1.5 Ton Wall Mounted Jib Crane, 1.5 Ton Crane for Agriculture Case

Case Study : 1.5-Ton Wall-Mounted Jib Crane for Agriculturial Use *

Case Study: Transforming Agricultural Operations with a 1.5-Ton Wall-Mounted Jib Crane

Explore how a 1.5-ton wall-mounted jib crane revolutionized agricultural operations, enhancing productivity, safety, and efficiency on a farm in Australia.

This case study aims to examine the impact of a 1.5-ton wall-mounted jib crane on agricultural productivity. The primary goal is to assess how integrating this crane into farm operations can improve efficiency in material handling and overall workflow. By focusing on a real-world example, we will highlight the specific benefits and outcomes achieved through the use of this crane.

The scope of this study centers on understanding the enhancements in material handling that the 1.5-ton wall-mounted jib crane brings to agricultural settings. We will explore how the crane's features contribute to smoother operations, reduced labor requirements, and increased productivity on farms. This analysis includes evaluating how effectively the crane addresses common challenges in agricultural material handling and the resulting improvements in operational efficiency.

Project Overview

Client Background:

The client is a mid-sized agricultural farm specializing in crop production and livestock management. The farm handles a variety of materials, including feed, equipment, and harvested crops, requiring efficient and reliable material handling solutions. With a growing operation, the farm needed a system to streamline the movement of heavy items and improve overall productivity. The existing manual handling methods were proving time-consuming and labor-intensive, prompting the need for an upgrade.

Crane Selection:

The decision to select a 1.5-ton wall-mounted jib crane was driven by several factors:

• Capacity Needs: The crane’s 1.5-ton capacity perfectly matched the farm’s requirements for lifting and moving heavy items, such as large feed bags and equipment.
• Space Efficiency: A wall-mounted design was chosen due to the farm's limited space, allowing for effective use of vertical space without requiring additional floor area.
• Versatility: The 4-meter arm length and 6-meter lifting height offered the flexibility needed to reach different areas of the farm, accommodating various material handling tasks.
• Durability: The crane’s robust construction and reliable electric chain hoist were suited to withstand the harsh conditions typical of agricultural environments.

Project Goals:

The integration of the 1.5-ton wall-mounted jib crane aimed to achieve several key objectives:

• Enhance Material Handling: Improve the efficiency of moving heavy materials around the farm, reducing the need for manual lifting and transportation.
• Increase Productivity: Streamline workflows to handle larger volumes of materials more quickly and effectively, contributing to overall farm productivity.
• Improve Safety: Minimize the physical strain on workers and reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual material handling.
• Optimize Space Usage: Utilize the crane’s wall-mounted design to maximize available space and enhance operational efficiency within the farm’s layout.

Wall mounted jib crane hoist trolley 

Wall mounted jib crane hoist

cantilever of wall mounted jib crane 

Crane Specifications

Capacity and Design:

The 1.5-ton wall-mounted jib crane is designed to handle loads up to 1.5 tons, making it suitable for various agricultural material handling tasks. The BX Type wall-mounted design is particularly effective for farms with limited floor space. This design allows the crane to be mounted on a wall or column, freeing up valuable floor area while providing robust support for lifting operations. The crane's solid construction ensures stability and durability, even in challenging farm environments.

Dimensions:

• Arm Length: The crane features a 4-meter arm, providing a wide reach that enables it to handle materials across a broad area. This length is ideal for accessing different parts of the farm, from feed storage to equipment maintenance areas.
• Lifting Height: With a lifting height of 6 meters, the crane can accommodate a variety of lifting needs, including high stacks of materials and tall equipment. This height flexibility is crucial for optimizing workflow and material handling efficiency.

Hoist System:

The crane is equipped with an electric chain hoist, known for its reliability and efficiency. The electric chain hoist is designed to handle heavy loads with ease, providing smooth and precise lifting operations. Its key features include:

• Efficient Operation: The hoist’s electric drive ensures quick and efficient lifting, reducing the time required to move materials.
• Reliability: Built for continuous use, the hoist minimizes downtime and maintenance needs, essential for the demanding conditions of agricultural settings.
• Precision: The hoist allows for precise control of load movements, enhancing safety and accuracy in material handling.

Power Requirements:

• Stable Operation: The 3-phase power supply provides consistent and reliable power, reducing the risk of performance issues.
• High Efficiency: The higher voltage and phase configuration support the crane’s heavy-duty operations, making it suitable for the rigorous demands of farm environments.
• Enhanced Performance: Adequate power supply ensures that the crane and hoist system function efficiently, handling the full range of lifting tasks without interruptions.

Implementation Process

Site Preparation:

• Site Assessment: An initial assessment was conducted to evaluate the suitability of the installation location. This included checking wall strength and ensuring there was adequate clearance for crane operation.
• Surface Preparation: The installation area was cleaned and any obstructions were removed. Reinforcements were made to the wall or mounting structure to ensure it could support the crane’s weight and operational stresses.
• Space Planning: Measurements were taken to confirm that the crane’s arm length and lifting height would fit within the designated space. Proper planning ensured there was sufficient room for maneuvering materials and for safe operation.

Crane Installation:

• Positioning: Placing the crane in the pre-determined location with precision to ensure optimal reach and functionality.
• Securing: Using appropriate hardware and fasteners to firmly attach the crane to the wall or column, ensuring it was level and stable.

• Connecting Parts: Assembling the crane arm, hoist, and other essential components.
• Inspection: Conducting a thorough inspection to verify that all parts were correctly assembled and securely fastened.

