Factory expansion features new cranes

Mining Machinery Developments (MMD) is undertaken a multi-million pound factory expansion featuring new cranes from UK-based Street Crane, it was announced earlier this month. A mix of overhead travelling and jib cranes provides a flexible system for efficient and reliable lifting, handling and production flow that can be easily adapted to meet future expansion, Street Crane stated.

Two new bays have been added to MMD's factory for the manufacture of heavy fabrications. Three 20t overhead cranes in each bay run on full-length freestanding 60m gantries. The cranes will be used for offloading vehicles and advancing product through the various stages of production. Having adequate range in the production area ensures optimum levels of productivity as the highly skilled workforce do not have to wait for cranes to become available, the company added.

The cranes are double girder box beam design and feature infra-red anti-collision systems so they can safely operate on the same track. For heavier lifts of up to 40t, they may be used in tandem and weight distributed by a spreader beam.

The new bays are also equipped with 10 1 ton jib cranes, with seven units in one bay and three in the adjoining bay. Each one supports a workstation manned by two welders or platers. The slewing jib cranes are attached to the gantry legs with fittings that can be dismantled, enabling the jibs to be readily re-located as production needs change.

Within the original factory buildings, where the sizing machines are assembled, Street Crane has installed two double girder cranes of 50t and one of 25t. One of the larger units has an auxiliary 15t hoist to give greater materials handling flexibility.

The 20t overhead cranes feature hoists from Street's ZX series. An advanced specification hoist designed for reliability and ease of maintenance, the ZX offers true vertical lift and placement. The 50t cranes feature custom built hoists from Street's VX series. These heavy duty hoists also offer vertical lift to safeguard product from lateral movement and assure greater safety. The one tonne jib cranes all use chain hoists from the company's LX series.

For maximum freedom each overhead crane is operated by radio controlled push button hand held remote. This allows the operator to choose a working location that maximises personal safety and with best visibility. A standby push-button pendant is also provided for back up.