The Importance of Load Testing for Cranes
11 December 2017A heavy crane may look cumbersome, but it’s designed to operate as a finely balanced machine. Even when the boom of that heavy lifter hoists its load, the balancing act is maintained thanks to a specially fitted counterweight. So, on following this train of thought, a crane can’t just be certified as load capable. No, before it’s put into service, it has to pass a series of exhaustively governed load tests. What is Crane Load Testing? For the sake of that safety factor, cranes are subjected to a series of weight assessment protocols. If that equipment has been repaired, the […]
Is There a Difference Between a Crane Truck and a Boom Truck?
05 December 2017The overlap between crane trucks and boom trucks can be disorienting. A boom truck can even be a crane truck at times thanks to the versatile construction of the design. Think of it this way: A boom is comparable to the bones in your arm, even down to the articulating characteristics of your elbow. The difference enters the equation at the ‘wrist,’ the point where the working attachment is installed. In the case of a human arm, this termination point is a hand, a five-fingered versatile lifter that’s superior to anything industry can fabricate. Still, we’re getting away from the […]
Metal Fabrication and Structural Steel Fabrication: Is There a Difference?
16 November 2017There are several very real differences between metal fabrication and structural steel fabrication services. Client’s need to know those differences if they’re to select the right service for a looming project. The scale of the work illustrates the first major craft dissimilarity. Imagine the latter discipline using sophisticated tools to process complex metal parts. Structural steelwork operates on a larger scale, a larger-than-life scale that involves incredibly heavy loads. Cracking the Metal Fabrication Question Simply put, we’re describing a process that transforms raw metal into a series of tool-worked metal components. Iron handrails fall under this category, as do the […]
Structural Steel Fabrication and Welding Services in Melbourne: Customising for Accuracy and Quality
08 November 2017Unique engineering projects flourish in and around Melbourne. They form quickly with a steel-inlaid lustre, mesh congenitally with other structures, and deliver a striking appearance. Customised with accurately formed features, only an exceptional structural steel fabrication partner, one who’s also located in Melbourne, can imbue a normally prosaic service with more. Bringing passion to the construction site, Sharp Welding Services stamps this quality-assured seal on every contracted engineering venture. Structural Steel: Expertly Crafted and Customised Metal fabrication methods operate on a two-tier platform. First, before every other consideration, the design is brought to life as a structurally sound construct. The […]
On-site Welding Services – Geelong and Western Melbourne: What are the Benefits?
26 October 2017The Geelong and Western Melbourne district hugs the waters around Port Phillip Bay. City to coast, the region has many connecting roads. They look east across those water and west towards nature reserves. Like any other well-connected city, there are engineering workshops dotting the streets. What about on-site welding services? Well, that’s when the good citizens of Geelong turn to an engineering partner that’s equipped with portable welding solutions. Region-Specific Portable Welding The Sharp Welding and Crane Hire team have worked hard to develop enduring relationships in and around Western Melbourne. After all, pipes need a reliable on-site welding service […]
Competitive Rates and other Factors to Consider for Crane Truck Hire
02 October 2017Mobile crane trucks, typically used on construction and freight operations, are designed to lift and transport materials and heavy loads using the extended, hooked, skeletal / latticed arm mounted on the bed of a truck. They are often used to move pallets, crates, and other materials. They may or may not be stabilized by outriggers. Crane Types, Lift Capacities, Stretch Mobile Pick and Carry (Franna) cranes are easier to set up, have no outriggers, and have a stretch of approximately 6m. to 19m., and lift capacity of 10 to 20 tonnes. These are typically the most popular for hire. Hydraulic […]
Crane Hire in Melbourne: Why Should Crane Maximum Reach Be Calculated Properly?
29 September 2017A properly quantified crane maximum reach rating supersedes almost every other parameter on a mobile crane’s datasheet. Perhaps that’s because this essential spec cuts to the core of a risk management scenario when other lift features complicate the issue. At any rate, crane max reach is a calculated attribute, one that outweighs other dimensional and operational specs. Here’s the rationale that gives this calculation its prominent standing. What is Crane Maximum Reach? Basically, this calculated value refers to the boom’s safe operational radius. In metres or feet, the reach limitation protects the crane from toppling or becoming unstable. In an […]
Proper Crane Set-Up and Inspection
18 September 2017Safety-aware crane setup procedures produce incident-free lifts. What does that preparation work entail? A perfectly maintained crane is certainly a must. Of course, a truly diligent setup policy begins before the lifting gear arrives on site. We’re referring to terrain inspection, ground compacting, and all the other steps that create a safe operational environment. Beginning with staging area awareness, let’s establish a sound set-up and inspection strategy. Spatial Awareness A navigable route kicks off our preparation work. This is an irregularly shaped vehicle, so its path to the site must be mapped out by the driver. Low bridges should obviously […]
Characteristics of Good Quality Crane Trucks
30 August 2017Seeking out a crane truck hiring company with a peerless reputation is a daunting task, a prospect that’s made that much harder by determining the primary resource of the company. While the operator of this workhorse vehicle is certainly a candidate for this principal role, it’s actually the crane truck itself that earns this status. Now, you can gauge the reputation of the company and any prospective operators by drawing on your own judgment, or even go deeper and research the company. Use online reviews and local opinion to support that judgment call, but, as for vehicle worthiness, you must […]
What is Structural Steel?
