Buyer’s Guide Companion for Top Running Bridge & Gantry Multiple Girder Cranes

and Top Running & Under Running Single Girder Electric Traveling Cranes

Prepared by
The Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc
70 & 74

Released August 2014

CMAA is an affiliate of the Material Handling Industry

of America division of Material Handing Industry.
Buyer’s Guide Companion
This Guide, which was developed by the Crane Manufacturers Association of
America, Inc. (“CMAA”), an affiliated trade association of the Material
Handling Industry (“MHI”), provides guidance about the proper selection of
crane and hoist systems and covers various issues about such a system’s
terminology, usage, and more. It was developed with the sole intent of
offering information to parties engaged in selecting and purchasing such a
crane or hoist system. This Guide is advisory only and should only be
regarded as a simple tool that a potential user or buyer may or may not
choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not
constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in
operating, selecting and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied
upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent
adviser should be consulted to do so.

VOLUNTARY. The acceptance or use of this Guide is completely voluntary.

Its existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether it has
approved the Guide or not, from following procedures and assuming
responsibilities not conforming to this Guide.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY. CMAA, MHI, and their members assume no
responsibility and disclaim all liability of any kind, however arising, as a result
of acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide. The User specifically
understands and agrees that CMAA, MHI, their members, their officers,
agents, and employees shall not be liable under any legal theory of any kind
for any action or failure to act with respect to the proper selection of a material
handling system as well as matters such as the service for which it will be
used, the frequency of its use, matching its speed with manufacturing needs,
budget or any other activity covered by This Guide. Any use of this
information must be determined by the User to be in accordance with
applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. CMAA, MHI, and their members make NO

WARRANTIES of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, in connection
with the information in this Guide and SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
INDEMNIFICATION. By referring to or otherwise employing this Guide, the
User agrees to defend, protect, indemnify, and hold CMAA, MHI, their
members, their officers, agents, and employees harmless from and against all
claims, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct, incidental, or
consequential, arising from acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide,
including loss of profits and reasonable attorneys' fees which may arise out of
the acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide. The intent of this provision
and of the User is to absolve and protect CMAA, MHI, their members, their
officers, agents, and employees from any and all loss relating in any way to
this Guide, including those resulting from the User's own negligence.

