acceptance by the Classification Committee
Subsequent periodic surveys for maintenance of class
Survey of damage, repairs, and modifications

The above material was quoted from the ABS with whom Consolidated Rigging and Marine works closely with when required by the sea-going vessels that we service. Since 1967, well after the inception of ABS, Consolidated Rigging and Marine Supply has been an important “cog in the wheel” for marine vessels taking port here on the East Coast of the United States. We have worked closely with ABS and other standards societies for rigging and lifting hardware. Our testing facility, which is capable of 700 Metric Tonnes, is the premeire site for ABS Surveys in the Southeast. Over the years Consolidated Rigging and Marine has become the “go to site” for ABS surveyors to inspect not only the rigging and lifting products that we produce, but any ship board rigging that needs certifications. Even our competitors must bring their rigging to our testing site, on occasion, as the capacity on many of the ship-board crane and rigging well exceeds the testing capacity of many small shops. The fact that we own 1000 metric tonnes of “certified and serialized load test weights, in the yard, helps as well. It is not bragging, it is just a fact, that the leadership here at Consolidated Rigging has been very wise in accumalating the massive inventory of weights over the years which have come in quite handy. We have kept US Navy vessels in compliance and underway with the test weights. We have aided in countless cargo vessels to continue on their voyage and able to safely offload their payload by keeping their vessels in compliance. A few weeks ago our long time inspector Richard Moody set up a rigging test so ABS could do their survey and inspect for compliance of a 35 Ton container spreader bar with rigging. With only a day’s notice Richard called in the crane and set the rigging on the test weights. With skill and precision Richard equally distributed the weight and got everything in place and waited for the ABS surveyor to witness the lift. See the photos below of a few scenes of this weight test.

Certified Rigging Inspector attaching the test weights

ABS Survey of 35 Ton Spreader Bar Load Test

1 leg of 35 Ton spreader bar attachment

35 Ton Proof Load Test of Container Spreader Bar

35 Ton Proof Test Complete

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the photos show the test went extremely well and with no incidents. The ABS surveyor left the site extremely satisfied with the way in which Richard conducted and prepared the load test. In this business every minute counts and Richard uses every minute wisely and efficiently always respecting the client’s precious resources and valuable time. If you need a proof load test to insure the safety of your rigging gear you know who to call on the East Coast.

 

