CRANE RUNWAYS, THE “RED-HEADED STEPCHILD”

Annually the AIST (American Institute of Steel Technology) holds a three-day educational symposium on EOT (electric overhead traveling) cranes. Because Overhead Cranes are the lifeblood of the steelmaking process, the steel industry takes crane design, crane manufacturing, and crane maintenance very seriously.

The AIST has gone so far as to write their own, very stringent specifications; Technical Report #6 Overhead Cranes and Technical Report #13 Steel Buildings with Overhead Cranes. Both technical committees I had the honor to sit on in the late ’90s. The AIST Crane Symposium is, without a doubt, the best gathering of crane knowledge and experience in the world, both their speakers as well as attendees.

For the sixth time in the 27 year history of this meeting, I’m honored to again make a presentation to the AIST group. This year my topic title is “Note to Self, It’s the Runways Stupid… Acceptable Tolerances”.

As the late Charlie Totten taught me, crane people spend hours and hours trying to find the crane failure, but more often than not, it’s not the crane that’s the problem, but rather the runways upon which the crane is operating.

This problem is compounded by the fact that runways are the pariah of both the AIST and CMAA (Crane Manufacturer’s Association of America). I look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh, PA, June 7-9 at the Omni William Penn Hotel.

My son, Tad Dunville and I will layout out the hidden hurdles to getting a trouble-free runway installation.

OTHER CRANE ISSUES COVERED AT PITTSBURGH

The symposium will deliver practical information and experiences from crane maintenance personnel, crane manufacturers, equipment manufacturers and engineering consultants who strive to make electric overhead traveling (EOT) cranes and their runways the safest, most reliable, durable machinery and equipment in the industry. This two-day program will include presentations focused on safe work practices and ergonomics; electrical, mechanical and structural maintenance techniques; crane inspection technologies; and best practices in EOT crane modernizations.

As part of the Crane Symposium program, the Charlie Totten Crane Innovator Award winner will be announced, recognizing the individual who has brought forth the latest in technology, or increased efficiencies in operational and maintenance practices for the continuous improvement of heavy industrial cranes.

Hope to see you in Pittsburgh. I promise you it will be worth the time and money invested.

2020 AIST Crane Symposium, Omni William Penn Hotel, June 7-9, Pittsburgh, PA

For more information click the link below:

https://www.aist.org/conference-expositions/technology-training/annual-crane-symposium/

Or call: 724-814-3000