Existing Crane Cab gets a
“Merritt Makeover”
If you have an old crane cab and it is no longer
providing the line of sight, or a less than
optimal ergonomic condition for your operators
there may be hope. Recently, a project
extensively using J.R. Merritt products was
completed to provide the operators of this ladle
crane a better view of operations, as well as a
more comfortable environment.
The old controls for the four motion crane were
the old “trolley controllers” for this 250 VDC
crane, lined up in front of the cab glass.
The controllers were in bad
shape, and the operators often throughout the
work day needed to stand up while running the
crane in order to see below the crane.
Engineered Lifting Systems and J.R. Merritt were
selected to make improvements to the cab, which
included an AutoCAD layout, 3D Model, and
ultimately a mock-up to decide on the best
arrangement. Two NSB2KA vertical cast housing
single axis, and one VNSB2EA 2-Axis Combo
controllers were tapped out to replace the old
controllers. These Merritt controllers are rated
up to 20 million mechanical cycles, and for DC
control have magnetic blow outs.
As you can see from the pictures,
the operator sits in the chair from the side,
then swivels to position himself in between the
controller towers, and then can slide forward
until he is comfortable. Note the brake
controller foot pedal, the bridge brakes were
converted to a Braketronic system.
My last email from the plant read as follows:
“All the operators so far LOVE the new chair and
controllers! Visibility is much better, (the
only time I had to use the side window so far
was bringing stock up to the stir station
because the wall crane was down...not a normal
circumstance, and I noticed that when bringing a
full ladle to the stir station I could verify
that the path was clear...I could even see the
transfer car tracks next to the stir station!).
The controllers seem to be more responsive than
the old ones, and the comfort level of the seat
and arrangement of the controls reduces fatigue
during production immensely.”
If you think there is a need to make
improvements in your crane cabs, give us a call
and see what Engineered Lifting Systems and J. R.
Merritt can do to help! Click on the
images below to download the product information
in PDF.
If you have any questions, just call your Crane
Doctor Eric Brown @ 866-756-1200 or email
ebrown@engineeredlifting.com
