In the course of constructing a new workshop ÖLHYDRAULIK ALTENERDING Dechamps & Kretz GmbH & Co. KG, a company with a long tradition in the North-East of Munich has optimized their production line with light-crane workspaces. The company that was founded in 1961 produces hydraulic components for all areas of modern technology with its 180 employees under managing director Ferdinand Kretz. The main part of the range of products is mobile hydraulic systems with possible solutions for industrial fields and special areas with up to 1000 bar.

The long-time ÖLHYDRAULIK ALTENERDING partner Rabe Elektrohebezüge und Kransysteme from Ottenhofen was asked to design and install the light-crane workspaces. Already when designing the overhead suspension in the new workshop, the experience of Rabe Elektrohebezüge und Kransysteme together with a local steel construction company was important. The demands on the new hoisting systems could be taken into consideration right from the start. The light-cranes type ProfileMaster with electric chain hoists type SK were delivered by the Mannheim based hoisting specialist SWF Krantechnik.

In the modern production hall a 48 meter crane runway was installed on the right side and on the left side two crane runways with 12 and 18 meters. The span width of all 18 bridges is 6,30 meters.

The specific feature of the crane runways is for one the distance between the crane’s suspensions on the overhead construction of 6 meters each and secondly the seamless use of two profiles on one runway. This makes the lifting of bigger loads in parts of the work-areas possible. The 48 meter long crane runway was designed with profile UKA40 and an ultimate load of 500 kg over two workplaces. The remaining areas are covered with profile UKA30 with an ultimate load of 400 kg. Both areas as well as the two other runways are designed for double load capacity when using two hoists per area.

As hoists the SWF electric chain hoists type SK are used which are equipped with HandyMaster. This makes ergonomic handling of the parts in production possible. An emergency stop button in the control unit that is fitted as standard ensures safe operating in case of emergency.

Because of the different demands on the height of the working areas, different trolleys for the bridges on the crane runways were used. Next to the against dirt and dust protected pushing-trolley in the closed profiles with inside runway there are also trolleys in short built with a clear space-saving effect as single girder solution. Both alternatives are also viable as double girder version with ultimate loads of up to 2.000 kg. Due to the modular built of the entire system it is extendable and changeable at any time.

Crane service specialist Rabe appointed three technicians for the complete installation works, who installed a complete working area with six meters including bridge and electric chain hoist within one day. The advantage for the technician is the well organised package of parts which can be pre-assembled quickly on the ground due to robust plug- and bolted connexions. Time intensive assembly work on the overhead construction is not necessary because of the few necessary overhead suspensions. The result is also minimized installation costs for the operator of the light-crane systems ProfileMaster.

Noteworthy is also the two companies’ long-time co-operation. Since 1987 company Rabe is the contact for crane and hoisting technology for the hydraulic specialist from Altenerding. In past years Rabe has also used electric chain hoists from SWF Krantechnik for the internal material flow and the design of workplaces.