As industrial cranes are small and compact; they are often used for in-house tasks where space is at a premium. This applies to the installation of escalators. Here, SCHOLPP relies on the ‘Manghi magic’, among other things.

In theory, there are many technical solutions for lifting and lowering heavy systems and equipment and transporting them from A to B. However, once all the variables and requirements have been analysed, there is often only a single, very individual solution left. Matthias Liebsch is responsible for the planning and design of projects at SCHOLPP and has already written a large number of these customised ‘industrial scripts’. He knows from years of experience that these ideally take several initial scenarios into account. After all, if plan A cannot be implemented as desired due to unforeseeable events at short notice, plan B or even C quickly comes into play. ‘In this way, we take precautions and can better guarantee a crisis-proof path.’ Industrial cranes are often used on this route.

Question of compromises

Industrial cranes are also known as in-plant cranes and are mainly used for internal tasks, such as the installation of escalators, the erection of lifting frames or plant assembly. In some cases, they are also an elementary component of a complex technical solution. ‘We use in-plant cranes for the assembly of plant and machinery in halls with limited space and height and even during ongoing production,’ explains Matthias Liebsch. The decisive application criteria are usually the space available, the floor conditions, the required load capacities, and the environmental regulations to be complied with. Currently, the maximum load that an industrial crane can move is 100 tonnes.

However, industrial cranes differ not only in terms of their load capacity, but also in terms of their drive type and number of wheels. Some cranes are equipped with three wheels, others with four. While diesel cranes were almost exclusively used in the past, cranes with electric drives are now increasingly being used. This is particularly true in sensitive company areas such as cleanrooms, where diesel-powered cranes are simply prohibited. The same also applies if employees are working at the same time and are exposed not only to noise but possibly also to crane exhaust fumes.

Nevertheless, diesel-powered cranes will not disappear completely from the industry. For one thing, they can be used to work on company premises regardless of the weather, for example in sub-zero temperatures. Secondly, they do not require charging stations and are not tied to radio networks. ‘These and many other factors play a role in the run-up to every job. In the end, it’s always a question of compromises,’ says Matthias Liebsch, describing the complex decision-making process involved in selecting the right crane.

SCHOLPP trains itself

Operating an inplant crane requires experienced specialist personnel. The Manghis, for example, are more sensitive to tipping than other models due to their three-wheeled basic structure. Scholpp ensures that operators have the necessary specialist knowledge through its own in-house training programme.

Magic with Manghi

When it comes to installing escalators, SCHOLPP has been using Manghi three-wheeled industrial cranes for decades, which can lift up to 7.5 or 10 tonnes depending on the size. The compact design and simple structure as well as the proven and safe technology are an advantage – and this is precisely why the tried and tested Manghis in the portfolio are cherished and cared for. For example, there have already been several ‘heart operations’, in which the three-cylinder engine was replaced with a four-cylinder engine. ‘There are no other industrial cranes with these features on the market, they are practically a unique selling point,’ says Matthias Liebsch, praising the indestructible models that have by no means lost their magic.

An industrial crane goes travelling

In addition to Manghi models, SCHOLPP also has Ormig and Valla electric cranes with a lifting capacity of up to 40 tonnes. Whether these are used or SCHOLPP rents industrial cranes instead is primarily due to organisational reasons such as the location and duration of the job as well as additional equipment to be used. Industrial cranes are not road-legal, and their own weight should not be underestimated. For this reason, shipping this specialised technology requires professional transport planning. The type of transport vehicles and their loading and unloading play a decisive role here.

Conclusion

Industrial cranes require low clearance heights and are well suited for the rapid movement of heavy loads in comparison to lifting frames. Using special equipment such as load forks or assembly jibs, they are