Lifting equipment suppliers all have their own specialisms. Reliable suppliers of overhead cranes can be hard to come by in the UK and if you find one, you will often keep going back to them for life, for all of your lifting equipment requirements. This is because a reliable crane supplier will do so much more than just supplying the equipment – they will offer advice, tell you about newly available cranes, ensure you get value for money, supply excellent brands, and will go above and beyond to keep you as a customer. If you can find an overhead crane supplier that goes the extra mile, they are worth keeping on speed dial for the rest of your career in construction as they will provide an invaluable service to you.
Overhead cranes are very specialist pieces of equipment and not all suppliers of lifting equipment will be able to offer you the same kind of quality across the board. Primarily, experience is one of the defining factors that will set good suppliers apart. While cranes have changed over the years, somebody who has been in the industry a long time and has witnessed these changes first hand, so that they know what a quality crane comprises and what present day customers will be looking for, is an invaluable asset for a crane supply company. Looking at the length of time the company has been in business and the collective years of experience will be telling.
Overhead cranes, which might also be known as bridge cranes, are usually used in industrial environments, with parallel runways and travelling bridges. They might also have legs that support the bridge, in which case they are a gantry crane – another type of overhead crane. There are various types of overhead cranes that can be used in a wide variety of industrial environments and that can transport enormous loads; they need to be well maintained, high quality, from a good brand, and generally up to the important job of lifting these kinds of loads. This is why a reliable supplier is essential.
Indicators of a reliable overhead crane supplier
- Able to offer advice and happy to discuss various overhead cranes with you
- Has a range of cranes available from various manufacturers
- Offers second hand overhead cranes that come with all certificates and paperwork
- Can assemble cranes and arrange specialist shipping – this shows they know what they are doing
- Offer operator training and can clearly show their knowledge in the field
- Offer servicing and regular maintenance of overhead cranes and lifting equipment systems
- Ensure all cranes come with necessary paperwork
What else will you need to consider in addition to overhead cranes?
There are various other mechanisms, components and parts that will need to be used alongside overhead cranes to operate them as intended. These are some of the other things you will need to consider, and potentially invest in if you do not already have them on site:
- Electric wire hoists
- Electric chain hoists
- Lifting slings
- Operator safety equipment