8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201 – Charlotte, NC 28217 – 704-676-1190 – Fax 704-676-1199 – www.mhia.org/cmaa
Buyer’s Guide Companion – Multiple Girder Cranes
This1.Guide,
Is the crane
whichdesigned per CMAA specifications?
was developed by the Crane Manufacturers Association of
a. This Specification
America, Inc. (“CMAA”), an affiliatedhas been developed
tradeby the Crane Manufacturers
association Association
of the Material
of America, Inc. (CMAA), an organization of leading
Handling Industry (“MHI”), provides guidance about the proper selection electric overhead traveling
of
crane and hoist cranesystems and covers
manufacturers various
in the United issues
States, for theabout
purposesuch a system’s
of promoting
terminology, usage, and more.
standardization It was
and providing developed
a basis for equipmentwithselection.
the soleIn addition
intent of to
offering information to parties
Specifications, engagedcontains
the publication in selecting andwhich
information purchasing
should besuch
helpfulato
crane or hoist thesystem.
purchasers andThis Guide
users is advisory
of cranes and to theonly and should
engineering only be
and architectural
regarded as professions.
a simple tool that a potential user or buyer may or may not
choose to design
2. Are follow,stresses
adopt,in modify,
accordance or with
reject.
CMAAThe following information does not
Specifications?
constitute a.a comprehensive safety program, cannot
CMAA provides guidelines for stresses in the structural guard members
against of pitfalls in
the crane.
operating, selecting and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied
These guidelines include factors to enable the crane to properly operate for the
upon as such. Such a for
application program should
which it was be developed,
designed, andload
including normal ancases.
independent
adviser should
3. Are Weldingbe(Design,
consulted to do so.
Fabrication, Testing and Welder) Qualifications in accordance with
AWS D14.1?
VOLUNTARY.
a. AWS The acceptance
(American WeldingorSociety)
use ofD14.1
this provides
Guide isspecific
completely voluntary.
guidelines for welding
Its existence materials
does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether it has
on cranes or other material handling equipment. This specification
approved theincludes
Guideconsiderations
or not, from following procedures and assuming
for joint configurations, fatigue and workmanship of the
responsibilities not conforming to this Guide.
welds so that they are performed properly.
4. Are static/dynamic
DISCLAIMER load factorsCMAA,
OF LIABILITY. and loadMHI,
combinations consistent
and their members with CMAA
assume no
requirements?
responsibility and disclaim all liability of any kind, however arising, as a result
a. Consider
of acceptance or use static
or and dynamic
alleged useload
offactors so that the
this Guide. crane
The is designed
User with the
specifically
understands correct
and agrees that CMAA, MHI, their members, their officers,
design factor.
agents, and
5. Are employees
calculated shall
stresses notlimitations/guidelines?
within be liable under any legal theory of any kind
for any action or failurea to
a. Designing actwhere
crane with respect
allowableto the proper
stresses selection
are within of of
the limits a material
CMAA
handling system as well can
specifications as increase
mattersthe such as life
service theofservice
the cranefor which
based on itsitclass
will of
be
used, the frequency
service. of its use, matching its speed with manufacturing needs,
budget or the
6. Have anyallowable
other stress
activity
rangescovered
based onby classThis Guide.
of service beenAny use (fatigue)?
considered of this
informationa. must be determined by the User to be in accordance
Static stresses are often encountered in the design of cranes. Fatigue must withalso
applicable federal, state, and
be considered local
during the laws
designand regulations.
to reduce premature failure of cyclically loaded
components.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. CMAA, MHI, and their members make NO
7. Girder design
WARRANTIES of –any
Proportional requirements,
kind, express, Factorsorofstatutory,
implied, Safety on buckling consistent with
in connection
CMAA?
with the information in this Guide and SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL
a. Compression, as
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OFwellMERCHANTABILITY
as tension, must be considered
AND inOF crane girder design.
FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Using the guidelines and limits established by CMAA will enable the crane to be
designed to reduce the likelihood of buckling failures.
INDEMNIFICATION. By CMAA
8. Girder deflection per referring to or otherwise
specifications (1/888) employing this Guide, the
User agrees a. CMAA recommends minimum deflectionand
to defend, protect, indemnify, of thehold
bridgeCMAA,
beam(s) toMHI,
avoidtheir
load
members, their officers, agents, and employees harmless from and against all
handling problems due to trolley drift and cab operator discomfort.
claims, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct, incidental, or
9. Are foot walks designed for 50psf live load?
consequential, arising from acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide,
a. Foot
including loss walks should
of profits be designed with
and reasonable proper loads
attorneys' fees (pounds per square
which may arise foot)
out ofso
the acceptance that
orthey
usefunction properly
or alleged usewhen used.
of this Under-designed
Guide. The intentfoot walks
of this can result in
provision
excessive deflection causing uneasiness or distress when
and of the User is to absolve and protect CMAA, MHI, their members, their used by personnel.
10. Areagents,
officers, structural
andbolted joints designed
employees frominanyaccordance
and allwith
lossCMAA requirements?
relating in any way to
this Guide, including those resulting from the User's own negligence.
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201 – Charlotte, NC 28217 – 704-676-1190 – Fax 704-676-1199 – www.mhia.org/cmaa
