Konecranes professionals are skilled and experienced in modernizations, large and small. © Konecranes

Whatever is needed, a modernization may be a viable option to protect and extend the original investment and achieve the benefits of new technology without the cost of purchasing a new crane. Modernization services prolong the economic service life of equipment. A decision to modernize is often based on a need to achieve greater performance and throughput, and sometimes to support an entirely new process. The right modernization provides a fully integrated system that is tailored to the needs of the operation. The most common modernization services are replacement of hoists, controls, trolleys and operator cabins to achieve increased capacity, speed, duty, ergonomics, and load control.

Finland’s Konecranes works with its customers to provide a detailed analysis of the crane in relationship to its application. The company’s professionals evaluate the structural integrity of the crane and the condition of all mechanical and electrical components as well as study load and duty requirements and maintenance records. After analyzing all these factors against the required performance needs, the company identifies the most appropriate system upgrade and corresponding modernization plan.

Begin With a Crane Reliability Study

The Crane Reliability Study (CRS) from Konecranes is an engineering assessment that studies the current condition of the crane and provides a theoretical estimate of its remaining design life. As part of the study a team of specialists observe the production and operating environment of the crane. The overall condition of the crane structures and components is evaluated in detail, focusing on safety, productivity, reliability, usability and remaining design life. Operators and maintenance personnel are interviewed, and all pertinent documentation is reviewed. The team then provides a detailed report and further consultation, advising on maintenance, modernizations and future investments.

Safety regulations and production requirements change over the years. Konecranes can update a crane not only to meet production demands, but also to help stay in compliance with current safety requirements, reduce the risk of failure, and avoid costly downtime.

There are many modernization options to increase safety and productivity. A more efficient motor and self-adjusting brake can help increase crane performance. And a new remote control system or a back-up limit switch can help increase safety. If the needs for crane modernization extend beyond basic upgrades to improve safety, reliability and performance, the old crane can be rebuilt to meet the demands of today’s high-technology standards, typically at a substantially lower cost than a new crane.