Modernise your portal crane

Konecranes says it can extend the life and modernise your aging portal crane to deliver the performance and reliability of a new crane for around half the cost.

Freestanding, rail-mounted portal cranes are used in demanding applications and environments in the steel, forest products, intermodal, biomass/pellet, concrete and other industries.

Gary Otto, product manager of Portal Cranes for Konecranes says, “Portal cranes include some of the largest overhead cranes in operation today and represent a substantial investment in the steel structure. We can extend the lifespan of a structurally viable crane by upgrading the controls to the latest variable frequency drives with regenerative braking for improved performance, reliability and efficiency.”

Portal cranes with structural or design issues can also be upgraded.  According to Otto, Konecranes Crane Reliability Study is the first step to determine the extent of an aging crane’s potential for modernisation and an extended lifespan. Components that commonly need be replaced include gantry drive trucks, log guards, load brakes and gantry wheels.

“We evaluate the structural integrity of the crane and the condition of mechanical and electrical components,” says Otto. “We also study load and duty requirements and maintenance records. After analyzing all these factors against the required performance needs, we will identify the most appropriate system upgrade and corresponding modernisation plan.”

Safety features and ergonomics have advanced since early portal cranes were designed, safety can be upgraded by the addition of operator’s cabs, stairways and platforms or an elevator rebuild or replacement.

“Konecranes portal cranes have always been built to a high standard of ruggedness and reliability, so often all that is needed is an upgrade to current technology,” says Otto. “The experience we have amassed by building these cranes for the last 40 years along with the world’s largest crane service network gives us the tools and the insight to modernize any portal crane, with all the benefits of today’s Konecranes technology, performance and warranty.”