Mexican axle manufacturer SUDISA claims to have increased productivity 40% by installing a LodeRail crane system. To expand its operations with a new bay for assembly and shipping, the company wanted a manoeuvrable and reliable overhead crane system that could be manually operated.
SUDISA, part of the Quimmco Corp. conglomerate, produces 55,000 axles a year and exports to 10 countries.
“We knew that with our production capacity we would need a crane system that could be operated with a pneumatic hoist and has a special grab for our axles,” said director of operations Carlos Tanaka. The LodeRail system was recommended by SUDISA’s crane supplier, Hancar Industrial.
Columbus McKinnon’s LodeRail is a self-supporting crane system that can be either floor or ceiling mounted. It is manually operated and designed for complete hook coverage under the crane to reduce the need for vehicle traffic and free up floor space. LodeRail does not need any cross bracing or building ties. A 100:1 productivity ratio enables LodeRail operators to move a 360kg load with only 3.6kg of force.
SUDISA says that since installing two of the ceiling mounted LodeRail systems in 1999, it has experienced a 40% increase in efficiency and has found a decrease in worker injury and fatigue.
“Workers love it because it gives them more comfort and safety”, Tanaka said.
“It takes less effort to move an axle load with LodeRail than it did with the previous jib crane supported process. That helps reduce physical stress in this very active business.”
