15-Ton Top Running Single Girder Bridge Crane (#35947)

Project Description:

G.W. Becker, Inc. engineered, manufactured, and installed a 15-ton top running single girder bridge crane equipped with a CMCO Cable King electric wire rope hoist for a municipal water pumping facility. The system was designed to handle critical maintenance operations, including servicing heavy pumps and auxiliary process equipment within the plant.

This project included the complete crane system, runway rail end stops, electrification, final commissioning, and load testing. All components were designed and built in accordance with CMAA, ANSI/ASME, OSHA, and NEC standards, ensuring long-term reliability and compliance with current safety and performance requirements.

Technical Specifications:

• Capacity: 15 Tons (30,000 lbs.)
• Span: 43′
• Lift Height: 24′
• Duty Cycle: CMAA Class ‘C’ Service (ASME H4 Hoist)
• Power: 460V, 3 Phase, 60 Hz
• Service: Indoor operation, 41°F–104°F temperature range

Mechanical Features:

• Design: Welded monobox girder construction with mill-certified steel
• Bridge Drive: Dual 2 HP motors operating at 100 FPM with 3-step VFD control
• Trolley Drive: Dual 1 HP motors operating at 65 FPM with 3-step VFD control
• Hoist: CMCO Cable King electric wire rope hoist with 20 HP motor
• Lift Speed: 16 FPM with 4-part double reeved stainless-steel wire rope
• Braking System: AC and DC disc brakes for smooth, controlled motion
• Additional Features: Integral axle end trucks, hardened wheels, and energy-absorbing bumpers

Operation & Controls

• Primary Operation: Radio control with belly box transmitter featuring three-step lever control, horn, E-Stop, and power indicators
• Backup Control: Ergonomic pendant with three-step push-button operation on a C-Track festoon system
• Safety Features: Geared limit switch, upper block limit, overload cutoff, trolley and bridge travel limits, horn warning, and blue operational light

Electrical System

• NEMA 4/12-rated enclosures for bridge, hoist, and trolley controls
• Manual disconnect, mainline contactor, fused and lockable panel design
• Open-loop variable frequency drive controls for precise motion
• Thermal overload and short-circuit protection throughout

Additional Components

• Flat cable festoon system on C-Track along bridge span
• Energy-absorbing bumpers on trolley and bridge ends
• Manual 360° swivel hook with safety latch
• Runway collector staff with full electrification

The finished crane was load tested and commissioned to meet the operational needs of a demanding municipal application. Its robust monobox girder construction, advanced control systems, and CMCO Cable King hoist deliver dependable performance and smooth operation for daily service and long-term facility uptime.