There are many different types of overhead cranes. This is why buying the right one for your factory, workshop or warehouse is a matter of careful research and in-depth comparison of multiple options. Here’s where to look for when shopping around for a single girder overhead crane and how to maximize your chances to make a great purchase.
The technical specifications(especificaciones técnicas) should always come first. You have to know the size of your available space, the maximum load you’ll want to transport, the moving speed of the machine and the type of materials you’ll want to use it for. All these should help you identify the right type of device to purchase. In addition, you should know that there’s a big difference between cranes designed to work indoor and the ones designed to serve naval yards or other such outdoor facilities. The type of paint and the materials are different, so make sure you choose the right equipment for your intended use.
Once you know what you need, you should search the web to seek for manufacturers of heavy lifting and hoisting equipment. You can use a search engine and check out as many websites as you can. If you want to move a bit faster, consider searching within global marketplaces and industrial directories such as AliBaba, Aliexpress, and Indiamart. All these web portals are home to lots of companies that sell just about any type of overhead crane you can think of. Your task will be to ensure that you buy your equipment from a reliable company. Ask all companies on your shortlist for proof of their quality certifications. Also, make sure that the equipment they sell is fully compliant with your local health and safety laws(leyes de salud y seguridad). Different countries have different sets of health and safety rules, so you should always check whether you’ll be allowed to use the machine in your state.
Last but not least, ask for at least three different quotes before making your purchasing decision. The biggest advantage of using virtual marketplaces is that you can automatically generate comparison tables by selecting a specific number of similar items of machines. While this won’t provide you with an accurate cost estimate, it will surely allow you to know at a glance what kind of budget you’re going to need. You’ll find it much easier to put together a shortlist of three or four providers to ask for cost estimates and installation timings. When you make your choice, avoid going directly for the lowest price. Rather try to compare all their pros and cons, in order to see which one best suits your specific situation. If, for instance, you’d rather buy a low maintenance machine, you may prefer to choose a more expensive offer. Also, post-sales services can make a huge difference to your experience with the crane(experiencia con la grúa). Having a team of engineers always ready to help you on a very short notice could help you reduce downtime, in order to be able to stick to your agreed schedules.