Date: 08/03/2020
Previous Blog: Industries We Serve
Factors for the Lifetime Cost of Ownership
When your upcoming project includes an investment in overhead lifting equipment, there are several factors to consider that can lower the lifetime cost of ownership. Today, we explore what to assess at the front end of your purchase, and throughout the lifetime of your equipment, to help you take the best advantage of new equipment and optimize its value over time.
1. Buy Certified Products from Experienced Hoist Manufacturers
When researching manufacturers, review their certifications and associations to better understand their core competencies, what professional resources they have and what standards they set for their overall customer service. A few organizational affiliations to look out for include ISO certification, HMI certification and STAFDA membership.
• ISO certification certifies that the company’s manufacturing process, service, management systems and documentation procedures all meet standardized expectations and further assures the quality of both the final product and the safety of those on the manufacturing floor.
• Products certified through the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI) are our industry’s leading suppliers of hoisting equipment. By choosing an HMI-certified product, you can be further confident that your manufacturer ensures lifetime service and aftermarket support for your equipment.
• Members of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) represent the top companies in the construction and supply chain space, focused on research, ethical practices and encourage continual improvement among active members. Because STAFDA members place particular interest in encouraging competition and growth, you can benefit from top-tier service when working with one of these manufacturers.
2. Buy From Manufacturers With Consistent, On-Time Delivery with Critical Stock on Hand
Ask your service person about stock and availability of parts, and what quick delivery options available. For some manufacturers, delivery may be limited to certain days of the week, come with additional delivery fees or other stipulations that could incur longer lead times.
As you’re researching, consider the manufacturer’s ability to deliver the components or crane package you need in the time window you need it. These are points to clarify up front, making sure that expectations for your production schedule remain a top priority when arranging delivery at time of initial purchase and when you need parts replaced. At R&M, we have access to the largest parts warehouse for crane components in the Americas.
3. Buy From Manufacturers With Consistent, On-Time Delivery with Critical Stock on Hand
In addition to STAFDA membership and Industrial Supply Association membership, ISO certification is a key indicator of a manufacturer’s ability to continually deliver through a consistent and reliable supply chain. ISO 9001 certification is specifically important to ensure that the structure, tasks and processes of an organization meet the strictly audited ISO standards.
Ask potential manufacturers about the robustness of their supply chain – as it pertains to your specific market and material needs – to confirm their ability to meet your project requirements.
4. Ask About Service Support for After-Sale Repairs, Replacements and Improvements
When you choose a manufacturer, they should provide a clear and comprehensive outline of what is covered within their product warranty. They should also establish the Designed Working Period (DWP) of their equipment and maintenance guidelines to help you feel confident in their ability to support your investment after purchase.
Request documentation that is specific to your equipment and includes OEM parts catalogues. Ensure they have a network of local support teams and builders that you can trust.
5. Review Safety Features for Reliable Operation
Safety should be the top priority for any manufacturer who earns your business; just as it is a top concern for equipment owners and facility managers. Safe operating environments mitigate risks and reduce costs for end users while giving operators confidence in their working environment.
Hoist manufacturers can support you in your safety goals by selling products which comply with ASME and CMAA or FEM and ISO specifications to prevent unexpected movement of the hoist or components. Some manufacturers include additional safety measures as standard on their equipment. Ask about the safety measures that come standard with the manufacturer’s equipment, both for safer controls and better ergonomics of your operators.
To further ensure safety and provide deeper insights into the usage of your hoist, ask your potential manufacturer about remote services that help you access your hoist’s data from the floor, rather than accessing the panel. An example of this technology is R&M’s Overhead Lifting Information App, which connects to the hoist using a wireless hardware key and permits hoist data access from your operators’ iOS or Android device.
6. Ask About Part Quality and Design
Additionally, you should seek out manufacturers who right-size their equipment to ensure you aren’t paying more than you need for over-built equipment both at initial time of purchase, as this will also contribute to the cost of equipment when it comes time for replacement.
When it comes to part quality, higher-quality parts last longer, are better made and offer more efficient operations in general. For the quality of parts, look for the standardized measurement that they fit, and how advanced precision can help your operations rise above your competition. At R&M, our gearboxes are designed in house and are specifically built for hoist applications. We use an innovative design software to select the precise size needed for your application. When it comes to quality gears, use gears with AGMA 10 ratings for trolley and bridge motion, and AGMA 12 for hoisting.
What does the AGMA rating mean for your equipment?
The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) assigns a quality number that provides a measure of the geometric accuracy of the teeth on a gear, or how close to “perfect” the distance, pitch and tolerances are. The higher the quality number, the closer the actual geometry of the gears are to what the gear manufacturer specifies.
When you have higher geometric accuracy, it improves the overall performance of the gear. That’s because there’s less room for unintended contact between the teeth, which can put further stress on the gear teeth, decrease their overall lifespan and generate louder noise from the gears.
Digging into questions at your time of purchase that pertain to the lifetime of your hoist can save considerable cost during your equipment’s years of operation. Have hoist questions specific to your project’s application or further advice on maximizing your hoist investment? Use our crane designer tool to see immediate recommendations and speak to an expert about the best components for your next project.