Assembly Line Solutions

Assembly lines have come a long way since the days of "I Love Lucy." There are many products that improve work efficiency, including the use of spring balancers.

The advantage of using ENDO spring balancers on your assembly line are that they support heavy tools with cable tension equal to the weight of the suspended tools which makes them seem virtually “weightless”.  As the tool is repositioned, the balancer extends or retracts the support cable to follow the tool’s movements. Constant tension on the cable is accomplished with a spring motor and a tapered drum. The assembler has the flexibility to reposition the tool, while experiencing comfortable operation and less fatigue.

There are many types of spring balancers on the market including Long Stroke Balancers, designed for high ceiling applications, “ECO” Balancers, designed for the food industry, Clean Room Balancers, for use in industries of pharmaceuticals and electronics where there are environmentally sensitive components, Air Tool Balancers, and “Zero Gravity” Balancers.

Load capacity guidelines for using spring balancers are to use the size that is comparable to the upper end of the capacity range. For example, if lifting a total weight of 10.5 lbs, use a balancer that has capacities up to 11 lbs. versus one that has capacities of up to 19.8 lbs.

The solutions we deliver for your applications are based on your specific requirements. You can count on WiscoLift to find the perfect solution to meet your jobsite requirements. For more information, call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477.

#OEM #SpringBalancing  #ENDOSpringBalancers  #assemblyline

Oil Free Hoists Succeed in Food Processing Industry

In the food processing industry, sanitary conditions are mandatory by the FDA. Food grade hoists offer benefits over regular industry hoists.

Harrington’s AL Series Ex certified spark resistant and lube free air hoists can operate without air supply lubrication and leaves the surrounding area free from oil mist from the air exhaust. These hoists are suitable for applications where a clean environment is necessary, in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Features:

• Capacities from ¼ through 5 Ton
• Pendant, cord, or twist rod control
• Heavy-duty disc brake
• Reliable vane motor
• Zinc-plated, blue-chromated load chain
• Planetary gearing system

Harrington’s AW Series Ex certified spark resistant hoist is intended for use in humid and outdoor environments where equipment must be washed down frequently.

Features:

• Capacities from ½ through 1 Ton
• Pendant, cord, or twist rod control
• Unpainted aluminum body
• Stainless steel and electro-plated external components
• Gear box and chain lubricants comply with FDA standards

Do you need more information on Food Grade Hoists? Our Sales Representative can assist you with your specific industry needs at 800-242-3477 or smartlift@wiscolift.com.

#foodhoists  #oilfreehoists  #foodindustryhoists 

Lifting Loads at an Angle Could Prove Disastrous

Many accidents are caused as a result of exceeding the rated load capacity. When using machinery eye bolts for example, the rated load capacity is reduced significantly due to lifting at an angle.  Swivel hoist rings stay at 100% of stated capacity at virtually any angle. 

In order to achieve 100% capacity, proper installation is required to comply with torque value.

Note: Swivel hoist rings must be sized based on the actual sling tension calculated from the weight of the live load adjusted for the angle of lift.

Types of swivel hoist rings include:

• AISI 4140 Alloy
• Stainless Steel
• Side Pull
• Lifting Ring
• Forged Side Pull
• Speed Base
• Forged Swivel Hoist Ring
• Forged Hoist Ring
• “Mold Handler” Ball Bearing
• Ultra Lifting Ring Ball Bearing

All swivel hoist rings have 360^◦ swivel and 180^◦ pivot, are 100% magnetic particle inspected, certified heat treated, and serialized and proof tested to 200% of working load limit.

For more information on WiscoLift's swivel hoist rings, go to: https://www.wiscolift.com/pages/Swivel-Hoist-Rings.html.

Cost Effective Lifting Solutions

ADJUSTABLE GANTRY CRANE

Do you need a handy and economical way to lift materials on the job? Gorbel’s fixed and adjustable height gantry cranes move freely on wheels around your facility and store easily out of the way when not in use. With spans available up to 30‘ and capacities up to 5 ton, it is an efficient and cost effective lifting solution.