The Panama Canal Expansion & the Impact on Global Trade & Supply Chains

John Raulerson

Get ready for the “big ditch”, to the south to open in 2014. The much anticipated passageway connecting more than just two oceans but the entire planet. I am astounded that the very opening of this passage through the Country of Panama is setting every port on the Eastern Seaboard in motion to prepare for the “post” Panamanic ships able to carry more cargo than most small countries posses in total. These massive ships will carry twenty-two layers across the girth of the ship. Wow Asia is really confident of America’s and Europe’s consumption. Nevertheless, the Panama Canal is the future of cargo movement to America and the World, which brings many opportunities.
Recently, I attended the inaugural MODEX Show in Atlanta Georgia an event historically held in Cleveland Ohio but due to the changing dynamics of the opening of the Panama Canal unfolds, the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) sponsored event relocated to the strategically located Atlanta Georgia. Atlanta is the focal point of trade and commerce for the southeastern United States. Atlanta was an incredible location and a great city to spend time. The overwhelming theme of the entire show was the Panama Canal opening.
I had the pleasure to attend many informative seminars, however, by far the most beneficial meeting was on a Tuesday with the CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, Director Alberto Aleman Zubieta. Mr Zubieta is a dynamic man and speaker. Mr. Zubieta spoke from the heart and the cuff and is very well versed on the impact of the Panama Canal expansion project and the results the expansion will have on the United States and the World. Although very light-hearted, funny and entertaining Mr. Zubieta became extremely serious and focused in an instant when speaking of matters of importance such as infrastructure improvements of port facilities throughout the United States. The call to action for port widening and port upgrades left a resounding effect with every person in the room. The expansion of the Panama Canal is certain to change global freight movement and open up new opportunities, yet the question still remains as to how and when the changes will effect commerce. Additionally, Mr. Zubieta discussed in great detail the benefits to importers and exporters, alike, for increased and immediate improvements to America’s infrastructure. No question about it the Panama Canal expansion project is a “game changer” for supply chain operations.
Consolidated Rigging & Marine Supply has been proactive in positioning for this change for years. Strategically located near all of the major ports that accommodate these import and export markets. Consolidated Rigging & Marine Supply is headquartered just a few miles from Jacksonville Port Authority and even graciously sold our original properties to Jacksonville Port Authority when it was time for their expansion process over fifteen years ago. Our branch office in Savannah Georgia is within one mile of the Georgia Port Authority. With other branch locations in Coconut Creek Florida and Tampa Florida. Easily accessible and with all of the rigging and marine supply equipment in stock and available. Consolidated Rigging even has a representative sales staff in Panama. Just give us a call if you need service onsite in Panama as well we can make it happen.
“According to the MHIA, as much as twenty five percent of trade could shift from the West Coast once the expansion project is complete in Panama, as five new terminals in the Gulf and East Coast are currently scheduled to open, while only two are planned for the West Coast. The Panama Canal expansion, which will accommodate 12,000-TEU(twenty-foot Equialent Units) ships, is set to reshape global trade patterns.” ILH, Richard Howes. “The Panama Canal expansion also will enable companies to export products to markets that were previously prohibitively expensive and that could result in the need of additional barges and other forms of transportation equipment.
Material handling has a role to play at every turn of the supply chain. Not only will it handle product for transportation itself, but water and land-going vehicles will need building and maintaining. It truly could be an era of opportunity for users and suppliers alike.” ILH, Richard Howes
Of course, Consolidated Rigging will be here to supply your operation with the proper lifting and rigging equipment as well as fall protection and rigging training for all of the new personnel needed to handle the massive amount of cargo.
The future is truly before all of us and in my view the future can and will be very bright.

John Raulerson

jraulerson@consolidatedrigging.com

Crane Training and Safety

John E. Raulerson

Protecting Workers & Crane Safety

Fatalities and serious injuries can occur if cranes are not inspected and used properly. Many fatalities can occur when the crane boom, load line or load contacts power lines and shorts electricity to ground. Other incidents happen when workers are struck by the load, or caught inside the swing radius or fail to assemble/disassemble the crane properly.
Below are a few quick points to keep at the forefront of your mind while operating cranes at your job-site.
• Cranes are to be operated only by qualified and trained personnel
• A designated competent person must check all crane controls to ensure proper operation before use.
• Be sure the crane is on a firm/stable surface and level.
• During assembly/dis-assembly do not unlock or remove pins unless sections are blocked and secure.
• Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane’s swing radius
• Watch for overhead electric power lines and maintain at least a 10’ safe working clearance from the lines.
• Inspect all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load.
• Be sure to use the correct load chart for the crane’s current configuration and setup, the load weight and lift path.
• Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts.
• Raise load a few inches, hold verify capacity/balance, and test brake system before delivering load.
• Do not move loads over workers.
• Be sure to follow signals and manufacturer instructions while operating cranes.
It is our goal at Consolidated Rigging and RRR Warehouse & Service to keep you up to date, informed and safe while on the job. Our trained and qualified inspectors have been serving the Southeast for decades. If you require and detailed inspection, proof load test, and/or certification please call for an appointment. If your require rigging or crane training to meet or exceed OSHA Standards we can help with that requirement as well. For further information on OSHA regulations and standards we help with that also or you can access more information at www.osha.gov.
Contact Johnny Barefoot or Richard Moody to schedule your appointment today
904-765-7177

Selecting the Right Overhead Crane

By: John E. Raulerson

Selecting the Right Overhead Crane

It has been nearly a month since I had the pleasure of visiting the MODEX Trade show for the material handling industry. I walked every mile of the show and was completely in “awe” of the new technology available in today’s market place. I visited booths that were featuring fully automated robotics guided by lasers, G-force lifting , & machines that make the perfect box for exactly what is being shipped. It was a true education. I brought back around 85 LBS worth of catalogs and brochures. My email box now fills up at a rapid rate from all of the great vendors that scanned my badge.I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Material Handling Industry educational tables for instance Georgia Tech Institute of Technology, Material Handling Industry (MHI), & Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA).

