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Over the last few years, the manufacturing sector for smaller-load handling cranes of under a ton has experienced some extremely dynamic development.
Loads weighing under a ton are handled in practically every logistics process, and lightweight crane systems are helping operators optimise handling speeds in the face of increasing pressures of supply that are demanding facilities to increase their handling efficiency.
In warehouses and forwarders, where the goods moved are predominantly toward the lower end of the lifting capacity range, the need is for manually operated crane systems for rapid handling. Responsive lifting aids are also indispensable in production and assembly processes. “Schmalz lifting solutions cover the entire range. We see major potential for aluminium crane systems in the automobile industry, for instance, a sector that tends to lead in ergonomic workplace designs,” explains Malan Bosman, Products Manager – Pneumatics, Tectra Automation.
Workplace ergonomics are becoming more and more critical as worker health and safety continues to grow in importance. In logistics facilities in particular, where workers have traditionally been exposed to heavy loads requiring fast and frequent movement, ergonomic goods handling is seen as paramount in reducing the physical demands of traditional handling and in providing health-oriented facilities. Ergonomics don’t just improve worker safety, by reducing worker fatigue they increase productivity and motivation.
Cranes – and especially aluminium cranes, which are easy to operate yet highly robust – are playing a vital role here. “The effort required to move the load using aluminium cranes is only around half as much as comparable steel systems,” Malan says. “We achieve this responsiveness by finding the optimum mass-load ratio through individually tailored crane solutions.”
Across the system, the ergonomics of every component have been optimised with a view to maximising handling efficiency. This includes wider roll diameters on the transport trolley system for easier load movement and positioning, and new aluminium profiles with a redesigned vertical support that can withstand greater loads.
Ultimately, the modular nature of these crane systems provides exceptional flexibility in allowing customers to tailor handling solutions to their exact process requirements, and that’s why Schmalz is considered a world leader in handling systems ergonomics.
Image Caption: The modular Schmalz system allows for flexible and low-cost individual crane solutions. Aluminium crane systems are a critical component of ergonomic, safer and more productive item handling.
