Crane performance typically declines over time. Heavy use, mechanical stress, and environmental factors can wear down key components. In some cases, new technology can cause your system to become obsolete or difficult to maintain, making it harder to stay ahead of the market.
Replacing an outdated or unreliable crane can be expensive, but it’s not the only option. Modernization allows you to enhance the safety, capacity, and performance of your crane at a fraction of the cost. Whether it involves replacing a single part or multiple systems, it allows you to meet current industry standards and operational demands without rebuilding your system from the ground up.
Why Modernize Your Overhead Crane?
Overhead cranes are designed to last decades. As they age, they often remain structurally sound even as their mechanical, electrical and control components deteriorate or become obsolete. Upgrading your crane:
- Extends its service life
- Ensures compliance with current safety standards
- Improves productivity, efficiency, and throughput
- Reduces downtime and maintenance costs
- Lowers lead time for spare parts
Our Crane Modernization & Upgrade Solutions
Overhauling old systems is a strategic investment. By replacing worn components and installing modern counterparts, Simmers engineers help ensure your crane can stay ahead of changing demands through structural upgrades, mechanical retrofits, electrical improvements, state-of-the-art automation, and next-generation control systems.
New Equipment Modernizing
We upgrade all types of cranes and crane equipment, including:
- Overhead Cranes
- Bridge Cranes
- Jib Cranes
- Gantry Cranes
- Workstation Cranes
- Trolleys
- Hoists
- Below-the-Hook Equipment
- Electrical Controls
- Radio Controls
- Transfer Cars
Custom Modernization Solutions
Cranes deliver the best results when they’re purpose-built and tailored to your needs. Simmers works with customers to ensure any upgrades seamlessly augment your equipment, facility, and operation. No matter the problem or the system, our field engineers provide a personalized approach to industrial solutions with parts and mechanical upgrades built to support your material handling equipment.
Whatever the Problem, We’ve Got an Upgrade for It
We’ve been repairing, servicing, and upgrading cranes since 1958. We don’t just understand cranes and how they work; we understand what happens when they wear down and can’t adapt to your lifting requirements, which is why our technicians pay close attention to:
- Worn Parts. When critical components near the end of their service life, downtime normally begins to surpass uptime.
- Obsolete Components. Obtaining spare parts can become a challenge as cranes start to age, making it hard to service key systems.
- Declining Performance. Cranes begin to slow down and lift less, even as your operation needs them to lift more and move faster.
- Rising Maintenance Costs. Even if they still provide a stable lifting platform, cranes with aging components often require more frequent repairs.
Industries We Help Modernize
Simmers works with major industries throughout North America, including:
- Heavy Manufacturing
- Power Generation
- Mining & Energy
- Primary Metals
Why Customers Trust Simmers for Crane Modernization
Simmers is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of cranes and hoists. Customers turn to us for:
- Engineering Excellence. Our cranes and lifting equipment are built to handle the toughest challenges in the most demanding environments.
- End-to-End Support. Simmers provides comprehensive inspection and maintenance services designed to support your crane throughout its entire lifespan.
- Renovations & Enhancements. We ensure your crane has access to the latest technology, with targeted improvements that enhance its performance and durability.
Thinking About Modernizing Your Overhead Crane?
Whether your priority is safety, efficiency, or lifting capacity, Simmers can help modernize your crane with strategic retrofits and innovative technologies. Contact us today to learn more!
FAQs
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What does crane modernization mean?
Crane modernization means replacing worn or outdated parts with new components and mechanical systems designed to improve your crane’s performance.
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Is modernizing a crane cheaper than buying new?
Yes, upgrading your crane is less expensive than purchasing a new system. Modernization leaves most of your crane’s structure intact and focuses only on replacing a relatively small number of key parts.
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How do I know if my crane is a good candidate for an upgrade vs. replacement?
If your crane is structurally sound, but experiencing excessive wear or has components nearing the end of their service life, it may be a good candidate for modernization. Cranes may also benefit from modernization if they’re in good working condition, but their lifting requirements have increased.
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Can you modernize a crane we purchased used?
We can modernize cranes from any manufacturer. We prefer that you consult with us before purchasing the used crane, to make sure that it is a good candidate for the modernization.
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How long will my crane be down during a modernization?
It depends on the number of parts and the systems affected. Some upgrades can be completed with a single service visit while others may require several days of work.
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What information do you need to provide a quote?
Each crane is unique, but at the very least customers need to provide some basic structural, electrical, and performance information, such as span, capacity, duty class, type of control, voltage, etc. A more effective way would be to have a member of our sales team visit your site to learn more about the application firsthand and what the desired outcome is.
