Counterbalance Floor Crane Hire
The counterbalance floor crane is used where no other overhead lifting points are available to help lift and manoeuvre heavy loads.
They can be manual or hydraulic and are found in a number of industrial applications – construction, manufacturing and warehouses. Electric drive versions reduce the manual handling effort significantly.
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What is a Counterbalance Floor Crane?
A counterbalance floor crane is a specialised mobile lifting device designed to provide an overhead lifting point where no fixed lifting infrastructure exists.
These ingenious machines utilise counterweights positioned at the rear of the unit to balance loads lifted at the front, eliminating the need for forward-extending stabilising legs that would restrict access to walls, machinery, or confined spaces.
Unlike traditional floor cranes that require front support legs, counterbalance floor cranes allow operators to position the unit directly adjacent to walls, platforms, and other obstacles. This unique design makes them exceptionally valuable for lifting operations in constrained environments where conventional cranes cannot operate effectively.
The fundamental principle behind counterbalance floor cranes involves using precisely calculated counterweights to offset the load being lifted. These counterweights are typically stored in removable boxes that can be configured based on the specific lifting requirements. For example, the Wienold MFC750K can utilise up to 14 counterweights in each of its two boxes, allowing it to safely lift loads up to 900kg to a maximum height of 2.90m.
These cranes are characterised by their compact design, exceptional manoeuvrability, and versatility. Most models feature swivel castors for easy positioning and can be transported in standard construction lifts or even commercial elevators . Their small footprint when stowed – often less than 1m wide – enables them to access
areas through standard doorways and navigate tight spaces that would be impossible for larger lifting equipment.
Types of Floor Crane
The counterbalance floor crane market offers several distinct categories, each engineered for specific applications and load requirements. Understanding these variations is crucial for selecting the optimal lifting solution for your project.
Manual Counterbalance Floor Cranes
Manual counterbalance floor cranes represent the most straightforward and reliable category,operating without electrical power or hydraulic systems. The Wienold GML800 Manual exemplifies this type, offering an 800kg lifting capacity to heights of 4.98m whilst maintaining complete independence from power sources. These units typically employ hand-operated winches with adjustable crank handles that can be extended to ease the lifting of heavy loads.
Electric-Powered Floor Cranes
Electric-powered models provide enhanced lifting efficiency through remote-controlled winch systems. The Wienold GML800+ demonstrates this category’s capabilities, featuring dual power options including 110v AC mains electricity and bi-energy versions with DC batteries. These cranes can lift identical loads to their manual counterparts but with significantly reduced operator effort and improved precision control.
Mini Floor Cranes
Mini floor cranes, such as the Wienold MFC750K, are designed for ultimate compactness whilst retaining impressive lifting capabilities. Despite measuring just 1.08m long when stowed, the MFC750K can lift 750kg to 3.05m height.
For detailed specifications and capabilities, explore the anatomy of the MFC750.
Specialist Glass Lifting Models
Certain counterbalance floor cranes are specifically configured for glass installation applications. The Wienold GML800+ can be fitted with the GA-2 glazing manipulator, developed in partnership with Kappel and Hird, enabling precise glass installation up to 7.94m height with loads up to 500kg.
For comprehensive technical details, review the anatomy of the GML800.
Typical Floor Crane Applications
Counterbalance floor cranes serve diverse industries and applications where precision lifting in-constrained environments is essential. Their versatility makes them indispensable across multiple sectors.
Construction and Building Maintenance
In construction environments, counterbalance floor cranes excel at lifting building materials including steel beams, concrete sections, and curtain walling components. Their compact design allows them to operate within active construction sites without disrupting other processes, making them ideal for modern construction projects where space is at a premium. The cranes prove particularly valuable for building refurbishment projects where internal access is limited.
Glass Installation and Glazing
Glass installation represents one of the most demanding applications for counterbalance floor cranes. These machines can be fitted with specialised glass vacuum lifters and manipulators to handle delicate glass panels safely. The Wienold WLU glass manipulator combines a counterbalance floor crane with built-in vacuum lifting capability, handling glass sheets up to355kg. This application requires precise positioning and smooth operation to prevent damage to expensive glazing materials.
Manufacturing and Workshop Operations
Manufacturing facilities utilise counterbalance floor cranes for machinery installation, maintenance, and production line modifications. Their ability to operate in confined space between production equipment makes them invaluable for plant maintenance operations. Engine removal and installation in automotive workshops represents another key application, where the cranes’ manoeuvrability allows access to cramped engine bays.
Warehousing and Logistics
In warehousing environments, counterbalance floor cranes facilitate the movement of heavy goods and equipment where overhead crane systems are not available. They excel at loading and unloading operations, particularly for items that require precise positioning or cannot be handled by standard forklift equipment.
Entertainment and Events
The entertainment industry employs counterbalance floor cranes for stage rigging, lighting installation, and audio equipment positioning. Their quiet operation and precise control make them suitable for use in perance venues where noise and vibration must be minimised.
Safety Measures When Hiring a Floor Crane
Operating counterbalance floor cranes safely requires comprehensive understanding of proper procedures, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. Safety considerations mustencompass pre-operational checks, operational protocols, and emergency procedures.
Pre-Operational Safety Checks
Before operating any counterbalance floor crane, operators must conduct thorough pre-use inspections. These inspections should examine the hook for cracks, gouges, excessive wear, and proper latch operation. The lifting mechanism, whether chain, wire rope, or hydraulic cylinder, requires careful examination for elongation, deformation, cuts, cracks, excessive wear, or corrosion.Load rating verification represents a critical safety check. Every counterbalance floor crane must display clearly visible safe working load (SWL) signs and load charts. Operators must never exceed the rated load capacity, considering that capacity varies based on boom position and configuration.
Operational Safety Protocols
Safe operational practice demands that no person should stand under suspended loads or within the load’s potential fall zone. Work area boundaries must be established and maintained, with only trained personnel permitted within the designated safety zone. Physical barriers such as portable barriers with ropes should be installed around crane operation areas. Counterweight management represents a unique safety consideration for these cranes. Operators must ensure correct counterweight configuration for the intended load, understanding that inadequate counterweighting can lead to instability or tipping. The counterweights must be properly secured within their storage boxes and evenly distributed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
All personnel operating or working near counterbalance floor cranes must wear appropriate PPE. Essential
PPE includes:
Hard hats
to protect against falling objects
High-visibility clothing
for enhanced operator visibility
Safety gloves
for improved grip and hand protection
Steel-toe boots
to protect feet from heavy objects
Protective glasses or goggles
for eye protection
The PPE must be regularly inspected for wear and properly fitted to each individual user. Rigger gloves are specifically recommended for crane operations to provide additional protection against pinch points, cuts, and abrasions.