20 July 2017Like the building blocks we see children using, structural steel is a building resource that comes together piece by piece. Unlike those juvenile toys, however, these load bearing parts are massive. That unwieldy size factor demands heavy duty lifting gear, so expect a crane or two when the frame is being erected. Besides the need for a crane, though, what exactly is structural steel? Durable Construction Backbone Above all else, the material is forged and heat treated to accommodate this function. After all, buildings rise by multiple levels, they’re designed to last for many decades, and their hardened frames even […]
The Role of Crane Truck Rental Companies in Building a Better Tomorrow
15 July 2017It’s unlikely that crane truck rental companies will ever be accused of having tunnel vision, not when they’re shrewdly shepherding us into a better tomorrow. No, these far-seeing lift managers are trained to anticipate future lifting needs. Are crystal balls involved in this forecasting magic? No, only an ability to interpret future lift expectations, beginning with the structural steel market. Structural Steel Erections Established construction methods are receiving something of a makeover. This is the age of the prefabricated steel structure, a building format that exists to accelerate standard construction processes. Assembled in controlled workshop environments, prefabricated frame sections and […]
Welding and Crane Rental for Hire in Melbourne
30 June 2017What is it that places Sharp Crane Hire head and shoulders above their competitors? We’re not about to be humble, so we have an immediate and unconditional answer to that question. It’s the ability to work safely and productively at heights that are literally head and shoulders, many times over, above the ground of a construction site. Incidentally, in Melbourne, a fast-developing metropolis in the state of Victoria, those construction sites are everywhere. Melbourne Crane and Welding Hire Specialists Although that was an informal opening, it should demonstrate the degree of commitment required to address a citywide array of at-height […]
Crane Rental Services: Why Pricing and Crane Capability Should Go Hand in Hand
30 June 2017There’s nothing arbitrary about crane rental pricing plans. On the contrary, a pricing strategy regulates the crane selection process. Imagine the vehicle’s features as an asset, something that’s coupled with the hiring rate. That fee then increases as the vehicle’s lifting capabilities become more advanced. There’s a correlation effect in evidence here, one that ties pricing to features, but why is this cost-based strategy such an integral part of the hiring process? Determining Scalability Larger fleet members are reinforced with stronger alloys. They use their massive frames to access tall structures and shift otherwise unmanageable payloads. It’s bulk and brawn […]
Most Common Crane Accessories
09 June 2017A mobile crane is an invaluable resource, a piece of equipment that many contractors can’t live without. Crane accessories extend and augment that usability factor by adding invaluable features. Stored on the crane or carried in an accompanying work truck, the purpose of some of this travelling mechanical paraphernalia isn’t always obvious at first sight. Puzzled looks fade away, though, when we explain the functions behind the most common crane accessories. Fitting a Cage Attachment We’ve all leant against these square cages when they’re lined up outside the workshop. But metal frames aren’t designed to provide back support. No, these […]
The Importance of Choosing the Right Crane Lifting Attachment for Your Loads
29 May 2017Tragically, an efficient hoist operation can fail even when all the hydraulic power and all the frame rigidity in the world is driving the lift. The operator is trained and well-versed in the crane’s capabilities. Likewise, the mechanical components are labouring well, meshing efficiently, and all is well. Unfortunately, there’s a question mark sitting on top of the crane lifting attachment. If everything else is optimally configured, is there a problem with that hoisting attachment? The Right Attachment for the Right Load Again, the best branded parts, all perfectly maintained, may have been selected, but the industrious loading team is […]
Differences between Electric Arc, MIG, TIG and Oxy Welding Equipment
17 May 2017Beware of welding equipment differences. There are major differences in the way these heat inducing tools operate and in the principles that enable these dangerous rigs to function, so don’t even consider welding unless you know how a particular method works. Generally, we’ll be looking at Electric Arc, MIG, TIG, and Oxy Welding equipment during the course of today’s discussion, so let’s get going. Electric Arc Welding As the first word in the engineering term suggests, this type of welding gear uses electricity to create a spark. A chunky housing occupied by a massive electrical transformer sits by the side […]
The Importance of Welding Inspection and Maintenance on Pipe Projects
28 April 2017Heat treated pipes are rolled and welded. They’re even pressure-rated, certified as being able to reliably handle a specified fluid. Weld technology binds the sections together. It also creates the all-important joints for pipeline flanges. Every one of these welds is a potential weak spot on a pipe project, a possible chink in the armoured line that could cause a catastrophic leak. Welding inspections and maintenance procedures exist to detect such fabrication flaws. Stressing the Importance of Weld Inspection A number of non-destructive techniques dominate pipe project welding examinations. There are X-Ray tests, ultrasonic tests, and other surface-penetrating instruments. They […]
