Points To Consider Before Buying A Used Overhead Crane

As the Global Economic tends to get back its momentum, more investments are expected from manufacturing companies. Even if there have been noteworthy improvements in the Indian Economy, most companies are still looking to cutting the operating cost, especially when it involves investments in cranes. 

These days a lot of businesses prefer to purchase used items rather than new items. It comes with numerous benefits, and the best part is, it will not hamper your budget. You can improve your production capability if you buy new items such as CNC machines, forklifts, lathes, machine presses, or mills. It will be beneficial from every aspect. For instance, it will enhance your production efficiencies, increase growth opportunities, and enhance product design.

If you have limitations in your budget, buying used equipment pieces is your ideal choice. Besides, if you are thinking of cost-cutting, you can take this step. However, there is a significant factor that you must consider before making your decision. You may find it hard to retrofit the overhead crane from one application to another.

The question that comes up in this context is whether it makes sense to invest in the used overhead crane. Investing in such a mechanism fetch a plethora of benefits to a business. However, you cannot ignore the challenges related to safety and security. An Overhead Crane involves a significant upfront investment. However, at a later stage, the buying and installation of an appropriate system require specific crucial points to be kept in mind. Your objective should be to reduce the cost of buying and installing the system and keep down the cost of maintaining and repairing the system. 

Thus, investment in a used crane can prove worthy if you make the purchase decision with adequate consideration. Most importantly, you should ensure that the system features foolproof safety and security so that your workforce can operate with the system without standing any risks and threats. 

Compared to the used overhead crane, you can easily retrofit a used jib crane, gantry crane, and workstation crane. You can place them in small shops for light-duty work. Nevertheless, gantry cranes and bridge cranes need accurate engineering. You may have to face several challenges. It will be hard for you to find a compatible crane. So, here are some points that you have to make sure of while looking for the crane.

• The crane must match the original application's duty cycle in case of a lifting application.
• The crane should be able to get installed within the building's existing structure and support.
• It must be compatible with lift height, span, and your building's runaway requirements.
• It must meet the current safety codes and industrial design standards (CMAA, ASME, OSHA, IS etc.).

The critical areas of care while buying a used crane

You must manage time to conduct a physical inspection of the used crane before you invest in it. It demands you approach the case with adequate planning and preparation. Following are the key points that demand your attention in these instances: 

You need to be sure about your needs and consider the suitability of a crane with your needs. You will find lots of options while looking for a used crane. All these alternatives come with their respective features. Thus, it is essential to consider the one that best fits your needs. You should start looking for a used crane, only after having a precise idea about your needs. Consequently, you should pick the one that can serve your purpose in the most relevant manner. 

1. Crane Design Category
2. Total Operating Hours
3. Past Service Records
4. Availability of spares and parts
5. Cost of repair and maintenance 

If you are thinking to invest in a Used Overhead Crane, you need to consider the below-mentioned aspects.

• Crane Design Category: The Crane Category is one of the most important points to be considered before evaluating other options. Whether the crane will be suitable for the required application or not? A maintenance crane can not be used as a process crane, so the design category of the crane shall be considered as a first step
• Total operating hours: As it holds for all other machines, a crane comes with its inherent lifetime. (Learn more about the design life of hoists and cranes). Therefore, before buying a used crane, you must consider the total operating hours the crane has operated. If you find that the crane has already operated close to its possible lifetime, it hardly makes sense to invest in the crane.
• Past Service Records: The history of past services is also one of the most crucial aspects to consider. To ensure that you invest in a worthy used crane, ensure that you invest in a machine that has undergone regular and appropriate maintenance schedules. It ensures that you get back the best value in return for your investment in the used crane. As a general guide in this regard, you must focus on buying used cranes that comply with the OSH Accreditation guideline. It ensures that you invest in a flexible, efficient crane and comes safe to the workforce.  
• Availability of spares and parts: The crane will have wear and tear in the course of operation. Thus, you will need to replace the spares and parts from time to time. Therefore, before you invest in a used crane, please check its spares and parts' availability.
• Cost of repair and maintenance: Another primary consideration involves the cost requirement of repair and maintenance services. You should invest in the used cranes for which you need the minimum repair and maintenance, and the cost involved is within reasonable rates. Thus, you can keep operating with the used cranes without getting into any challenges to arrange for the repair and maintenance services or burning out your pocket for the extravagant cost involved. 

The critical potential issues to consider 

To confirm that you get the best value from the used crane, you need to consider the following points: 

• Crane structure is free from any dents, rusting or any kind of cracks.
• Does the gearbox make too much sound?
• Does the crane require upgradation?
• Check if the crane misses some of its parts and spares. 
• Does the crane produce some strange behavior in the course of operation? 
• Check if the crane has undergone adequate maintenance schedules. 

From where should you buy used overhead cranes?

If you are thinking of purchasing a used overhead crane, you must know about the places from where you can buy them. We would suggest you research a bit as it will help you to make the right choice. You will get numerous options, and you have to choose the best amongst them. Here is the list of some places from where you can buy hoisting equipment or overhead cranes.

• You can visit the brokers of used industrial machinery.
• You can take a look at salvage yards or scrap.
• If you find a heavy machine or equipment auctions, you may take a chance of buying your lifting equipment from there.

Things to consider before buying used overhead crane equipment

Before you buy overhead crane equipment, you have kept some points in mind. The broker must allow you to visit the site to check the items and make your decision according to them. The best option for you is to hire a third-party expert who can inspect the equipment pieces on your behalf. Plus, you should find a reliable and trustworthy company. They must have great work ethics and honesty. Don't forget to check the online reviews as they are essential.

You have to choose a company that conducts regular inspections of the received items. They should also refurbish the equipment before selling it to their customers. Plus, they should tell you everything about the condition before selling. There should be no confusion regarding the working condition. Also, they have to mention in case the crane is missing something. Before you make your purchase, you have to comprehend some points such as:

• Age of the crane system: If you find out that it is at its end of the service life, don't invest in it. It will be a bad investment. You have to spend a lot of time and money on its repair and maintenance. Maybe, you have to maintain it frequently.

• All the main components: Before buying, try to fathom whether they are selling significant components along with the cranes or not. For example, you should check for the trolley, bridge, hoist, and end trucks. Also, don't forget to look for the support beam and runway fabricated system.

• Know about the duty cycle: Knowing the duty cycle is essential. Your broker may have all the information regarding the crane system. Hence, get an idea about the duty cycle from them.

• Working condition: Working conditions are essential. If the mechanical and electrical systems are not up to the mark, you must deter yourself from buying them. They may cause additional hazards to your system.

• Get the maintenance record: It is identical to buying a car. Before buying a car, all of us check its maintenance history. Therefore, look for the maintenance record from the previous owner. You have to make sure that it is compatible with manufacturer and industry standards.

We suggest you opt for an equipment broker. It will be your best choice if you are buying an overhead crane. You may not get the chance to inspect the equipment if you buy it online or from an auction.

Buying a Used Overhead Crane involves an extravagant investment. You cannot afford to put your resources on items that are not worthy of your money, so you should consider investing in a used crane if it is in the perfect operational state and has undergone an adequate maintenance schedule. You must give detailed attention to all the points stated above so that you never experience hardships in operating with the crane at a later stage. Such a worthy used crane will enable you to operate with optimum efficiency and productivity. 

So, these are the things that you have to keep in consideration if you have plans to buy a used overhead crane. Going through these points will help make the right decision. You have to make sure that the equipment is perfectly functional and suitable for your application. LOADMATE do not recommend buying old winches, electric hoists and jib cranes as it won't make a good difference as compared to the risk involved.