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201 – Charlotte, NC 28217 – 704-676-1190 – Fax 704-676-1199 – www.mhia.org/cmaa
 a. CMAA requires compliance with ASTM-A325 or ASTM-A490 for all structural
Buyer’s Guide Companion
connections which is consistent with American Institute of Steel Construction
(AISC) requirements.
11. Hook design factor min 5:1 based on ultimate strength
This Guide, a. which
Hooks mustwas be developed
sized so that bythe theultimate
Cranestrength
Manufacturers
is five timesAssociation
greater (5:1 of
America, Inc. (“CMAA”),
Design Factor) than antheaffiliated
rated load tradecapacity.association
Lower factorsofcould theincrease
Material
the
Handling Industry (“MHI”), provides
likelihood of premature failure. guidance about the proper selection of
crane and hoist systems and covers
12. Is the Wire Rope Design Factor a minimum 5:1? various issues about such a system’s
terminology, usage,
a. Wire ropesand mustmore.
be sized so It that
wasany developed
combinationwith of the theropesole intent
diameter andof
offering information to parties engaged in selecting and purchasing such a
construction has a breaking strength at least five times greater (5:1 design
crane or hoist system. This Guide is advisory only and should only be
factor) than the rated load capacity plus the weight of the load block for
regarded as a simple tool that a potential user or buyer may or may not
choose to follow, standard cranes.
adopt, Cranesor
modify, that lift molten
reject. The materials
followingshould have wiredoes
information ropesnot
with
a breaking strength of eight times greater
constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in (8:1 Design Factor). Lower factors
may reduce
operating, selecting andthepurchasing
expected lifespan suchofa the rope due
system, and to fatigue
shouldand notother stress
be relied
upon as such. factors.
Such a program should be developed, and an independent
adviser should berope
13. Type of wire and size to do so.
consulted
a. Wire rope is available in different grades of steel including stainless. It is
VOLUNTARY. important to select the proper
The acceptance or usematerial
of thisfor the application
Guide is completely and environment
voluntary.
where the wire rope will be used.
Its existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether it has
14. Hoist rope
approved the fleet
Guide angleor pernot,
CMAAfrom specifications?
following procedures and assuming
a. Fleet
responsibilities notangle is the angle
conforming toofthis
the Guide.
rope as it approaches the grooves of a drum or
sheave. Excessive fleet angles may accelerate wear on the rope, sheaves and
DISCLAIMER drumOFand LIABILITY.
could increase CMAA,
localizedMHI, andontheir
stresses the ropemembers
itself. assume no
responsibility and disclaim all liability of any kind, however
15. Hoist meeting or exceeding the guide for minimum pitch diameter of running arising, as asheaves
result
of acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide.
a. CMAA has recommended minimum “diameter ratios” based on the construction The User specifically
understands ofand agrees
the wire rope thatthatdetermines
CMAA, MHI, their pitch
the allowable members,diametertheir officers,
for sheaves and
agents, and employees shall not be liable under any legal
drums for a given wire rope size. These minimum ratios have been shown to theory of any kind
for any action or failure to act with respect to the proper selection of a material
increase wire rope service life based on the crane service class and may result in
handling system as well as matters such as the service for which it will be
fewer wire rope replacements.
used, the frequency of its use, matching its speed with manufacturing needs,
16. Pitch diameter
budget or any other of equalizer
activitysheaves
coveredper CMAA by specifications
This Guide. Any use of this
a. See 15.a above
information must be determined by the User to be in accordance with
17. Hoist federal,
applicable drum meet minimum
state, and pitch
localdiameter
laws and perregulations.
CMAA specifications
a. See 15.a above
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY.
18. Gearing designed to AGMA 2001-C95 CMAA, MHI, factor
and service and their members
consistent make
with class NO
of service
WARRANTIES a. The of any kind,
American express, implied,
Gear Manufacturers or statutory,
Association (AGMA) standards in connection
provide
with the information
criteria regardingin this Guidelife,
the fatigue and SPECIFICALLY
durability, and other factors DISCLAIM
influencing ALL
gear
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
survival. Gears designed for a higher life expectancy ANDmay OFhaveFITNESS
a reduced FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
frequency of gear failure.
19. Bearings
INDEMNIFICATION. By consistent with duty cycletoselected
referring or otherwise employing this Guide, the
User agrees a. CMAA has recommendations
to defend, protect, indemnify,for bearing life
andthat are based
hold CMAA, on the class their
MHI, of
members, their service (duty cycle)
officers, agents, of the
and crane. As the class
employees of service
harmless increases
from from Class
and against all”A”
claims, losses, expenses,
to Class “F,” the bearingdamages, and accordingly.
life increases liabilities, direct, incidental, or
consequential, arisingand
20. Brake mechanical from acceptance
thermal or usewith
ratings consistent or alleged use of thisand
CMAA requirements Guide,
class of
including loss of profits and reasonable attorneys' fees which may arise out of
service.
the acceptance
a. As the or use
class or alleged
of service oruse
dutyof thisofGuide.
cycle the crane The intent
or hoist of this provision
increases, the brake
and of the User is to absolve and protect CMAA, MHI, their
ratings must increase to provide a design factor consistent with crane service members, their
officers, agents, and employees
classification. from any and all loss relating in any way to
this21.
Guide, including those resulting
Shafting design per CMAA specifications from the User's own negligence.

