Light Rail & Workstation Cranes

The flexibility and ergonomic safety benefits of Light Rail crane systems have made them one of the fastest growing markets in the material handling industry. A system consists of a runway structure made up of light weight, pre-formed track, normally made into a C shape. The opening of the C is faced downward and the trolleys are made to run on the inside of the “C” with the wheels contacting the flanges of the rail on either side of the opening. The leading manufacturers, CM, Gorbel and Spanco advertise the advantages of their particular products based upon such things as ease of movement, stability, ease of erection, capacity, and cost. Ace has been a leader in this field with hundreds of successful installations in place.We will help you select the correct equipment to suit your needs, and then supply whatever degree of installation help you might require.

Normal maximums are 2 ton capacity and 34 foot bridge span. Runway lengths are unlimited but bridge spans normally stop at 34 feet. These systems most often provide hoist service for machine tools and assembly work stations. They can be easily erected over machinery that is already in place, and later, they can be moved or repositioned if the need arises. An electric chain hoist suspended from a push trolley with a push bridge is the general rule. The beauty of this rail system is the ease of positioning by hand. The force required is much less than that required for a standard structural beam system and is usually well within ergonomic guidelines for repetitive sustainable work conditions. Most systems are free standing, but ceiling supported is also available.

Mixed capacity bridges can be provided for the same runway as long as loading is verified by engineering for the specific application involved.

Stick by the “minimum rule”. Keep capacities to a minimum, keep bridge lengths to a minimum, and keep maximum hook heights to a minimum. Besides extra cost considerations, the reason for this is to keep dead weight down, thereby enhancing positioning by hand. Maximum hook height should normally be kept at less than 14 feet for load positioning and control.

A 6” concrete floor is normally all that is required. One of our most popular systems requires no bracing of support columns to building steel and even meets California Seismic specifications. Ceiling mounted systems require a building with adequate overhead structure to suspend the crane.

These systems can be fully motorized but this is rarely necessary except in higher capacities, or when the worker cannot position the load due to the presence of an obstruction or hazard such as encountered over a machine, pit, or other inaccessible area.

Systems come complete with everything to complete most applications. Included are runway structure, runway rails, bridge, trolley, festoon electrification for the bridge and runway, hardware and anchor bolts. Standard color depends on the manufacturer. Bridges are normally yellow and runways blue or yellow.

Call Ace today for assistance in determining the correct light rail system complete with hoist and electrification. We will be glad to provide your choice of, components only, or an installed, turn-key system. We recommend installation by our own experienced crews to insure you of the best quality, lowest cost, finished job.