When installing a crane with a free standing gantry system, it is imperative to have the gantry track perfectly level. In order to achieve this we pack at the bottom to maske the the crane run true on the rail, hence. In order to make sure the gantry track is installed level, our engineers will use packers under the base plate of the crane column. Experience shows us that factory floors are never level over a distance. When this is finished base grouting completes the job therefore making is stable.
In addition, level crane tracks avoid your crane’s wheels and gantry’s tracks wearing out.
If your floor is only a few millimetres out this will be evident at the top of the crane column, where the gantry track sit. To avoid this issue we will always pack the columns whenever possible.
To make the finish look professional and help secure the packed column itself, we offer to grout under the bases. This also helps to prevent the floor from cracking. always use non shrink grout, not cement, as cement can settle and cracks over time.
Crane Column Base Grouting.
Uneven tracks are dangerous as having the gantry out of line can cause the crane to crab and get stuck.
To ensure a perfect level to your gantry our engineers will take a datum point in your factory, then laser measurements are then taken in all directions. This confirms the column positions and height. The columns are then packed to ensure each has the same finished height.
Wooden frame for crane base grouting
AG Cranes installation engineers will use packers under the cranes upright free standing columns to ensure all columns are the same height. The packers are put in the center of the cranes base as shown in the picture above. A wooden frame is then placed around it ready for the grout to be poured, once finished.
Next the column is landed onto the bolts and packers. The bolts are then tightened and the levels taken once more with a spirit level. Silicone is then squirted around the wooden outer base, prior to the non shrink grout being poured.
crane wooden base guard
When the silicone is set under the wooden frame the non-shrink grout is then poured around the base. See the picture below.
Non shrink grout pouring
Once all the base plates are done we will check the tracks are level before fully tightening the bolts. The crane can either be tested before the non shrink grout is poured or 24 hours after. Then 24 hours after the grout is poured around the crane base the wooden frames can be removed, and the crane is ready to use!
Finished base grouting below:
Finished crane base grouting.
Portal column & base grouting
Base grouting
Please ask at point of enquiry if you want base grouting for your crane. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, so please give us a call. Please note base grouting is not the same as crane pads, or foundations for your crane.
If this page was useful, also see our information page about crane floor pads to support crane steelwork.
crane floor cones and templates
Lastly, visit our YouTube channel.