8720
8720Red
RedOak
OakBlvd.,
Blvd.,Suite
Suite201
201––Charlotte,
Charlotte,NC
NC28217
28217––704-676-1190
704-676-1190––Fax
Fax704-676-1199
704-676-1199––www.mhia.org/cmaa
www.mhia.org/cmaa
 a. By following CMAA specifications, proper shaft design may reduce premature
Buyer’s Guide Companion
shaft failure due to fatigue or other factors. An improperly designed shaft may
be a hazard in that the shaft could fail and could eliminate the brake from the
system.
This
22.Guide,
Allowable which
wheel wasloadsdeveloped by the Crane Manufacturers Association of
per CMAA specifications
America, a.Inc. CMAA (“CMAA”),
recommends anallowable
affiliated trade wheel
maximum association
loads for aof thewheel
given Material
Handling Industry diameter, rail size and hardness of the wheel. If wheels are overloaded, theof
(“MHI”), provides guidance about the proper selection
crane and hoist wheelsystems
life could and covers due
be shortened various issues wheel
to premature aboutwear.such a system’s
terminology, usage, and more.
23. Bumpers sized per CMAA specifications It was developed with the sole intent of
offering information to parties engaged in selecting and purchasing such a
a. Bumpers are designed to absorb impact loading. Properly sized bumpers per
crane or hoist system. This Guide is advisory only and should only be
CMAA specifications can reduce damage to both the crane runway system and
regarded as a simple tool that a potential user or buyer may or may not
choose to follow, crane adopt,
in the event of accidental
modify, or reject. collisions with runway
The following end stops ordoes
information other not
cranes. This also applies to bumpers for
constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in trolleys.
24. Panel selecting
operating, and interconnect wiring per NEC
and purchasing 610 a system, and should not be relied
such
upon as a. such. CMAA Suchspecifications
a program recognize
should Article
be 610 of The National
developed, and an Electric Code (NEC),
independent
which regulates
adviser should be consulted to do so. electrical design including things such as minimum conductor
(wire) sizing, fusing guidelines, grounding, short circuit devices, overload
VOLUNTARY. devices,
Theetc. The NEC recognizes
acceptance or use of hazards to persons
this Guide and propertyvoluntary.
is completely arising from
the use of electricity.
Its existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether it has
25. Motors
approved designed
the Guide per or
NEMA not, MG-1fromor IEC.following procedures and assuming
a. Motors
responsibilities that are certified
not conforming under
to this NEMA MG-1 or IEC motors comply with rules
Guide.
regarding service conditions, standard dimensions and tolerances, duty rating
DISCLAIMER andOF LIABILITY.
more. The use of motorsCMAA, MHI, and
constructed to their memberswill
these standards assume
improve notheir
responsibilityreliable
and disclaim all liability
operation and service life. of any kind, however arising, as a result
of 26.
acceptance or use for
Motors appropriate or use
alleged
with VFD use of this Guide. The User specifically
(if applicable)
understands and agrees that CMAA,
a. Motors designed for use with variable MHI,frequency
their members,
drives (VFD)their officers,
are typically
agents, and employees shall not be liable under any legal
referred to as Inverter Duty Motors. These motors have minimum requirements theory of any kind
for any action or failure to act with respect to the proper selection of a material
for insulation design that reduce the likelihood of premature failure due to heat
handling system as well as matters such as the service for which it will be
or other factors.
used, the frequency of its use, matching its speed with manufacturing needs,
budget or anyrequirements
27. Motor HP other activity calculated per CMAA
covered by forThisclass Guide.
of service Any use of this
information must be determined by the User to be size
a. CMAA provides horsepower calculations to correctly the motor per the
in accordance duty
with
applicable federal,classification
state,ofand the crane,
local lawswhichand can result in longer service life.
regulations.
28. Controls sized for class of service
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY.
a. Controls CMAA, MHI,
(i.e. contactors, inverters, and their
etc.) should be sized members make NO
to the appropriate
WARRANTIES of any
service kind,
class and express,
application implied, or
requirements. statutory,in in
Components connection
controls that are not
with the information
sized properly incould
thisresultGuide and SPECIFICALLY
in premature failure. DISCLAIM ALL
IMPLIED
29. ShortWARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
circuit devices & overload devices per NEC 610 AND OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
a. See 24.a above
th
30. 4 Runway
INDEMNIFICATION. Electrification Ground Bar:
By referring to or otherwise employing this Guide, the
User agrees a. The toNational
defend, Electric Code was
protect, updated inand
indemnify, 2005hold
to require
CMAA,a separate
MHI,bonding
their
members, their officers,
(ground) agents,
conductor for and
all newemployees
cranes. harmless from and against all
claims,
31. Raillosses,
Sweeps expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct, incidental, or
consequential,
a. Railarising
sweeps from acceptance
are designed to reduce orthe
use or alleged
likelihood useentrapment
of debris of this Guide,
hazards
including lossunder of profits andwheels.
the travel reasonableThey are attorneys'
necessaryfees which
to comply may
with OSHAarise out ofto
standards
the acceptance or use
reduce or alleged
the likelihood use of this
of damage to the Guide.
wheel The were intent
it to runofover
thisanprovision
object.
and of the User is to absolve and protect CMAA, MHI, their members, their
officers, agents, and employees from any and all loss relating in any way to
this Guide, including those resulting from the User's own negligence.

