With MODEX 2020 just a few days away, MHI’s Overhead Alliance (which includes the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI), and the Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA)) offers a few insights into the types of overhead handling equipment attendees will be focused on at the show, as well as their buying plans through the end of the year. The organization recently conducted a survey of nearly 250 executives involved in the decision-making process for overhead lifting equipment, such as cranes, monorails and/or hoists for their manufacturing or material handling operations.

Of those surveyed, 84 percent currently use overhead handling technologies in their facilities; 43 percent lift three or more products with this equipment, the most common being metal fabrications (58 percent), machinery components (57 percent), and primary steel (55 percent). More than half (55 percent) use overhead equipment to lift loads ranging from 0 to 1 tons; 29 percent specify 1 to 5 tons as their load qualification for overhead movement.

As these executives tour the displays at MODEX, they’ll be specifically evaluating overhead handling solutions across five key areas: worker safety, weight/tonnage capacity, available floor space, workflow improvement, and ease of maintenance. The top five desired technical features are variable speed control, radio control, travel limit switches, overload devices, and audible warning devices.

A key reason given for the interest in overhead handling technologies is the opportunity to replace floor-operated material handling equipment. Executives note that this switch is desired to reduce lifting accidents, improve workplace health and safety, boost productivity, improve workflow, and reduce downtime. Within the next 12 months, the top areas of planned investment include electric chain hoists, wire rope hoists, and single-girder overhead cranes with capacities under 10 tons.

Of those already using overhead handling equipment in their operations, 73 percent are very to extremely satisfied with them. Additionally, 97 percent say their overhead lifting equipment gives them a competitive advantage in operational performance, as well as reduces product damage (97 percent), improves safety (96 percent), provides better control over and positioning of the load (95 percent), is an asset to the operation (93 percent), and reduces costs (87 percent).

Are you planning to attend MODEX, March 9-12, 2020 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center? Register in advance and make plans to visit the members of the Overhead Alliance who will be exhibiting a variety of crane, hoist and monorail solutions throughout the event.