Hi folks. I've been investigating options for shifting things (including machine tools) around my workshop (400 sq metres). I was looking a a fixed gantry crane system covering the whole area with a large single span beam (20m) or a forklift.
The fixed gantry would limit, for example, higher level storage and cost a fortune in steel and construction. I have concerns about a forklift due to working on my own (safety) and it seems less flexible in terms of pivotting loads on the spot and viewing angles. Then I thought I could make a mobile (powered drive) gantry crane with a target capacity of 5 tonnes.
Cost should be much lower than the alternatives, its safer to use alone (wired remote control panel), can rotate on the spot, traverse, allow me to view from any angle and not limit what else I put in the workshop.
So does anyone have any thoughts on design? I'm thinking hydraulics is the way forward, probably from a 12 or 24v pump, so no trailing cables. Not sure about wheels, I'm thinking 3 per side, inline. The central one powered, the outer 2 steering. Each needs to be capable of a tonne load I guess.
Any inputs welcome, cheers, Al.
The fixed gantry would limit, for example, higher level storage and cost a fortune in steel and construction. I have concerns about a forklift due to working on my own (safety) and it seems less flexible in terms of pivotting loads on the spot and viewing angles. Then I thought I could make a mobile (powered drive) gantry crane with a target capacity of 5 tonnes.
Cost should be much lower than the alternatives, its safer to use alone (wired remote control panel), can rotate on the spot, traverse, allow me to view from any angle and not limit what else I put in the workshop.
So does anyone have any thoughts on design? I'm thinking hydraulics is the way forward, probably from a 12 or 24v pump, so no trailing cables. Not sure about wheels, I'm thinking 3 per side, inline. The central one powered, the outer 2 steering. Each needs to be capable of a tonne load I guess.
Any inputs welcome, cheers, Al.