8720
8720Red
RedOak
OakBlvd.,
Blvd.,Suite
Suite201
201––Charlotte,
Charlotte,NC
NC28217
28217––704-676-1190
704-676-1190––Fax
Fax704-676-1199
704-676-1199––www.mhia.org/cmaa
www.mhia.org/cmaa
Note: As explained in Specification #70 & #74, CMAA Engineering Committee Specification

Buyer’s Guide Companion

Interpretations and Responses are advisory and are intended to offer information only. CMAA makes no
warranties in connection with its Interpretation and Specification Responses and specifically disclaims all
implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. By using the Interpretation or
Response information,
This Guide, whichit iswas
the user’s intent and
developed byunderstanding
the Crane toManufacturers
absolve CMAA, itsAssociation
successors and of
assigns, officers and employees from any and all liability in tort,
America, Inc. (“CMAA”), an affiliated trade association of the Materialcontract or other liability.
Handling Industry (“MHI”), provides guidance about the proper selection of
crane and hoist systems and covers various issues about such a system’s
terminology, usage, and more. It was developed with the sole intent of
offering information to parties engaged in selecting and purchasing such a
crane or hoist system. This Guide is advisory only and should only be
regarded as a simple tool that a potential user or buyer may or may not
choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not
constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in
operating, selecting and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied
upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent
adviser should be consulted to do so.

VOLUNTARY. The acceptance or use of this Guide is completely voluntary.

Its existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether it has
approved the Guide or not, from following procedures and assuming
responsibilities not conforming to this Guide.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY. CMAA, MHI, and their members assume no
responsibility and disclaim all liability of any kind, however arising, as a result
of acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide. The User specifically
understands and agrees that CMAA, MHI, their members, their officers,
agents, and employees shall not be liable under any legal theory of any kind
for any action or failure to act with respect to the proper selection of a material
handling system as well as matters such as the service for which it will be
used, the frequency of its use, matching its speed with manufacturing needs,
budget or any other activity covered by This Guide. Any use of this
information must be determined by the User to be in accordance with
applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. CMAA, MHI, and their members make NO

WARRANTIES of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, in connection
with the information in this Guide and SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
INDEMNIFICATION. By referring to or otherwise employing this Guide, the
User agrees to defend, protect, indemnify, and hold CMAA, MHI, their
members, their officers, agents, and employees harmless from and against all
claims, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct, incidental, or
consequential, arising from acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide,
including loss of profits and reasonable attorneys' fees which may arise out of
the acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide. The intent of this provision
and of the User is to absolve and protect CMAA, MHI, their members, their
officers, agents, and employees from any and all loss relating in any way to
this Guide, including those resulting from the User's own negligence.

