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Cranes Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Sheedy Crane

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CranesMaterials

What are the Different Types of Rigging Slings?

August 16, 2019by Sheedy Blogger0

What are Hoist Slings?

While requirements will vary depending on the site and the details of the job itself, one thing is certain, there are a couple of different types of rigging slings that are useful for different situations. Hoisting is a staple service for us at Sheedy Crane.

Before discussing that, there are a few important safety tips to consider

  • You should always determine the proper dimensions and style of the sling needed for your application purposes. Selecting the right sling for the job is crucial.
  • It is not advisable nor recommended to tie knots in slings.
  • Its all about load management, knowing the limitations of the lifting device is paramount to a successful pick.
  • Building on that last point, you must always find the center point of gravity before picking up a load.

Wire Rope

Wire rope is created by interthreading several individual wires to create a large, thick rope. This can be observed when you see wire rope that has become frayed, individual pieces of the rope become exposed. This is called birdcaging and If you spot this, you’re well overdue to replace your wire rope. One of the best ways to avoid cracking or breaking of your wire rope is to use proper blocking/padding to make sure the rope does not bend acutely. Instead, a wider bend can be created so that the rope only bends within its levels of flexibility.

There are several factors that determine the strength of a wire rope. The thickness of the rope is the most obvious factor. A thicker rope is a better rope in most cases. All ropes have a total load limit and many modern ropes have a design factor of 5, which means that whatever the total load strength of the rope is, it should be divided by 5 and that will be the maximum limit for the actual load used.

Fiber/Synthetic Rope Slings

Fiber rope is typically comprised of nylon, polyester, and sometimes propylene. They can hold a significant amount of weight and are highly malleable which means they adapt to many shapes. Synthetic slings also have a long life cycle even in heavy use scenarios. The catch? They are highly susceptible to chemical damage. Acid or any type of caustic substance can easily chew through fiber ropes much faster than any other type. The issue with this is that the very material becomes weak but it isn’t as immediately apparent as other sling types. The material type of sling will determine the resistant properties it possesses.

Bay Area Rigging Professionals

Sheedy Drayage Co. is a historic company that has been in business since 1925. We have decades of rigging experience with various types of rigging slings in the Bay Area. Whether it involves operating a crane, heavy rigging, shoring, or requiring precise engineering solutions, you can bet Sheedy can do the job like no other—we’ve been doing this for a long time, after all. Visit our contact page to get in touch with the location of your choice so that you can have your rigging work done in a timely and diligent manner.

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CranesRentals

Process of Renting a Crane

May 10, 2019by Sheedy Blogger0

Have you ever wondered about the process of renting a crane? There are many different types of cranes and a wide variety of things they can be used for. Knowing which kind of crane is most fitting for the job you need is your first step. Let’s say you are a landscaper; a crane is a perfect addition to the tools and equipment you already use. A crane will give you the extra height you need to trim, cut or prune those super tall trees. It will give the gardener a lift or the crane can be used to lift the tree itself. Crane services are ideal and very necessary for most landscapers who are hired for big estates, schools or industrial properties. There is a lot of ground needed to be covered and many things must be lifted or hauled that a person can’t do with their strength alone.

A crane service is great because it enables work to be done in a shorter time frame than it would with the strength of manpower alone. That is when a crane service comes in to play. You would contact a company like Sheedy Crane to come and estimate the job you wish to accomplish. They would examine all the aspects of the job you’re hiring them for, the time frame needed, and the weight of the lifting. Then, they would suggest the best crane for that specific task. Since cranes specialize in hauling, lifting, hoisting and other actions that are related to landscaping, you’ve selected the perfect machine all in one. Keep in mind that crane services are by no means limited to landscaping. They are used for many more tasks as listed in greater lengths on the website. Read on to learn about the process of renting a crane.

Selecting your ideal crane

four cranes on a construction site
Sheedy has many cranes available for rental.

Cranes are designed to do many things for a vast amount of activities. It’s an all in one tool. There are also many add on features that can be attached to the crane itself to increase its ability. Crane companies know each crane inside and out and are the best ones to ask questions about before you begin your project. Cranes vary depending on what amount of weight they are able to pick up, move or hold. Crane services are measured by the ton, and range from 500 tons, to as little as a 10-ton load, and smaller. A landscaper would most likely require the power of a 10-ton crane, such as a rough terrain crane or a Hydraulic crane. A consumer in the landscape field would probably be interested in a crane that comes equipped with a man-basket, which would enable easier pruning services, spreader bars, pallet forks, and more. A good crane candidate would also be a hydraulic truck crane when it comes to landscaping projects if it entails moving stones or uprooting trees. Again, the crane rental service or local crane company would be the right ones to identify the ideal crane for your desired job. Perhaps the project for which you need a crane services requires the use of two cranes at once or two different cranes. Both scenarios are possible with Sheedy Crane.

