Both patented track and enclosed track monorails and underhung workstation cranes provide an efficient way to move loads overhead. To ensure these overhead lifting systems are safe, operations should purchase products manufactured to a uniform set of standards. Specifically, the engineering and technical standards developed by the members of the Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA) and published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These publications provide a common design standard for monorail and workstation crane manufacturers to follow. Here, an exploration of why it’s important to buy monorails and workstation cranes built to MMA standards.

MMA Standards Developed by Manufacturers

The content of the MMA standards incorporates requirements agreed upon by the association’s members. As it turns out, MMA members manufacture the vast majority of monorail and underhung workstation crane systems sold in the U.S., said Lee Bailey. Bailey currently serves as President of MMA, in addition to his role as Manager of Manufacturing Integration and Engineering at MMA member Schmalz Inc.

“The only available standards for monorails and underhung workstation crane systems are those published by MMA,” said Bailey. “Through MMA’s Engineering Committee, its members come together to develop the content, and everybody has to agree on that content. However, that doesn’t mean each member company’s products are the same. Rather, the standards include guidelines for the products’ construction, such as rail alignment tolerances and maximum deflection limits. That ensures the creation of uniformly safe designs.”

Manufacturers building monorails or workstation cranes without adhering to MMA standards, may or may not be taking safety into consideration. Purchasing products not built to these guidelines may create an unsafe situation in an operation, he continued.

Two MMA Standards Available

Currently, MMA publishes and continuously updates two separate standards for safe monorail and underhung workstation cranes. They include:

• ANSI MH27.1 – Patented Track Underhung Cranes & Monorail Systems. This standard applies to underhung workstation cranes whose end trucks operate on the lower flange of a patented track runway section. It also applies to carriers (trolleys) operating on single-track patented track monorail systems, including all curves, switches, transfer devices, lift and drop sections, and associated equipment.

• ANSI MH27.2 – Enclosed Track Underhung Cranes & Monorail Systems. This standard applies to underhung workstation cranes whose end trucks operate on the internal flange of a runway using enclosed track sections. It also applies to trolleys (carriers) operating on single-track monorail systems, including all curves, switches, transfer devices, lift and drop sections, and associated equipment.

The standards cover the safe design, engineering, manufacturing, operation, and service of these products. Both MMA standards also offer insight into how to specify and select the most appropriate type of monorail or underhung workstation crane for an application, and how to properly size the equipment to the loads. They also detail proper installation and recommendations for the proper use, maintenance, and inspection of the equipment.

Publication by ANSI Ensures Comprehensive Reviews

“ANSI, which is a highly credible facilitator and coordinator of voluntary consensus standards used across multiple industries in the U.S., publishes both MMA standards,” Bailey added. “They have a formal process that requires a review of all standards—including MMA’s—every five to seven years. This ensures the standards are still current and up to date.”

The review includes measures for reaffirming that the existing version of an ANSI standard remains accurate. It also incorporates a multi-step process for soliciting suggested changes from a canvassing committee comprised of manufacturers, end users, government representatives, and safety experts. In the case of the MMA standards, the Engineering Committee considers the proposed revisions, applies appropriate edits, and secures approval for the updates from the canvassing committee.

“We’re currently working through a review process now for both ANSI MH27.1 and ANSI MH27.2,” continued Bailey. “We expect to have the updated standards ready for release in 2025.”

Other Applicable Standards Considered

In developing and updating the two MMA standards, the Engineering Committee also considers voluntary standards developed for related products and processes that apply to the equipment. This further supports the comprehensive nature of the guidelines, Bailey said.

“For example, we examine standards for structural welding. When you’re building a monorail or underhung workstation crane, you have to weld certain parts. Therefore, we want to make sure that in our products the welded components meet structural welding standards,” he explained.

The same goes for material strength and composition, such as the recommended grades of steel and aluminum used in patented and enclosed track construction. Other standards considered include those from the National Electrical Code regarding safe wiring and for structural building engineering factors that impact a system’s installation.

Learn About MMA

Founded in 1933, MMA is an independent incorporated trade association affiliated with MHI. MMA members manufacture and supply patented track and enclosed track workstation cranes and monorail systems. Member companies’ employees serve as representatives within MMA, reviewing and adopting all of the association’s programs and policies. The organization operates through committees, including an active engineering group which produces ANSI MH27.1 and ANSI MH27.2 standards. Visit www.mhi.org/mma for details.

Purchase the MMA Standards

Both ANSI MH27.1 and ANSI MH27.2 standards are available for purchase via MMA’s website, www.mhi.org/mma. Find more information by connecting with the members of the Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA).

Available to answer any questions about patented track and enclosed track monorails and workstation cranes, the group also offers a variety of resources. These include case studies, complimentary publications, and videos. Additionally, the organization administers the MMA-Certified Program that verifies the manufacture of specific products complies with applicable MMA standards.