34’ Gantry I-Beam?

[BellyUpFish]

I’m in the very early stages (this might be extremely cost prohibitive) of considering an I-Beam across the shop.

I’d like to be able to lift say 2,000lbs at the center of the beam if need be.

Would anyone have any idea where I’d need to start looking size wise on an I beam of this size?

 

[cvairwerks]

At 34 feet, you are better off looking at bridge crane designs. At a 34 foot span, according to the Wallace info, you are going to have to use an I beam with a vertical section of 18 inches to get a 1 ton capacity. Also, greater than a 20 foot section is most likely going to be a custom order for anything but wide flange. An 18", 55# wide flange beam, 40 foot length is listed at about $2400 locally.

 

[RPH]

Just physically moving the assembly whether beam or bridge design is a job itself. Lot of weight and momentum.
installation may be hardest part.

 

[jrsavoie]

Just physically moving the assembly whether beam or bridge design is a job itself. Lot of weight and momentum.
installation may be hardest part.

Might be easier to build a crane and thrn build a shop around it.

 

[klassenl]

There is a welder here in town that put his crane in after his shop was finished. He cut a hole in the roof to get the delivery crane cable down into the shop.

 

[jrsavoie]

When I worked at Cat, I watched them take down a crane and scrap it. Kinda brought a tear to my eye.

 

[RPH]

I spent a year working for Shaw-box as a field tech on their large cranes. It’s very common to cut holes in the roof for installations. The end trucks for the bridge would be good sized. Also no way will it roll without motor driven end trucks. I can look back into my materials and see what I have on one ton 34’ bridge crane. Might give you some ideas.

 

[blazemaster83]

Like others have said that's a hefty crane to just assemble. If I was going to build something that large, I would probably build it a little heavier and make it good for 3+ ton. I have a 3 ton 15ft gantry and could have used a 5 ton on a few occasions. Headroom is never bad on an overhead crane. Wallace is a good place to get an idea of the size of beam needed for whatever you decide on.

 

[nadogail]

I would buy a ticket to watch the fabrication and erection of the OP's crane.

 

[jkuro]

Go to your local steel supplier, most have an on site engineer to help you choose the proper I beam.

 

[Old Fart]

The issue is greater than just the beam: support columns and the connection between supports and beam also need to be considered.

 

[jkuro]

Again go to your local steel supplier and they will help with the support columns also.

 

[cvairwerks]

Hoist and trolley selection are going to influence available lifting height with the needed beam, if this is to go into an existing building. 18" beam with at least another 20" minimum head height, means that for 10' under the hook, you need at least a 13' 6" ceiling.

 

[FTG-05]

Let's see if this helps:

 

[930dreamer]

Man, I'd love to have a bridge crane installed at my shop.