Crane Rental Service San Francisco Bay Area

Suspended red crane hook

Choosing a company like Sheedy Crane is the best way to ensure your job will be completed successfully. Sheedy Crane provides the best answers and recommendations to meet your end goal. Once you’ve established which crane you will be renting for the task at hand, you are on your way! If you find during the process of completing the contracted job that you need a stronger crane or additional services, don’t hesitate to inquire. Cranes are the ideal machine to complete any job which entails heavy lifting, moving, and reaching. With its powerful and swiftly engineered angles, it will be sure to meet your needs. The only requirements for renting a crane are a license in the state you are operating the heavy machinery. It is a safe and dependable service which can be implemented for simple tasks, as well as extremely complicated ones. Sheedy Crane employs knowledgeable and trained personnel whose top priority is helping you accomplish your assignment. Renting a crane will be based off of which crane best suits your endeavor. The crane rental company will be able to draft up the expense based on the time frame required of the cranes service. For more information visit the website for tips about crane use or numbers specific to your moving, hauling, lifting and rigging needs.

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Cranes

Planning a Safe Crane Lift

March 23, 2019by Sheedy Blogger0

Planning a safe crane lift takes a staff of trained engineers, riggers, and operators to get the job done. Calculating the details of a lift, the load and counter-weights required, how the crane will operate during the lift, what equipment and personnel to use, and how each part of the lift will be carried out are all necessary elements that must be understood by all crew members and project managers to ensure a safe and effective lift.

The first priority of any crane operation should be the safety of all personnel and civilian lives in the area. Working with heavy loads is serious business that leaves no room for error; having a proper lift plan in place will ensure the safety of everyone involved.

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Critical Lift Planning

Engineers use a number of different strategies to plan a lift. Custom 2D and 3D CAD support can help the team involved with the lift visualize the task-at-hand. Conceptual drawings, designs, and proper calculations will put the team and the client at ease while ensuring maximum productivity and safety of the lift.  There are many standards set by OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor) that our engineers follow to protect crew, equipment, and avoid any potential accidents. Here are just a few steps our engineers take when planning a critical lift:

  1. Quote and Assess the Project

During the first stage of any project that requires crane lifting, crane engineers must assess the job, provide proper lift calculations, potentially utilize CAD drawings, and evaluate any potential challenges associated with the lift. Is the job located in a heavily populated metropolitan area? Will the crane have to be heavy-hauled to a remote location? What is the estimated budget of the project? There are a number of considerations that go into each unique project.

  1. Visit the Proposed Job Site

Once the logistics of the job are settled, engineers will visit the site to assess the terrain, ground condition, restrictions of the area, nearby overhead structures, and how difficult the area is to access. If a heavy haul is required to the site, additional route planning must take place to ensure the safe delivery of an oversized load.

  1. Calculating Crane Load and Equipment

After data on the job site is collected, important figures are calculated concerning the center of gravity, load weight, and shape of the object to be lifted. Once these calculations are made, engineers will select the type of crane and equipment they’ll need to get the job done. Other important considerations that engineers think about are:

  • How much space does the crane arm need to swing safely?
  • How much can the crane lift at any given time?
  • How much will the counterweight of the crane need to weight to prevent a crane topple?
  • Where should the crane be placed at the job site?
  • Will obstructions need to be moved before the crane is placed?
  • What crane will be compatible with the given terrain?
  • What is the proper weight load of the rigging required?
  • How much ground area needs to be blocked off for civilian and crew member safety?

  1. Technical and CAD Drawings

Engineers will provide blueprints of the project to ensure that everyone is on the same page before, during, and after the lift. A technical drawing will illustrate where the crane will be placed, how to avoid any potential obstacles, and how the lift will be safely conducted.

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  1. Final Steps Before the Lift

All equipment should be inspected prior to the lift as part of a standard safety inspection. All equipment should be thoroughly examined, oiled, maintained, and repaired prior to any job (regardless of how large or small the project is). Supervisors will brief the team on proper safety protocols and use the technical drawings laid out by the engineers as the roadmap for a successful project; a reliable system of communication (such as a hands-free system) will also be in place to ensure proper communication between the crane operator, the supervisor, and the rest of the crew.

