Gantry Crane Add-On
Screw Drive Top Beam Lifter
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A gantry crane top beam lifter that is a nice add-on to go with our other crane plans. Reasonably fast, and pretty easy way to change the beam height. These plans work with other Gantry Crane Plans here at Mechanical Elements.
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Description
Description
A Gantry Cranes is a great way to lift things in the shop, garage, or outdoors. At Mechanical Elements we sell a few different versions with telescoping legs so you can easily adjust the crane height for the place you are working. Set the height, and insert the clevis pin.
While the ability to adjust height is super nice, getting it to go up or down is not so easy. For a larger gantry crane like some of the plans we sell, it is a 2 or 3 person job. Not any more. We now have 2 methods using mechanical advantage to make the job of lifting and lowering much easier and more controlled. This is the screw drive top beam lifter.
Our other lifter is a winch drive system, which is best when building a new crane. This screw drive lifter is a great addition to your existing crane. This add-on top beam lifter does not require new crane parts. You can put it on, or take it off as needed.
Drive it with a drill for control and speed.
You (our customers) asked for an easier, faster, way to lift the top beam – to elevate the Crane. You also asked for a design that can add to an existing gantry crane. Request fulfilled. These are the plans.
Crane Height Adjustment
Please read the Gantry Crane Lifter article for the full story. Plans include part numbers for components at McMaster.com Other parts, can substitute, of course.
This add-on works to adjust the crane height of all our Gantry Cranes with telescoping legs. Adjustments are explained for other sizes. We don’t know if it will work with other cranes.
Choose your Crane Plans, then use these add-on plans to build a screw drive top beam lifter to make your crane that much better.
Specifications
Specifications
Add-on Plans to Raise a Gantry Crane Using a Drill
- Add this to one of our standard Gantry Crane Plans for easy beam lifting.
- Raise and lower the main Gantry Crane beam with just one person.
- These plans will add to any of our regular Crane Plans with lower leg beam size of 3″ or more. (Basically all of them.)
- Adjust part widths for larger crane leg beams. The instructions explain what to do.
- Extend the telescoping legs from full down to full up. This does not restrict the total crane height. (Adjust the screw length for you lift height.)
- The add-on does not change the crane load capacity.
- Screws do not support the crane lifting capacity. Once the beam is at the right height, insert the clevis pins again for full crane load capacity.
- Minimal added space required.
- Use a drill with a 3/8″ drive adapter to spin the screw – up and down.
- Plans include a parts list of materials to cut and weld. The list includes the parts to purchase, and even gives part numbers from McMaster to make it easy. Other sources can substitute.
- Plans include drawings, instructions, with tips.
- Download the plans and get started today.
More About The Design Features
More About The Design Features
This screw drive gantry crane top beam height adjuster is an enhancement to our standard Gantry Crane plans. Use these plans WITH the Mechanical Elements Crane plans of your choice. These plans DO NOT show most of the crane construction, so you will need to buy the crane plans of your choice also.
These conversion plans work with most of the sizes described in our other Gantry Crane Plans. Please see the Crane plans for information about Crane materials and load limits. Make your choices for size and capacity, then follow instructions in these plans for the add-on.
The screw drive does not change the load limits, height, or width limits of the Gantry Crane.
This design is specifically made to add on to an existing Gantry Crane. Build the screw drive using the existing crane to assure screw alignment.
If you already have the Crane, this add-on is the simplest way. The upper telescoping leg will lift when the screw is turned.
If you are building a new gantry crane, see the Winch Drive Top Beam Lifter also.
WARNING: The clevis pins through the legs are still required for crane use. Use the threaded rod to lift the gantry crane top beam, then PIN IT, and release the pressure before using the crane.
Use the screw drive to extend or lower the leg until the clevis pin holes again line up at the height desired. Insert the pin. The leg extension screws will lift the crane top beam when there is no load on the crane. The screw is not sufficient to carry full lifting loads of the crane. Always use the clevis pins and make sure they are secure before lifting things with the crane.
– Construction requires steel cutting, drilling, and welding. Same as for building the crane.
– Load Capacity is entirely dependent on the options and purchased components.*
Plans include easy to follow, fully illustrated instructions. . . . More on What is in the Plans . . . These are the perfect accessories to go with our Mobile Overhead Crane and our Perfect Garage Size Crane.
Maximize Your Project
Make the most of your new Shop Tools project. We have plans, of course, plus these suggestions.
First: Purchase plans with the "Add to Cart" button, then right after payment, a digital copy is ready to save to your computer. Please see this article for answers about getting the plans.
Second: Look through the plans and choose your options. (Things like size, capacity and extras.) For changes, read When It's Safe To Customize the Plans. Also, check out Customer Stories for inspiration.
Third: Get the most from your new Tool with accessories. We recommend Quality accessories to serve well for years. Try Grainger, MSC, McMaster and others. Amazon, eBay, etc. can be good, but be careful getting cheap stuff.
Fourth: We have many articles to help in building. Just type a question in the Show Me bar (top of this page), then press "GO". Or, for simple browsing, visit Articles from the Mechanic.
Reminder:
Building requires skill and proper tools for cutting, drilling, accurate set-up, and (for some plans) machining and welding. Strength, durability, and enjoyment depend on quality construction. Please take time to Build it well, so it will Serve you well !!
Shop Tools Notes for Success
* Load capacity of a CRANE is a static, vertical load which is highly dependent on materials used, construction techniques, assembly methods, orientation and squareness of the assembly, and proper load distribution. Load capacity does not include component capacities for tools, trolley, cables, chains or other hoist equipment. Do not exceed manufacturer limits on any equipment. Always use Extreme Caution when lifting, and don't allow hanging loads to swing. Here is some more good Crane Safety advice.
* Load capacity of a PRESS is a static, central load in the frame, and is highly dependent on choices for materials, components, construction techniques, assembly methods, orientation and squareness of the assembly. It is made for a hydraulic or screw type prime mover only. Not for pneumatics. Load capacity does not include strength of purchased parts like the hydraulic jack, tools, press plates or other equipment. Do not exceed manufacturer limits of any equipment. Always Use Extreme Caution and Proper Safety Equipment when Pressing, and don't press items that are not inline with the prime mover (jack) forces.
* Load capacity of a CART is a static, vertical load, spread over the load surface, which depends on wheel choices, materials, construction techniques, assembly methods, weld quality, etc.. Cart frame load capacity does not include component capacities like casters or bolts. Do not exceed manufacturer limits for components. Always use Caution when setting or moving loads on a cart, and make sure you are in control. Use Extreme Caution with carts on sloped surfaces.
For trouble-free life with shop tools, we always encourage care and safety. Please make sure all fastening methods will handle the environment where it will operate – including vibration, fastener types, bolt grades, torques, and nut types (like lock nuts). Then, be smart with loading, load distribution, force orientation, pressure, and surrounding conditions. We want you safe to enjoy your new tool for a long time ahead.
Thank You — The Mechanical Elements Team
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Screw Drive Top Beam Lifter”
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