Electrical Setup:

• Wiring: Running electrical cables from the main power source to the crane’s control panel.
• Connection: Making electrical connections according to safety standards and manufacturer guidelines.

• Voltage Levels: Confirming that the voltage supplied to the crane was within required specifications.
• System Functionality: Testing the crane’s hoist and control systems to ensure they operated smoothly and reliably.

Safety Measures:

Pre-Installation Safety Checks: Before installation began, safety checks were performed to ensure all tools and equipment were in good condition and that the installation team was equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Installation Protocols: During installation, strict safety protocols were followed, including:

• Secure Working Environment: Ensuring the work area was secure and free from hazards.
• Proper Handling: Using safe lifting techniques and equipment to handle crane parts and tools.

• Inspect: Check that all safety features, including emergency stops and load limits, were functional.
• Train: Provide training to farm personnel on safe crane operation and maintenance practices.

Performance Analysis

• Streamlining Operations: The crane’s ability to lift and move heavy items quickly has reduced the time spent on manual handling tasks. This efficiency translates into faster turnaround times for moving feed, equipment, and harvested crops.
• Improving Reach: With its 4-meter arm and 6-meter lifting height, the crane provides excellent reach across various areas of the farm, allowing for easier access to storage areas, loading docks, and equipment maintenance zones.
• Reducing Labor: By automating the lifting and movement of materials, the crane has decreased the physical labor required from farm workers, allowing them to focus on other essential tasks and improving overall productivity.

• Ease of Use: Operators have praised the crane for its straightforward controls and user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to operate even for those with limited experience.
• Efficiency Gains: Users have reported noticeable improvements in efficiency, citing the crane’s reliable hoist system and smooth operation as contributing factors to quicker material handling.
• Enhanced Safety: The crane has been well-received for its safety features, including stable lifting and controlled movement, which have reduced the risk of accidents and injuries compared to manual handling methods.

• Durability: It has withstood the rigors of a farm environment, including exposure to dust, fluctuating temperatures, and frequent use, without significant issues.
• Consistent Operation: The 415V, 50Hz, 3-phase power supply has ensured consistent and reliable operation, with minimal downtime or performance interruptions.
• Maintenance: The crane has required only routine maintenance, with no major repairs needed, indicating high reliability and long-term durability in the demanding conditions of agricultural operations.

Benefits Realized

• Speeding Up Operations: The crane's ability to quickly lift and transport heavy materials has accelerated various tasks, such as loading feed and moving equipment. This has led to a significant reduction in time spent on material handling, allowing farm workers to complete more tasks in less time.
• Minimizing Downtime: By streamlining the movement of materials, the crane has reduced delays associated with manual handling and transportation. This improved efficiency contributes to better overall productivity and output from the farm’s operations.
• Facilitating Larger Loads: The crane's 1.5-ton capacity allows for the handling of larger and heavier loads in a single operation, further boosting productivity by reducing the number of trips and manual efforts required.

• Reducing Manual Handling Risks: The automation of lifting and moving tasks has significantly lowered the physical strain on workers, decreasing the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries and other manual handling-related accidents.
• Providing Controlled Lifting: The crane’s precise control and smooth operation minimize the risks of accidents associated with erratic or unsafe handling practices. This includes reducing the risk of dropped loads or collisions.
• Ensuring Stability: The crane’s robust design and wall-mounted installation provide a stable and secure operation environment, further contributing to safety by preventing accidents related to unstable equipment.

• Streamlined Material Handling: The crane’s efficient design and functionality allow for faster and more accurate movement of materials. This has led to smoother workflow processes and less time spent on material logistics.
• Space Optimization: By utilizing a wall-mounted design, the crane maximizes available floor space, allowing for better organization of the farm and more efficient use of resources.
• Consistent Performance: The crane’s reliable operation and minimal maintenance needs ensure that it consistently supports farm operations without frequent interruptions, maintaining high levels of efficiency and productivity.

Challenges and Solutions

• Site Constraints: The installation site presented challenges related to limited wall space and structural reinforcement requirements. The wall's condition had to be assessed to ensure it could support the crane’s weight and operational stresses.
• Power Supply Issues: Initial difficulties were encountered in connecting the crane to the existing electrical system. The power supply configuration required adjustments to match the crane’s 415V, 50Hz, 3-phase specifications.
• User Training: Farm operators were unfamiliar with the crane’s controls and operation, which initially led to slower adaptation and some operational inefficiencies.

• Site Modifications: To address site constraints, additional structural reinforcements were made to the wall to ensure it met the load-bearing requirements. Detailed measurements and planning were conducted to optimize the crane’s placement and ensure it fit within the available space.
• Electrical Adjustments: The power supply issues were resolved by upgrading the electrical connections to match the crane’s requirements. A qualified electrician was engaged to ensure that the 415V, 50Hz, 3-phase supply was properly configured and safely integrated with the crane’s system.
• Operator Training: Comprehensive training sessions were provided to farm operators to familiarize them with the crane’s controls and best practices. This training included hands-on demonstrations and detailed manuals, which improved operators’ confidence and efficiency in using the crane.

Client Feedback

• Performance: The crane has significantly improved material handling efficiency on the farm, meeting the client's expectations for lifting capacity and ease of use.
• Reliability: The client has noted the crane’s consistent and dependable performance, which has reduced downtime and maintenance needs, contributing to smoother farm operations.
• Overall Impact: The client appreciates the crane's positive impact on productivity and safety, underscoring its value in enhancing their farming processes.

Conclusion