8720
8720Red
RedOak
OakBlvd.,
Blvd.,Suite
Suite201
201––Charlotte,
Charlotte,NC
NC28217
28217––704-676-1190
704-676-1190––Fax
Fax704-676-1199
704-676-1199––www.mhia.org/cmaa
www.mhia.org/cmaa
Buyer’s Guide Companion – Single Girder Cranes
This1.Guide,
Is the crane
whichdesigned per CMAA specifications?
was developed by the Crane Manufacturers Association of
a. This Specification has
America, Inc. (“CMAA”), an affiliated been developed
tradeby association
the Crane Manufacturers Association
of the Material
of America, Inc. (CMAA), an organization of leading
Handling Industry (“MHI”), provides guidance about the proper selection electric overhead traveling
of
crane manufacturers in the United States, for the
crane and hoist systems and covers various issues about such a system’s purpose of promoting
terminology, usage, and more.
standardization It was
and providing developed
a basis for equipmentwithselection.
the soleIn addition
intent of to
offering information to parties
Specifications, engagedcontains
the publication in selecting andwhich
information purchasing
should besuch
helpfula to
crane or hoistthesystem.
purchasers andThisusers
Guide is advisory
of cranes and to theonly and should
engineering only be
and architectural
regarded as a simple tool that a potential user or buyer may or may not
professions.
choose to design
2. Are follow,stresses
adopt,inmodify,
accordance or with
reject.
CMAATheSpecifications?
following information does not
constitute a.
a comprehensive safety program, cannot
CMAA provides guidelines for stresses in the structural guard members
against of pitfalls in
the crane.
operating, selecting and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied
These guidelines include factors to enable the crane to properly operate for the
upon as such. Such a for
application program should
which it was be developed,
designed, andload
including normal an cases.
independent
adviser should
3. Are be(Design,
Welding consulted to do so.
Fabrication, Testing and Welder) Qualifications in accordance with
AWS D14.1?
VOLUNTARY.
a. AWS The acceptance
(American WeldingorSociety)
use ofD14.1
this Guide
providesisspecific
completely voluntary.
guidelines for welding
Its existence materials
does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether it has
on cranes or other material handling equipment. This specification
approved theincludes
Guideconsiderations
or not, from following procedures and assuming
for joint configurations, fatigue and workmanship of the
responsibilities not so
welds conforming toperformed
that they are this Guide. properly.
4. Are static/dynamic
DISCLAIMER load factorsCMAA,
OF LIABILITY. and loadMHI,
combinations consistent
and their members with assume
CMAA no
requirements?
responsibility and disclaim all liability of any kind, however arising, as a result
a. Consider
of acceptance or usestatic
or and dynamic
alleged useloadoffactors so that the
this Guide. crane
The is designed
User with the
specifically
understands correct safety factor.
and agrees that CMAA, MHI, their members, their officers,
agents, and
5. Are employees
calculated shall
stresses notlimitations/guidelines?
within be liable under any legal theory of any kind
for any action or failurea to
a. Designing actwhere
crane with respect
allowabletostresses
the proper selection
are within of of
the limits a material
CMAA
handling system as well can
specifications as increase
mattersthe such as life
service theofservice
the cranefor which
based on itsit class
will of
be
used, the frequency
service. of its use, matching its speed with manufacturing needs,
budget or the
6. Have anyallowable
other stress
activity covered
ranges based onby classThis Guide.
of service beenAny use (fatigue)?
considered of this
informationa. must be determined by the User to be in accordance
Static stresses are often encountered in the design of cranes. Fatigue must withalso
applicable federal, state, and
be considered local
during thelaws
designand regulations.
to reduce premature failure of cyclically loaded
components.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. CMAA, MHI, and their members make NO
7. Girder design – Proportional requirements, Factors of Safety on buckling consistent with
WARRANTIES of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, in connection
CMAA?
with the information in this Guide and SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL
a. Compression, as
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF well as tension, must be considered
MERCHANTABILITY AND in
OF crane girder design.
FITNESS FOR
Using
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. the guidelines and limits established by CMAA will enable the crane to be
designed to reduce the likelihood of buckling failures.
INDEMNIFICATION. By CMAA
8. Girder deflection per referring to or otherwise
specifications (1/888) employing this Guide, the
User agrees a. CMAA recommends minimum deflectionand
to defend, protect, indemnify, of thehold
bridgeCMAA,
beam(s) to MHI,
avoidtheir
load
members, their officers, agents, and employees
handling problems due to trolley drift. harmless from and against all
claims, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct, incidental, or
9. Are structural bolted joints designed in accordance with CMAA requirements?
consequential, arising from acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide,
a. CMAA requires compliance with ASTM-A325 or ASTM-A490 for all structural
including loss of profits and reasonable attorneys' fees which may arise out of
the acceptance connections
or use orwhich is consistent
alleged withGuide.
use of this American Institute
The intentofofSteel
thisConstruction
provision
(AISC) requirements.
and of the User is to absolve and protect CMAA, MHI, their members, their
10. Is the
officers, hoist designed
agents, per ASME B30.16
and employees and and
from any applicable HST relating
all loss hoist performance standard?
in any way to
this Guide, including those resulting from the User's own negligence.
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201 – Charlotte, NC 28217 – 704-676-1190 – Fax 704-676-1199 – www.mhia.org/cmaa
