installations & modernizations

Time to upgrade or
install a new crane?

If your facility is ready for new overhead lifting equipment or improvements to an existing crane, an Ace technical team is here to help! Installation and modernization projects vary in size and complexity. Whether a project involves a 1 ton or an 800 ton crane, Ace has the technical experience and resources for the job. Our qualified, trained staff is committed to making your installation or modernization experience timely, safe and worry-free.

Ace has installed and upgraded many thousands of overhead cranes over the years, developing strong relationships with our customers, earning their trust, confidence and repeat business and we look forward to serving you, too! When consulting with our customers, realistic budget estimates that factor “what it will take to do the job right” is one of our primary goals.

Although our operations are coast-to-coast, Ace is ultimately a family-owned business and we maintain a non-corporate attitude, providing friendly, personalized services to all our customers, big and small.

Let us know how we can outfit your facility!

ACE INSTALLATIONS

At Ace, we’re not just leaders in the industry for building cranes, we’re leaders when it comes to installing them as well! Backed by years of field experience, Ace has been the trusted service provider of choice for discerning business owners like you when it comes to expert crane and hoist installations.

Correct installation by a trained professional conforming to OSHA, ANSI and CMAA regulations is essential for your crane operators’ safety and the efficiency of your equipment. Ace provides top qualified teams of technicians and the necessary equipment to get your crane up and running smoothly within your timeline and production requirements. From single and double girder bridge cranes, jib cranes, hoists, runways and more, our experienced service personnel come prepared, on-time and with the goal of making your installation as seamless to your workflow as possible. Schedule or talk to an Ace representative today about installing your next crane! (800) 733-2231

ACE MODERNIZATIONS

Overhead cranes are robust machines that generally enjoy a long lifespan. They can be an integral part of a business’ production, and companies depend on them to work hard processing or moving materials. Whether they are used every day, all day, or only periodically, over time, components or parts will wear down, and you must decide on the most cost-worthy or efficient approach to replace or update them. Ace can help with our highly specialized Modernization team. Our team’s reputation is built on leadership with over 60 years of total experience in the field. Our team is equipped with the right tools for the job and an unparalleled technical skill set, second to none.

It’s essential to know and understand a customer’s production processes so you can avoid pitfalls and save time when it comes to design and planning, not just of the chosen components but also the installation itself as it relates to working around production needs. Because Ace has experience with a wide range of industrial customer environments, our technical team is knowledgeable about your process before we even meet you! This makes it easier to anticipate what it will take to do the job right. We try our best to listen and understand our customer’s vision and expectations.

Ace always follows CMAA, ANSI, and OSHA regulations on all of our repairs, modernization projects and new installations. We have select, qualified individuals look at what needs to be done for any one project and refer to our engineering department on changes that differ from the original OEM components.

Literally every component of a crane can be modernized or upgraded to a certain extent. Hoists, electrical controls, motors, end trucks, bridge drive units, festoon systems, even girders! Is your crane’s OEM manufacturer no longer supporting your crane parts or components? Have you increased production rates and grown into the need for a crane with an increased duty cycle and/or capacity? Upgrade an outdated overhead crane with modern structural components, crane modifications, controls, and more. For a consultation regarding your modernization needs, contact an Ace mod specialist who can answer your questions at (800) 733-2231.

Ace always follows CMAA, ANSI, and OSHA regulations on all of our repairs, modernization projects and new installations. We have select, qualified individuals look at what needs to be done for any one project and refer to our engineering department on changes that differ from the original OEM components.

ENERGY PRODUCTION CASE STUDY

Hoist Updates on Hydropower Intake Towers

Due to their demonstrated skill and engineering capabilities, the Ace mod team was selected by a premier international engineering firm to update the hoists on a hydropower energy customer’s intake towers on Jocassee Lake dam, South Carolina. Ace partnered with hoist manufacturer IMS to build the main 120 ton hoist, responsible for lifting and lowering the drain plug that blocks water coming through the intake. Another IMS polar crane with a 20 ton hoist sits on top of the unit to stop water flow entirely for cases when it might be necessary to dry out a unit.

Both newly installed hoists are equipped with walkways, handrails, and radio controls to operate from ground level and custom-made stainless steel electrical panel cabinets. The 120 ton hoist was upgraded to a gearbox that allows for manual operation so that lowering and lifting of the plug can be achieved without the use of power when needed.

The project took seven days (and evenings) from start to finish, with Ace expert technicians joining the efforts from Louisiana, Alabama, and North Carolina branches.

PULP & PAPER CASE STUDY

Process Crane Capacity Upgrade

In the Fall of 2020, a pulp and paper customer hired Ace to fix a hoist on a wood yard stacker. The original hoist was an SWF, German engineered in the 1980s and used daN (Force Newtons) which gauges line pull force instead of stating a lifting capacity.

The customer had had some issues with gearbox and hoist wire rope failures on their stackers in the past. The hoist wire rope holds up the Stacker and Reclaimer conveyors on one end of the boom of this equipment, and it’s hinged on the opposite end, much like a draw bridge raising and lowering. Any deterioration to that system can create catastrophic damage if anything falls from that height and lands on the equipment below.

In this case, after some engineering upfront, the Ace team found that the original hoist was undersized by today’s standards and had the wrong wire rope in place. Ace replaced the hoist with a new IMS unit complete with Magnetek VFD drives containing snap shaft software for failure detection and a drum caliper brake. If a gear fails in the gearbox, it will be detected, and the brake will close and not allow the drum to turn. They also integrated the new hoist controls with the existing PLC controls with the help of one of our engineering partners.

This improved system should also give the customer the security of redundant safety, preventing catastrophic failure in the future. The customer is happy because Ace exceeded expectations and finished up the project early, and the Ace team is satisfied with the craftsmanship they pride themselves on. The new hoist both operates well and looks great!