The CMAA published a great handout on the selection process of an Overhead Crane. This helpful publications is a great fact checker and guideline when helping clients in the selection process, after all an Overhead Crane is a major capital investment and an integral part of the manufacturing process at many steps in the supply chain. So making the right choice in quality and design is key to long term success. Many times I have encountered clients that are myopic in their vision to the bottom line only and skip right over the “meat & potatoes” of the design of the crane itself. Taking this short term approach and skimping on quality will cost  more money in repairs and replacements. “The selection of the proper overhead crane system is critical to the safe and economical operation of your facility. The owner is responsible for selecting a qualified crane supplier.”

Factors to be considered in proper overhead crane selection:

Application:

Material Handling, Single or Double Girder, Load Rating (capacity), Service Rating (freq. of operation), Control/Speed,

Top Running or Under Running, Electric/Air/Manual (Voltage/Air Capacity),

Facility:

Clearance Requirements, Building Width/ Crane Span, Building Length, Low Obstruction, Crane Hook Height, Runway Beams, Runway Rail Length, ASCE Rail, Column Support (placement location), Environment, Maintenance Access.

Installation & Start-Up of Your New Overhead Crane:

Proper installation, start -up and Testing of your new crane is vitally important for long term satisfaction with your crane investment.

Training:

All overhead crane operators must be trained prior to using any crane. Training should include familiarization with crane controls, Capacity of the crane and safe operating practices. Periodic operator”retraining” is strongly recommended.

Inspection:

OSHA standards (OSHA 1910.179) require cranes be inspected on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. Additional inspections may be required due to hours of operation, environment and/or severity of service. The inspection requirements of ANSI (B30.2, B30.11 & B30.17) and the manufacturer must also be followed.

Maintenance:

OSHA regulations, 1910.179 and ANSI B30, require that all crane owners shall maintain their cranes in safe operating condition and retain appropriate maintenance records.

Consolidated Rigging is teamed with Gorbel and Cleveland Tramrail, who practically write the standards for crane quality. When considering your new crane project consider these helpful guideline tips and choose quality. We have helpful worksheets to help with the initial planning phase. Once we get the basic fact we can help you through the process and get the right crane.

Take the Advice of an Ole’ Tree Hugging Hippie

Recently I sent out a notice to you that our new catalog was now complete. We have worked hard to “Consolidate” all the products and services that we offer to you our valuable clients. Before, we had a general catalog and had to provide inserts of the additional products that we offered in a binder, but not anymore. Now you can easily reference working load limits of the rigging hardware that is specific to your particular lift plan. You can easily design a chain sling using the latest components with our easy to read charts. If you need a crane system we have easy to use floor plan worksheets that you can fill out and submit to your sales representative saving you valuable time and money. If your work site needs fall protection, again, there are easy to use charts for mapping out and designing a plan. Of course we never forget safety, in the very front of the catalog we have referenced the most current OSHA regulations, for the lifting industry, as a quick and simple reference tool, as well as load angle charts to insure proper safety when planning a lift. The main theme of the NEW comprehensive publication was to make your life easier.

As I visit with people in the field and give them the NEW publication the response has been overwhelmingly positive. One person that I have met with really stands out to me and I wanted to pass along what he said to me as I believe it will greatly benefit you and your company. When I presented the catalog he emphatically said how useful and professional he thought it was. “The color photos jumps out and really looks nice” but, “ I am an Ole’ Tree Hugging Hippie all that paper must really cost you a fortune do you have anything digital that I can download?” After I stopped laughing and processed his comment about being a “Tree Hugging Hippie” I realized how correct he was in his analysis and have responded accordingly. We do, in fact, have the entire catalog available for download.