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201 – Charlotte, NC 28217 – 704-676-1190 – Fax 704-676-1199 – www.mhia.org/cmaa
 a. A hoist designed in accordance with ASME B30.16 conforms to a variety of
Buyer’s Guide Companion
design criteria applying to the construction, installation, inspection, and testing
of the hoist. ASME B30.16 applies to hoists that will be used on single girder
cranes only.
This
11.Guide, which was
Load suspension partsdeveloped by thetoCrane
of hoist designed 5:1 basedManufacturers Association of
on ultimate strength
America, a.Inc. Load (“CMAA”),
suspension parts an affiliated
should also trade be sizedassociation of the
so that the ultimate Material
strength is five
Handling Industry (“MHI”), provides guidance about the proper
times greater (5:1 Design Factor) than the rated load capacity. Lower factors selection of
crane and hoist systems and covers various
could increase the likelihood of premature failure. issues about such a system’s
terminology, usage,
12. Is the Wire Rope Designand more. It was 5:1?
Factor a minimum developed with the sole intent of
offering information to parties engaged in selecting and purchasing such a
b. Wire ropes should be sized so that any combination of the rope diameter and
crane or hoist system. This Guide is advisory only and should only be
construction has a breaking strength at least five times greater (5:1 design
regarded as a simple tool that a potential user or buyer may or may not
factor)adopt,
choose to follow, than the rated load
modify, or capacity
reject. The plus the weight of
following the load block
information for not
does
constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls with
standard cranes. Cranes that lift molten materials should have wire ropes in
a breaking
operating, selecting andstrength of eight times
purchasing suchgreater
a system,(8:1 Design Factor). not
and should Lowerbefactors
relied
upon as such. maySuch reduceathe expectedshould
program lifespan be of the rope due toand
developed, fatigue
anand other stress
independent
factors.
adviser should be consulted to do so.
13. Type of wire rope or chain and size
VOLUNTARY. b. WireThe ropeacceptance
and chain areor available
use ofinthis different
Guide grades of steel including
is completely stainless.
voluntary.
It is important to select the proper material
Its existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether it has for the application and environment
approved the where Guidethe wireor rope
not,or chain
from will be used. procedures and assuming
following
14. Hoist meeting
responsibilities notorconforming
exceeding the toguide for minimum pitch diameter of running sheaves
this Guide.
b. CMAA has recommended minimum “diameter ratios” based on the flexibility of
DISCLAIMER theOF wireLIABILITY. CMAA,theMHI,
rope that determines and pitch
allowable theirdiameter
members assumeand
for sheaves no
responsibilitydrums
and disclaim all liability of any kind, however arising,
for a given wire rope size. These minimum ratios have been shown to as a result
of acceptance or use
increase wireorrope alleged usebased
service life of this
on theGuide. The User
crane service specifically
class and may result in
understands fewer and wire agrees that CMAA,
rope replacements. MHI, their members, their officers,
agents, and employees shall not
15. Bearings consistent with duty cycle selectedbe liable under any legal theory of any kind
for any action or failure to act with respect to the proper selection of a material
b. CMAA has recommendations for bearing life that are based on the class of
handling system as well as matters such as the service for which it will be
service (duty cycle) of the crane. As the class of service increases from Class ”A”
used, the frequency of its use, matching its speed with manufacturing needs,
budget or anyClass
to “D,” the
other bearingcovered
activity life increases by accordingly.
This Guide. Any use of this
16. Brake mechanical and thermal
information must be determined by the User ratings consistent withtoHST behoist
in performance
accordance with
requirements and class of service.
applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
a. As the class of service or duty cycle of the crane or hoist increases, the brake
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY.
ratings must increase to provideCMAA,a design MHI, factor
and their members
consistent make
with crane NO
service
WARRANTIES of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, in connection
classification.
with
17. the information
Shafting design per CMAA in this Guide and SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL
specifications
IMPLIED b.WARRANTIES
By following CMAA OFspecifications,
MERCHANTABILITY AND OF
proper shaft design may FITNESS FOR
reduce premature
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
shaft failure due to fatigue or other factors. An improperly designed shaft may
INDEMNIFICATION.be a hazardBy in that the shaft
referring to could fail and could
or otherwise eliminate the
employing thisbrake fromthe
Guide, the
User agreessystem. to defend, protect, indemnify, and hold CMAA, MHI, their
18. Allowable
members, theirwheel
officers,loadsagents,
per CMAA andspecifications
employees harmless from and against all
claims, losses,
b. CMAAexpenses,
recommendsdamages,allowable maximum and liabilities,
wheel loads direct, incidental,
for a given wheel or
consequential, arisingrail
diameter, from acceptance
size and hardness oforthe use or alleged
wheel. If wheelsuse of this Guide,
are overloaded, the
including losswheelof profits andbereasonable
life could shortened due attorneys'
to premature feeswheel
which may arise out of
wear.
the19.
acceptance
Bumpers sized or use or alleged
per CMAA use of this Guide. The intent of this provision
specifications
and of the User is to absolve
b. Bumpers are designed to absorb and protect CMAA,
impact loading.MHI, their sized
Properly members,
bumpers their
per
officers, agents, and employees from any and all loss relating
CMAA specifications can reduce damage to both the crane runway system and in any way to
this Guide, including those resulting from the User's own negligence.

