Buyer’s Guide for Purchasing Explosion Proof Hoists, Trolleys and Bridge Cranes

Andrew T. Litecky3/29/24

Welcome to the Hoist Guy’s Blog, where our resident hoist guy, Andrew T. Litecky, shares his buying tips for purchasing explosion proof hoists, trolley and bridge cranes. Does your specification call for an electric-powered explosion proof hoist, trolley or overhead crane? Understanding some key points about hazardous locations, explosion proof...

Common Applications for Gantry Cranes

Andrew T. Litecky9/12/23

Welcome to the Hoist Guy’s Blog! Where our resident Hoist Guy, Andrew T. Litecky, shares his experience in the overhead material handling industry to discuss gantry cranes and their common applications. What is a Gantry Crane? A gantry crane is a type of overhead crane that is supported by freestanding...

Motorized Jib Crane Sales & Service FAQ's

Andrew T. Litecky2/28/23

Learn the What, Why, and How Much of buying a motorized jib crane, as well as solutions for adding motorization to a manual jib and the pros and cons of adding a VFD.

Top 5 Hoist Safety Upgrades

Andrew T. Litecky4/ 1/22

What are the Top 5 improvements to your hoists and overhead cranes that make a big safety impact? Read this post for simple solutions that extend the life of your equipment and keep operators happy!

The Top 10 Signs You Need to Modernize Your Bridge Crane

Andrew T. Litecky2/ 1/22

When do you need to modernize your bridge crane? Read this post and our Top 10 Signs you Need to Modernize List to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your overhead traveling crane.

Can you remove hoist-mounted controls and remotely mount the same controls?

Andrew T. Litecky12/21/21

Can you remove hoist-mounted controls and remotely mount the same controls? Yes, but keep these key points in mind. Read this Hoist Guy's Blog post to learn more!

Top 5 Reasons to Call Us for a Hoist (instead of a catalog warehouse)

Andrew T. Litecky9/ 1/21

Welcome to The Hoist Guy's Blog, where our resident Hoist Guy Andrew T. Litecky shares another of his #HoistGuyLists! When you need an industrial hoist, why not just call the nearest catalog warehouse chain? Read on for why you should call Shupper-Brickle Equipment for a real industrial hoist!

How are overhead cranes powered?

Andrew T. Litecky7/ 1/21

Electric overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes, are typically powered by  conductor bar, festooning or a cable reel, and  there are pros and cons of each type of electrification. In certain situations, overhead cranes are powered manually by push or hand geared options or with air power.

Do you need a manual, electric or air-powered hoist? FAQ's

Andrew T. Litecky1/ 1/21

Welcome to The Hoist Guy's Blog, where our resident Hoist Guy Andrew T. Litecky shares his knowledge and experience of many years in the overhead material handling industry, this time with a little hoist FAQ session. Manual, Electric & Air-Powered Hoists What type of hoist is best for your uses from manual, electric or air-powered?...

The Top Five Rules of Overhead Material Handling for Architects, Engineers & Planners

Andrew T. Litecky12/ 1/20

An overhead crane system is often one small piece of an A&E project, but don't underestimate it's ability to throw the job off schedule. Read our Top 5 Rules of hoists & cranes for Architects & Engineers for ensuring this part of the job runs smoothly.

The Hoist Guy's Top 5 Rules of Hoisting

Andrew T. Litecky10/ 1/20

What are the Top 5 Rules of Hoisting? Read this list for the top things to know about purchasing and maintaining a hoist.

Why Your Bridge Crane Needs a Trolley Travel Limit Switch

Andrew T. Litecky8/ 1/20

To ensure your bridge crane operates safely, you need a trolley travel limit switch. Read this post to learn how cost-savings and shop safety are maximized with this critical device!

Quick Shipping Hoists, Cranes & Engineered Lifting Systems

Andrew T. Litecky4/ 1/20

When you need quick delivery of a hoist, many manufacturers have new equipment in stock. But what if you need something more than a stock hoist? Read this case study of a customer who required both quick shipping and quick thinking.

Fixed Ladders Require Inspections per OSHA

Andrew T. Litecky2/ 1/20

We were recently called in to inspect the fixed ladders in a manufacturing facility. The owner had been conducting the inspections in-house for several years, and they wanted to know if their work was sufficient to comply with OSHA. Unfortunately, of the 1,000+ ladders in the facility, our technicians found over 600 that did NOT meet the requirements. Had the fixed ladders been subject to a surprise OSHA inspection, they would have incurred significant fines. Or worse, the unsafe conditions could have resulted in a workplace accident.

Protect Your Outdoor Hoist with a Hoist Shelter

Andrew T. Litecky12/ 1/19

If you store your hoist outside, you are battling mother nature! A Hoist Shelter is a practical option for outdoor storage. Read more about how to save money and keep your outdoor hoist protected. 

Top Hoist Purchasing Mistakes to Avoid

Andrew T. Litecky10/ 1/19

When it comes to buying a hoist, cutting corner to save a few bucks can come back to haunt you. Avoid these "penny wise, pound foolish" mistakes to get the best equipment for your money.