Adjustable and Fixed Gantry Crane Features:

•  Capacities from 1 ton – 5 ton
• Spans from 8ft. – 30ft.
• The Adjustable Gantry is adjustable in 3 ft. increments to provide different lifting heights
• The steel Fixed Gantry has heights from 10’ – 20’
• Easily moved to any location in a facility
• Cost effective for areas with infrequent lifts
• Square tubing uprights, knee braces, and channel base provide for stable lifting and movement
• Bolted beam to upright connection ensures safety
• Molded phenolic casters are standard and provide for easy movement

Prices start at $1,722 for the Steel Fixed Gantry Crane and $2,514 for the
Adjustable Gantry Crane.

Aluminum Gantry Crane Features:

• Capacities from 250 lbs. – 2 ton
• Standard spans up to 20'.
• Height under Boom 7-12' 
• Collapsible for easy storage
• Cost effective for areas with infrequent lifts
• Made from lightweight extruded aluminum for easy lifting 
• Adjustable span and height 
• Collapsible for easy set up and break down

Prices start at $2,251 for the Aluminum Gantry Crane.

NOTE: A wide variety of hoists and trolleys are available and sold separately.

Not sure which Gantry Crane is right for you? Our experienced and knowledgeable crane staff will work with you to find the best overhead handling solution. Call us at 800-242-3477 or visit our website at http://www.wiscolift.com. 


WiscoLift, Inc. is a Nationally Recognized, Top-Tier Gorbel Distributor.

Part II - "I wish we would have seen that coming!"

by Don Cooper, District Manager, WiscoLift, Inc.

The worst part of our job is when we are involved with our customers’ response to a lifting accident. Our customer has purchased the proper hoist and below the hook devices. The weight load is within the working load limit of the lifting equipment. In many cases, the operator has had some level of safe lifting training. Effective training helps people to focus on prevention as the majority of lifting accidents are caused by operator error. We hope that by sharing these occurrences, focus may be increased to help prevent future accidents.

Accident Cases and Recommended
Preventive Measures

• Operator using battery magnet to lift 400 pound piece of steel. Operator did not recharge battery on the magnet. Kicked load with foot to test and then dropped 400 pounds on same foot causing multiple broken bones.  -- Check the charge status of batteries before each use.
• Operator using permanent magnet dropped 500 pound box. Operator did not realize downrating of the magnet when using with a thin material.  -- Always check the capacity chart of the magnet before use and pay particular attention to thickness, shape (flat/round surface), cleanliness, roughness, and length of steel.
• Crane sheet lifter collision with fork truck. Crane operator using personal cell phone while operating a crane.  -- Duh! Cell phones should not be used while operating machinery!
• Operator snags pallet lifter on corner of pallet racking, drops four steel coils on legs.  -- An operator should be constantly aware of his/her surroundings and potential obstructions. Operator should always be walking forward behind the load rather than backwards in front of load.
• Operator decides to decrease amount of touch up painting required by balancing 2000 pound load on tips of hooks. Operator suffered critical head, torso, and leg injuries.-- OSHA 1910.184(c)(6) states, “Slings shall be securely attached to their loads”.
• Back injury. Employee didn't want to use box vacuum lifter provided by company as he felt it was too slow. -- Ergonomic devices are designed to help prevent on-the-job back injuries.
• Operator snags hoist hook. As a result of operating the hoist and not watching hook, he lost his eye.  -- The Operator should always focus on load and hook when operating.
• Pendant button sticks and operator panics rather than pushing power off button on pendant. Drops 8000 pound load almost resulting in fatality.  -- Read the Pendant Control instructions included in the Owner’s Manual before using, and follow all OSHA and manufacturer inspection requirements.
•  Employee twists chain on new chain sling to shorten. Chain failure results in 8000 pound load falling in aisle resulting in a near miss.  – Only properly rated and approved hardware should be used with chain slings. Operator should always inspect before using.
• Crane operator on one side of conveyor lifted product to aisle on other side of conveyor. Due to the height and width of product, operator did not notice coworker in aisle. Coworker was pinned against building column resulting in fatality. -- OSHA 2236 states, “When using aisles and passageways to move materials mechanically, workers must allow sufficient clearance for aisles at loading docks, through doorways, wherever turns must be made, and in other parts of the workplace. Providing sufficient clearance for mechanically-moved materials will prevent workers from being pinned between the equipment and fixtures in the workplace, such as walls, racks, posts, or other machines. Sufficient clearance also will prevent the load from striking an obstruction and falling on an employee”. 