You can access the catalog from our website, just log on and click on the “products” section and click on the “NEW Rigging Catalog” right at the top. Fill out the short form with your basic contact information and it will automatically take you to a download, click on the download and in a few minutes you will have a complete digital file right on your desk top or laptop for quick reference in the field. Just,” save as”  right to the Desktop and it will be on your screen when you log in. You can also  CLICK HERE  and it will take you right to the site, saving you a few steps.

Of course many like to have a paper copy and that is OK too all you have to do is get in touch with your sales rep or just give us a call and we will get it right over to you ASAP. But the Ole’ Tree Hugging Hippie advise if pretty smart, let’s face it the digital revolution is upon us so embrace it and save some trees. Heck I recycle all of my plastics and try and save fuel when I can, conservation can benefit us all.

So if you want the NEW digital catalog all you have to do is CLICK HERE and it is yours!

Have a productive and Safe Day,

John Raulerson

New Consolidated Rigging Catalog

It is with great pleasure that I present to you the New Consolidated Rigging & Marine Supply, Inc. catalog. Believe me when I tell you this new presentation is a labor of many many years of service in the Lifting and Rigging industry. After nearly 50 years of providing quality Lifting and Rigging gear to quality clients like you. Many years of blood, sweat and even tears have been shed in the making of this compilation. We have put together a complete list of products and services that we too have grown into over the years. Originally, Consolidated Rigging was a small marine supply shop that primarily served the needs of local fishermen, shrimpers and shipyards. Today we serve the entire state of Florida, Georgia, and the Southeast Region of the United States and beyond. Consolidated serves all branches of the US military as well as Central and South America and emerging markets.

As we forge ahead into the future we invite you along. We have put together a full line of products and services that we have grown into serving your lifting requirements. Please follow the link below and fill out the basic form and download our New catalog. You can download this to your desktop for future reference. Of course, when you need personal representation and assistance you can call, a qualified and certified representative will be at your service within the guaranteed 24 hours time frame. We look forward to the opportunity to serving your lifting requirements.

Click Here for your NEW Consolidated catalog

All The Best,

John Raulerson

Worker Plunges to Death

Greetings,

Worker Plunges To Death in the St. John’s River

Under normal circumstances my goal is to keep these communications to you, our valued clients and friends, upbeat, informative and positive. A tragedy occurred in the industry last week and let me preface by offering my condolences to the family that lost a member. By no means do I wish to use this story to, in any way, devalue the loss that any family has experienced.

Last week a worker was performing some task on a bridge here in Jacksonville, Florida. In doing so the worker fell into the very tumultuous currents of the St. John’s River. The full details are not yet revealed but the news report revealed that a very brave co-worker risked his life and plunged in to rescue his fallen fellow worker. The worker did not make it out of the waters of the St. John’s River alive.

Loss prevention and education is the primary reason for our existence at Consolidated. The industries that we serve are often times very dangerous. The thought in our mind, for every sling that we make, is that there could be someone’s husband or dad working under what we have fabricated. Every fall protection class that is taught and every fall protection system that we install is with the thought of getting that husband or dad, (wives or moms too), home safely for dinner. Rules enforced by government agencies alone don’t keep workers safe, but education and quality systems do. It is our goal to provide the best in quality rigging and fall protection training and products.

To view the video of the news broadcast just click the link below.

Click here

I hope that you have a safe and productive day.

