[TheForge] Shop Cranes vs Floor Hoists

[Ian]

Somewhere in the not so distant future I plan on building a large shop of
approximate 30ft x 40ft dimentions and the thought of having a crane in the
shop has really twigged a nerve in the old brain. With all the heavy
material/equipment that blacksmithing can sometimes involve, a way of
lifting and moving that heavy stuff that could be an integral part of the
shop deserves some special consideration.

The most bang for the buck is what I would like to get. Wouldn't we all?

I am thinking that with a shop crane that it would always be something that
in some way or other would always have to be worked around and often times
be in the way - at least with a swing arm type that is setup in the middle
of the shop like the one that David Mudge has displayed on his web site. But
an installation like that also appeals to me because it is always there when
you need to lift something - no assembly required. That is what leads me to
think that perhaps a fold up hydraulic shop crane (sometimes called "engine
hoists") of say a 2 ton capacity might be a better way to go. It could be
folded up and rolled into a corner or up against a wall when not in use and
would never be in your way. A couple things that might not be so good with a
unit like this is that it would not be worth a hoot on a dirt floor, it
would need a concrete floor to roll easily. Secondly, it would have some
height reach and lift limitations.

To those of you out there who are using ANY type of crane in your shop, what
has your experience been with functionality and YOUR "Best Bang for the
Buck"?

Ian....


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