We cannot underestimate the need to implement continued safety training to raise the awareness of all potential lifting accidents. All operators are always to stay clear of suspended loads and follow safe lifting practices at all times.

Are your employee’s using safe lifting practices? For information regarding WiscoLift’s individualized Safe Lifting training program, contact our Sales representative at 800-242-3477.

Part I - "I wish we would have seen that coming!"

That actual quote from our facility manager during a post- accident discussion provides the subject for today's blog. Following are some examples to help prevent a lifting accident in your facility.

Operators not aware of actual working load limit. One accident was caused by an operator lifting a 500 pound load with a 660 pound rated magnet. Unfortunately, where the magnet was placed on the load, the material was only a quarter of inch thick causing an overload condition. As material becomes thinner the actual lifting capacity of a magnet is reduced. Be sure to review the capacity information that accompanied your magnet to help ensure that you make a safe lift.

Product manufactured changes over time. Lifting device designed for axle lifter 15 years before accident. Actual axle assembly had more than tripled in weight. Lifter also had considerable wear from original design.

Misuse of eyebolts. I am aware of multiple accidents caused by improper use of eyebolts. Failure reasons include cross threading, wrong eyebolt, homemade eyebolts, not seating eyebolt against load properly, and overloading eyebolt do to angle pull. Eyebolts are rated based on a straight pull only. Pulling at any angle reduces the lifting capacity.

Loose or missing and stops. Seriously! Electric hoists weighing over 100 pounds falling from beams 12 feet in the air could easily cause a fatality. Two of the cases I'm aware of were caused by operators winching a load from the aisle into a work cell. Training is necessary as we can't assume that every hoist operator is aware that hoists are for vertical lifting only. Operators must be trained on how to inspect their lifting equipment before using.

Sometimes all the right lifting products are in place and catastrophic accidents occur. Part II of the subject will discuss details of mistakes and how to prevent them.

WiscoLift provides hoist and crane inspection for companies in the Greater Wisconsin area. For more information, call 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com. Visit our website at: http://www.wiscolift.com.

#craneliftingaccidents #cranesafety #wiscoliftinspection

WiscoLift Saves Automotive Company Time and Money

WiscoLift frequently receives requests to fabricate special cable assemblies, many times in “emergency” situations.  Here is a recent example:

Mr. Scott Bickley, Owner of Little Wolf Automotive in Waupaca, WI, had a car lift with one broken cable.  This did not result in a complete failure, but the lift was not usable until the cable got replaced.  The car lift manufacturer quoted a 4 week lead time – anybody in this situation would find that unacceptable.

He contacted WiscoLift on a Thursday afternoon with all the necessary information – wire rope diameter and length, end stop information, and dimensions of the threaded stud.  Although we had never fabricated an assembly specifically for a car lift, we were able to fabricate and load test (on our 100 ton horizontal test bed) the replacement assembly in just 2 business days.  To top it off, our price was less than half of the manufacturer’s price!

The customer was so pleased with the price and fast service that he bought us lunch!

Providing our customers with quality pricing and service is what we strive for. If you need a new cable assembly, contact one of our Sales Reps at 800-242-3477 or fill out our Quote Form and we will respond to your request immediately.