John Raulerson

*This video is from a public television broadcast and Consolidated Rigging is making no claim or judgment in any pending case. Consolidated Rigging was in no way involved or forms no opinion about this case specifically as we do not have all of the facts regarding this particular case, it is merely being pointed out that an accident involving a fall has occurred.*

Training for the Great Escape

The Great Escape

One of the basic human responses to any type of danger is first and foremost self preservation. We see this self preservation manifested in many forms. Take for example a fire rescue professional, they are trained to first and foremost save self while taking the calculated risk of rushing into a burning building to save the innocent. When I trained as a rescue swimmer in the U.S. Coast Guard my instructors repeatedly taught us to save one’s self while making the rescue. As a rescue swimmer, we even trained for self defense in the water.  Often the person being rescued will attack the rescue swimmer, in an attempt to save themselves, and possibly drown the rescue swimmer. It seems strange that a drowning person will drown their only hope for salvation, however, a person in imminent danger panics and does the unthinkable. Any rescue professional is always trained to save self and plan for a successful recovery from the danger that they face.

As I was thinking of this basic human reaction a funny story came to mind. Way back in the 70’s when Las Vegas was really becoming a popular attraction for those wanting to increase their cash revenue, with a not so calculated risk, at the gaming tables. My grandfather was one who had that draw for the card tables and liked to spend time out west in Vegas. Well one particular point in time there was an outbreak of hotel fires in the casinos. I am not sure if it was arson, bad wiring or smoking in the hotel bedrooms but there was a clear and present danger at that time. So not to be deterred from the blackjack tables my grandfather devised a “self preservation” rescue plan. He was not going to fall victim to some guy with a pack of pall malls and too much booze passing out and setting the hotel on fire. So he came out to the shop and directed the guys to pull a reel of ½” 3-strand nylon rope, cut a three hundred foot piece, and form knots in twelve inch increments  the entire length of the rope. He then wanted it coiled back up and put in a bag. This seemed an odd request so the guys asked him what he was doing with the rope. After he told them to mind their own business he explained his odd request. He explained, “well I am going to Vegas and they have had a bunch of fires at many hotels. They aren’t gonna burn me I am going out the window on this rope” That is quite the action plan, repelling 300 feet on a rope is not my idea of a good plan,  but he was the type of person that was not going down without a fight. This plan probably came from his Navy training in WWII where they learned how to stay alive and do so in a practical manner.

This common sense approach to saving one’s self has not changed in scope but has greatly improved in process and equipment. When it comes to fall protection,  fall arrest systems and personal protection on works sites  equipment has greatly improved. The awareness has greatly improved as well.  A recent project that Consolidated completed was a problem that one of our clients has struggled to solve for over four years. The area of concern was elevated about forty feet and the workers entered a very tightly confined work space. The risk of falling was heightened by the oily slick flooring in the housing. The other problem was the structure was built out of wood, cancelling out many of the “out of the box” fall protection applications. We brought in the experts from Webb Rite Safety who evaluated and engineered a flawless system with 100% tie-off capabilities and put an end to the fall protection risk once and for all. The workers were able to return to a productive work environment without the risk of falling to their peril. In addition to learning the value of self preservation from my grandfather I have learned that if you do not have the answer or the solution… know where to find the answer or solution. It is the many business relationships and the many professionals that add to our successful solutions that we offer to you our client. Work with purpose and do so safely.

All the best

John Raulerson

“Supply chains are only as strong as the weakest link”

Supply chain has been on my mind lately as I get deeper into contracts with major clients. My normal role in the sales process, over the past several years has been project work. I have primarily worked out in the field speaking with safety managers, purchasing managers and maintenance personnel, in various industries, as an outside sales representative. Many of you know me and still know me as your personal sales representative for Consolidated Rigging, lifting and rigging products. It has been an honor and it is my passion to personally visit with and closely work with each and every one of you.

However, over the past several months my role has changed somewhat or expanded in the scope of work that I am responsible. The role that I have matriculated into has opened my eyes to the full scope and reality to how difficult the supply chain is to manage. In essence, as a service provider you must have everything that every customer needs in perfect time at the perfect price. This process is never flawless and involves much sweat equity and cash flow to achieve. When you as a company obligate yourself in a long term contract at a set price often times you do so at a loss at one point in time or another. Working in a volatile and ever changing world market, companies must posture themselves correctly so the losses are not very long lasting.