All Terrain Slewing Mobile Crane for Rent: Common Features and Functions
19 April 2017All-terrain slewing cranes provide many tempting lift benefits. First of all, the mobile chassis can go anywhere and reach any staging point. It then settles down on that rough piece of land to deliver far-reaching boom coverage, a feature that sweeps through all 360° of the compass. Built to adapt to any working environment, this is obviously a feature-rich lifter, an off-roadster that’s intended as the crown jewel of any rental fleet. All-Slewing Features As discussed in a previous article (The Differences Between Slewing and Non-Slewing Mobile Cranes), this omnidirectional lifter is equipped with a rotating turntable. The steel arm of the […]
Factors that Affect Crane Weakness and Why Preventive Maintenance is Necessary
29 March 2017Massive alloyed parts form super-dense crane backbones. Admittedly, cranes are rated to carry such unwieldy cargos, so they’re built out of forged carbon steel materials, base parts that are heat treated to ensure indefatigable strength. Still, regular usage problems arise, as do the accidents that undermine this durable backbone. Here’s a chance to question the factors that affect crane weakness so that a preventative maintenance strategy gains focus. Analysing Causative Factors An unused crane retains its structural strength forever. However, what’s the point of hiring a crane if it’s not gainfully employed? As it’s put to work, stresses are placed […]
The Importance of Occupational Health and Safety Standards in Construction
23 March 2017Employers have the responsibility to keep their employees safe on the job each day. Nowhere is this as important as it is in the construction industry. Construction sites are full of hazards that can cause serious injuries and illnesses when the construction company does not adhere to certain occupational health and safety standards. In fact, construction companies need to set up their own plan that includes all the regulations of their local state or territory to ensure that they are in compliance at all times. By doing so, they prevent risk of site lock downs, fines and possible lawsuits from […]
Benefits of Onsite Welding in Managing Construction and Industrial Projects
22 February 2017As the late afternoon sun drops low, signs of a welding operation can be spotted. A momentary flash is lighting up a small section of the construction site. This is the onsite welder, an expert structural steel worker who’s hell-bent on producing a first-rate part’s join. Based on a best-of-both-worlds approach, there are many advantages to this mobile welding method, beginning with the logistics factor. A Logistics-Based Construction Asset The structural beams and plates are machined and ready for further processing, but not a welder is available. There’s no time to leave this space-consuming bundle laying around. It needs to […]
The Use of Structural Steel for Building Projects and Choose Only The Best Steel Fabricators
14 February 2017Decorative accents are essential parts of a building. Likewise, the outer facade and its glass windows underscore the structure’s purpose while delineating its identity. Still, the use of structural steel in a building project dominates all of these structural design features. The tough alloy acts as the very backbone of the structure, after all, so its framework must be correctly fabricated, installed, and inspected, above all else. Choose the Best If a facade panel is made from a substandard building material, the cracks and crumbling edges detract from the overall looks of the building. An expensive remodeling project is likely […]
Why Sharp Crane Hire Gives Reliable and Flexible Service in Crane Rentals
31 January 2017A rock-solid, expertly managed reliability factor rates higher than any other feature, according to our Sharp Crane Hire experts. That trait then partners equitably with a flexible service strategy to form a single unconditional safety metric, one that forms the core of our competence-based services. Mostly, we’re referring to the heavy equipment, but a flexible service provider also needs to scrutinize every other service aspect, beginning with a sound maintenance program. The Crane Hire Difference That dependability rating doesn’t appear out of thin air, nor does it magically materialize when a coin is tossed. Hard work keeps the heavy machinery […]
Differences between Slewing and Non Slewing Mobile Cranes
18 January 2017In crane movement terms, a slewing crane lifts its load, suspends that load in mid-air, and then rotates it via a boom rotating mechanism. Non-slewing cranes, on the other hand, lack a rotating base section. Hold that major difference in mind as we see how it affects slewing and non-slewing mobile cranes, for their compact outlines must adjust to accommodate these differences. Mobile Non-Slewing Cranes Don’t Incorporate Rotating Joints This primary difference complements a typically mobile profile. The permanent articulation joint raises a load and repositions the load elsewhere, but only when the mobile truck employs its drive section. Slew […]