Critical Lift Planning in California

Sheedy Crane is a leader in cranes, rigging, heavy hauling, and of course–critical lift planning in California. With thousands of jobs under our belt, no job is too large for Sheedy or our team of experienced engineers, riggers, and crane operators. If you’re looking for the best heavy lifters for your next project, give Sheedy Crane a call at (415) 648-7171. Click here to visit our contact page.

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Cranes

Hydraulic Cranes 101

February 16, 2019by Sheedy Blogger0

Cranes allow operators to lift loads which would otherwise be impossible or impractical to move using regular manpower. Smaller cranes rely on electric or diesel-powered motors along with hoists and pulleys to lift and move objects. For bigger, multi-ton loads, however, hydraulic cranes are the industry go-to. These hydraulic behemoths can lift thousands upon thousands of pounds by transmitting forces through hydraulics. These cranes can be used for disaster relief, construction, and even wildlife management. With the help of hydraulic cranes and experienced operators, a staggering feat of engineering can be accomplished.

How Do Hydraulic Cranes Work?

The central concept behind a hydraulic system involves the transmission of forces from point A to point B through an incompressible fluid. A crane’s engine powers the hydraulic pump, which applies the necessary pressure in a hydraulically operated system. This pressure is redirected in the hydraulic system to the desired location. This is done using a system of pistons. In a simple hydraulic system, one piston pushes down on the hydraulic fluid and the force is transmitted through the fluid to another piston, which is pushed up. These piston rods are what you see when a hydraulic crane boom is raised, lowered or telescoped. The pistons are doing the work on the hydraulic fluid, which is transmitting the force.

Hydraulic Fluid Basicscrane

The hydraulic fluid used must have certain properties. First and foremost, it must be incompressible- meaning it does not reduce in volume when great pressure is applied. Water and mineral oil are traditional hydraulic fluids, and the first hydraulic systems and cranes were water-based. Hydraulic fluids are at their maximum density- no application of external force will cause them to compress and become denser. This is important for full transmission of force. A compressible fluid will not completely transfer the force applied at point A to point B; there will be a reduction proportionate to the compressibility of the fluid.

Other properties found in modern hydraulic fluids include low volatility (low tendency to vaporize), low foaming tendency, and proper viscosity. Special applications may also require fire resistance, low toxicity, oxidative stability and thermal control. Modern hydraulic cranes run on oil-based hydraulic fluid with appropriate additives. These provide both power conveyance as well as lubrication for the piston and piston rods.

Hydraulic Power

Hydraulic pumps are powered by the gears in the hydraulic pump. There are two basic types: gear pumps and variable-displacement pumps. Gear pumps involve a pair of intermeshing gears which pressurize the oil, but have a drawback. The pressure in a gear pump will increase or decrease in response to engine speed. High pressure in a gear pump can only be attained by running the engine at full power, and the power output is harder to control as a result.

Variable displacement pumps, on the other hand, are what is used in load-sensing hydraulic systems. This is the more modern approach to hydraulic systems in cranes. These are more efficient and complex systems, because they make use of a swash plate to adjust the amount of oil available to the pump. These variable displacement systems will respond to the load being lifted and make the appropriate amount of hydraulic oil available for the pistons and rams. This reduces fuel consumption and adds a measure of safety.

Hydraulic Cranes in Action

Hydraulic cranes allow us to use this intelligent and powerful system to accomplish a great range of feats. Cranes with hydraulic capabilities are rated for the lifts they are capable of handling. It’s an easy system to decipher; a 70-ton crane can lift 70 short tons, or 140,000 lbs. This rating is made with a safety margin in mind to prevent tipping. The crane is rated to handle a load usually between 70% and 85% of its maximum capacity.

Cranes with hydraulic capabilities have a large number of applications. Because they are mobile and relatively lightweight, they can be rented to handle heavy loads on a job site. Hydraulic cranes are used to erect buildings and lift multi-ton concrete and rebar bridge beams. They are commonly called upon to rescue other heavy machinery, such as locomotives and heavy trucks. Hydraulic systems are even used to move whales during rescues or relocation.