When speaking of the Supply Chain many only recognize the distributor/end user,  or the last transaction in the process, as the only link in the chain. This is of course is not the full picture or the full length of chain. When thinking of the process it brings to mind the relationship distributors have with manufacturers, the folks that make the product that must be finished into a useable product for the end user. As is the case with Consolidated Rigging, we buy huge inventory of manufactured wire rope, for example, then we cut lengths for installation on cranes, make lifting slings, or fabricate some other end product for end users. The same scenario is true with the bulk chain that we buy or the bulk nylon webbing we turn the raw material into a workable product.

This whole process of having the stock on the shelves, so to speak, and having it waiting for the customer’s need, usually emergency need, is not a task for the faint of heart or the thin of pockets.

However, oftentimes the manufacturers of the raw products get impatient and herein lies the rub. Manufacturers also have competition and quotas and they have managers breathing fire down their neck just like the salesperson for distributors. So what to do, well the manufacturers also have many distributors that they must keep up an appearance of loyalty to keep them selling their products. So the manufactures of the raw goods will get creative and make contact with the end users, “well after all some end users are large enough to warrant a deeper discount especially if they are offering a long term contract”, they will say.  So now the plot thickens and the supply chain has been made weak. Why?, because the union between manufacturer and end user has cut a link out of the chain. Why do you think the motivation to do this would be? Well certainly you must follow the money, if possible, and secondly the manufacturer does not have the confidence in their supplier to sell their product ONLY, or to do a good enough job in doing so, would be my best guess.

Although many manufacturers will require distributors to carry massive amounts of inventory, of their product, at not such a great discount, and then turn right around and go to your customer and sell to them directly. So again the chain has been weakened. It reminds me of a story that Bobby, the President of Consolidated, told to me describing this very situation. Like many industries, the wire rope industry has their own association called AWRF, Association of Wire Rope Fabricators, to which Consolidated Rigging has been a member of for well over thirty years. Anyway, as the story goes, Bobby was enjoying a nice dinner with a representative from his best client, with whom he had worked with for many years offering the best service. Also attending the association meetings are the manufacturer’s representatives. So a manufacturer’s rep joins them for dinner as is customary. So the representative from the great local client/end user, in arrogance and boldness, after a few drinks just comes out with what he is really thinking and openly approaches the rep for the wire rope manufacturer, “ Now we buy a large amount of wire rope in a year’s time, why don’t you just sell to me directly?” This immediately raises the tension level to 10. Bobby’s reply, “well if you two need a minute alone to discuss how you are going to cut me out of the picture, I will leave”. Now this story happened quite a few years ago and back then it was still taboo to dishonor a relationship or stab someone in the back, openly anyway, so the rep from the wire rope company backed off and vehemently rejected the very thought of cutting out his loyal business partner. That was to be applauded. However, he probably realized the fact that, while this one customer is quite large, the distributor (Consolidated) keeps inventory, thereby reducing  shipping costs, as well as services hundreds of other smaller customers that would not have the clout or the guts to attempt to buy direct. He certainly did not want to sacrifice the other business for one client and he probably also realized that it would tarnish his reputation with other distributors who would have, without question, heard the news.

Additionally, the world is getting smaller and smaller and the internet offers many amazing opportunities to save money. However, there must be a competent company on the other end of that mouse to offer your company the service and “just in time” delivery that is required to keep your business operation running smoothly. If there is just a product or a price with no service on the other end of the computer, then you have missed the boat. Consolidated Rigging has been at the rigging business for over forty years, over forty years of knowledge, expertise and inventory. Nearly every square foot of our 70,000 square foot facility in Jacksonville is packed with gear to get your job done correctly, safely and on time. Inventory is the key link in the chain of supply chain without the inventory…. simply put your job waits and/or your ship doesn’t sail. We have adopted and are utilizing the internet and letters like this as a modern tool to service our clients, however, what makes the difference is the competence on the other end of the computer that you can count on.

