crane load shifting work in a manufacturing plant

Crane Work in a Manufacturing Plant – Load Shifting Process

In a manufacturing plant, load shifting with cranes is the process of lifting, moving, and positioning heavy materials, components, or machinery safely and efficiently from one place to another.

⚙️ Purpose of Crane Load Shifting

Moving raw materials to production areas.

Transporting semi-finished or finished products.

Relocating machines or dies during maintenance.

Loading/unloading trucks or containers.

🏗 Types of Cranes Used in Manufacturing

Crane TypeCommon UseOverhead (EOT) CraneMoves loads along the shop length & width.Gantry CraneOutdoor or heavy yard lifting.Jib CraneLocalized lifting near machines.Mobile CranePlant relocation or outdoor load shifting.Hoists (Electric/Manual)Small-scale vertical lifting.

🔄 Typical Load Shifting Procedure

Planning

Identify weight, size, and shape of load.

Select suitable crane & lifting gear.

Define movement path and set clear zones.

Inspection

Check crane capacity, hooks, wire ropes, slings, and brakes.

Ensure safety devices (limit switches, overload protection) are functional.

Rigging

Attach slings, shackles, or clamps securely.

Ensure load balance to prevent tilting.

Lifting

Lift slowly to check stability.

Avoid sudden jerks.

Traveling

Move load along the planned path.

Keep load slightly above head height (but not too high).

Avoid swinging by controlling acceleration and deceleration.

Positioning

Lower load smoothly to the target location.

Ensure stable resting before releasing rigging.

Unhooking

Detach lifting gear after load is fully supported.

Inspect equipment after use.

⚠️ Safety Precautions

Never exceed crane safe working load (SWL).

Only trained and certified operators should run cranes.

Keep people clear of suspended loads.

Use tag lines to guide load and prevent rotation.

Maintain clear communication between operator and signalman.

Conduct daily pre-start checks.

📊 Example in a Manufacturing Plant

Scenario: Shifting a 5-ton press die from the storage rack to the press machine.