Hydraulic Crane Rental in California

For crane and hydraulic crane rental in northern California, contact us at Sheedy Crane. We have a complete list of equipment available for rental and welcome your questions. Let us know how we can help! Visit our contact page for more information or give us a call at (415) 648-7171

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CranesIndustry

Cranes in Film Production

January 14, 2019by Sheedy Blogger0

When most people think of cranes they think of construction (and rightly so!). Cranes are used to lift and move loads which are beyond human ability to transport simply, so they are commonly employed in loading and unloading freight or in material movement during construction. We at Sheedy Crane specialized in these typical functions of cranes. But these traditional and well-known uses of cranes aren’t the whole story. Cranes for film production have a rich and widely varied history and are responsible for many iconic scenes in a countless number of blockbuster films.

Why cranes are essential in film production

Cranes are essential in film production because they allow filmmakers to capture shots that would otherwise be impossible. Cranes can move in multiple directions, providing filmmakers with the ability to capture unique angles and perspectives. They also allow for smooth, steady movement, which is essential for creating visually stunning shots.

Introducing: Crane Shots

Camera man using Cranes for Film Production on wild west movie setThe ground-breaking addition of cranes to the repertoire of tools used in film production can be traced back to 1916, with the film Intolerance. This D.W. Griffith silent film features what is widely accepted as the first “crane shot.” The inventor and engineer Allan Dwan, a fellow film director, dreamed up the yet-unheard-of shot for Griffith’s film. The result had an impact, making audience members gasp in wonder from the grandiosity and scale of the sight.

Not long thereafter, camera cranes created to elicit just such a reaction became popular at major movie studios. They were typically produced as massive monstrosities, specialty items created by large ironworks companies. They got bigger and heavier, carrying multiple people and the cumbersome camera equipment of the day. Each crane was built with a specific shot or purpose in mind, and as such their appearance and capabilities varied greatly, while their mobility was limited.

Different types of cranes used in film production

There are several types of cranes used in film production, including the telescopic crane, the camera crane, and the jib arm. Each of these cranes has its own unique features and benefits, making it important to choose the right crane for the specific shot you want to capture.

Telescopic cranes are the most common type of crane used in film production. They allow for smooth, continuous movement, and can reach heights of up to 100 feet. Camera cranes, on the other hand, are smaller and more lightweight, making them ideal for capturing shots in tight spaces.

Jib arms are another popular type of crane used in film production. They are ideal for capturing shots that require a lot of movement, such as tracking shots and crane shots. Jib arms can be mounted on a tripod or attached to a dolly, providing filmmakers with even more flexibility and control.

Benefits of using cranes in film production

Using cranes in film production offers several benefits, including increased flexibility, improved shot quality, and more efficient production. Cranes allow filmmakers to capture shots that would otherwise be impossible, giving them more creative control over their work. They also make it easier to create smooth, seamless shots, which can help improve the overall quality of the film.

In addition, using cranes in film production can help make the production process more efficient. By using cranes, filmmakers can capture multiple shots in a single take, reducing the need for multiple retakes and speeding up the production process.

The Camera Crane Revolution

And so it was, for over 20 years in the film industry. Bulky cranes for film production with little flexibility stayed on studio lots, seldom transported to on-location shoots. That all changed in the late 1940’s, when Ralph Chapman, a special effects technician with a knack for engineering, developed a line of cranes. His gasoline-powered film crane could travel on location independently, revolutionizing the use of exterior crane shots in film. Before long, these mobile crane units were available for hire.Camera man using Cranes for Film Production

Television and sports soon joined the fray, and the high-angle boom shots became popular in filming dance numbers, creating emotive scenes, and covering sports, much to the delight of audiences. Since the early days of limited, one-off cranes made for particular shots, technology has exploded. Crane capability has vastly improved, alongside the safety-consciousness and expertise of operators. The use of crane shots in both television and film is ubiquitous in the modern era of entertainment.

Cranes for Film Production Today

Studios and production companies generally rent crane equipment from the manufacturers who own them. This cuts down on costs and allows for a variety of cranes to be used on a production. The usage of rented cranes in film and production has seen a decline in recent years, as the introduction of drones and light-weight digital cameras have revolutionized the industry. Despite this shift, there will no doubt always be room for the silent, sweeping shots which can only be obtained by the massive cranes originally designed decades ago. They are a part of the history and future of the crane industry, and will help tell stories in a way nothing else can for years to come.

Got any questions about crane rental or our other services? Contact us today or give us a call at (415) 648-7171.

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