John Raulerson

When your toilet is broken call a plumber

The old adage is when your toilet is backed up “hire” a plumber. The meaning of this is more profound than a catch phrase or a “wives” tale. Now let me preface this by saying that I have spent countless dollars and man hours trying to do my own home repairs over the years. I, like the next guy, like to save a buck or two and do so quite well. I can reset a new toilet or lay tile but it is a lot of work and a frustrating effort for me. I usually do not have the right tools and spend the money that I thought I was going to save on tools that I will never use again. I am the guy who makes 22 trips to the home improvement store because he didn’t remember or didn’t know what he needed when he went the first 21 times. So after I have wasted precious time and about 4 weekends I have an improvement that would have taken a professional less than half the time and would have looked ten times better. So I get to look at my work and remember the sweat equity every time I sit on the wobbly toilet that still leaks.
So this week I have been thinking about the amount of effort and money that we sometimes waste all in an attempt to save a buck, don’t get me wrong though I am all about saving money. However, we lose precious time and energy in our businesses when we do the same thing I am describing here with my home improvements. Often, people take a somewhat cavalier attitude to heavy lifting in the work place. By heavy lifting I am not speaking of 100 to 200 pounds but rather more like 10 to 20 Tons. When this amount of weight is taken for granted, and what this amount of weight can do to equipment and what the end result may be if load ratings are not calculated properly, people can get hurt and equipment will suffer damage. Many times I have seen professional engineers cross reference load rating capacities for steel I-beams used for building construction into an application for overhead crane lifting of major weight capacities. This can be quite haphazard and dangerous. A moving and/or un-equal load has a much different effect on flexible I-beams in a lifting situation over a building construction situation; where the steel is braced and tied in with other beams. One must ask the question, over time will the hardness of the I-beam wear and become weak, and the answer is yes the I-beam does have a tendency to peen over time with severe force loads on trolley wheels, particularly in high load capacities.
Recently, I visited a client that was facing this same situation. They had an exceptional amount of weight to be lifted. Although the lift would not be very high or travel very long and would not be performed over an extended period of time. My client asked me to have a look at the proposed lift plan as this person is very intelligent and thoughtful in all that they do, however; they were relying on information from others, that were not professional crane builders, and merely wanted a second opinion. First, they were in the process of constructing the crane themselves which I explained, in that case they take on the full liability of the success or failure of the design. My first reaction was to consult my, Gorbel Crane Brain (trademark name), this tool has been built by the best minds in the industry and is available for us in the field to design and build a safe working overhead crane. While the weight capacity exceeded the limits of a Gorbel crane we turned the engineers at Cleveland Tramrail (a Gorbel subsidiary), who support crane capacities exceeding 2 tons. I explained to my client the truth in the matter, that while other engineers may be able to cross reference steel charts, the engineers that we work with at Gorbel make the process easy and foolproof. Cleveland Tramrail designs and builds cranes using the age old and trusted patent track rail. If you are not sure what the difference is between regular I-beam and patent track Click below: https://www.gorbel.com/resources/products/bridgecranes/tarca/documents/CTbrochure.pdf
We enter the pertinent dimensions and let them take over the design. Once the crane builders at Gorbel/ Cleveland Tramrail design a system you can rest assured that it will be safe and secure. Consolidated will install your custom built system or you can install it yourself, if you have the time and capability.
So again the old adage is, if your toilet is broken hire a plumber or if your car is broken hire a mechanic, but most importantly if you need a crane system designed and built call Consolidated we can help. You will thank yourself later. While age old wisdom takes a back seat in today’s world some advice is still true regardless.
All the best,
John Raulerson

• Gorbel, Cleveland Tramrail & CraneBrain are all registered Trademarks of Gorbel, Inc. and their subsidiaries.
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