8720
8720Red
RedOak
OakBlvd.,
Blvd.,Suite
Suite201
201––Charlotte,
Charlotte,NC
NC28217
28217––704-676-1190
704-676-1190––Fax
Fax704-676-1199
704-676-1199––www.mhia.org/cmaa
www.mhia.org/cmaa
 crane in the event of accidental collisions with runway end stops or other
Buyer’s Guide Companion
cranes. This also applies to bumpers for trolleys.
20. Panel and interconnect wiring per NEC 610
b. CMAA specifications recognize Article 610 of The National Electric Code (NEC),
This Guide, which was developed
which regulates by theincluding
electrical design Crane Manufacturers Association
things such as minimum of
conductor
America, Inc. (“CMAA”),
(wire) anguidelines,
sizing, fusing affiliated trade short
grounding, association of the
circuit devices, Material
overload
Handling Industry (“MHI”), provides guidance about the proper
devices, etc. The NEC recognizes hazards to persons and property arising from selection of
crane and hoist systems and
the use of electricity. covers various issues about such a system’s
terminology, usage, per
21. Motors designed and more.
NEMA MG-1 Itor was
IEC. developed with the sole intent of
offering information to parties engaged in selecting and purchasing such a
b. Motors that are certified under NEMA MG-1 or IEC motors comply with rules
crane or hoist system. This Guide is advisory only and should only be
regarding service conditions, standard dimensions and tolerances, duty rating
regarded as a simple tool that a potential user or buyer may or may not
and more.
choose to follow, adopt, Themodify,
use of motors constructed
or reject. to these standards
The following information will improve their
does not
reliable operation and service life.
constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in
22. Motorselecting
operating, HP requirements calculated per
and purchasing CMAA
such for class ofand
a system, service
should not be relied
upon as b. CMAA
such. Suchprovides horsepower
a program calculations
should to correctlyand
be developed, size the
anmotor per the duty
independent
classification of the
adviser should be consulted to do so. crane, which can result in longer service life.
23. Controls sized for class of service
VOLUNTARY. b. Controls
The (i.e. contactors,or
acceptance inverters,
use of etc.)
this should
Guidebeissized to the appropriate
completely voluntary.
Its existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, inwhether
service class and application requirements. Components controls that are not
it has
sized properly could result in premature
approved the Guide or not, from following procedures and assuming failure.
24. Short circuitnot
responsibilities devices & overload
conforming to devices per NEC 610
this Guide.
b. See 20.a above
DISCLAIMER
25. 4th RunwayOF LIABILITY.
Electrification Ground CMAA,
Bar: MHI, and their members assume no
responsibility and disclaim all liability
b. The National Electric Code was ofupdated
any kind, however
in 2005 arising,
to require as abonding
a separate result
of acceptance or use or alleged use
(ground) conductor for all new cranes. of this Guide. The User specifically
understands and agrees that CMAA, MHI, their members, their officers,
26. Rail Sweeps
agents, and employees shall not be liable under any legal theory of any kind
b. Rail sweeps are designed to reduce the likelihood of debris entrapment hazards
for any action or failure to act with respect to the proper selection of a material
under the travel wheels. They are necessary to comply with OSHA standards to
handling system as well as matters such as the service for which it will be
reduce the likelihood of damage to the wheel were it to run over an object.
used, the frequency of its use, matching its speed with manufacturing needs,
budget or any other activity covered by This Guide. Any use of this
information must be determined by the User to be in accordance with
applicable
Note: federal,
As explained state, and
in Specification #70local laws
& #74, and
CMAA regulations.
Engineering Committee Specification
Interpretations and Responses are advisory and are intended to offer information only. CMAA makes no
DISCLAIMER
warranties OF with
in connection WARRANTY. CMAA,
its Interpretation MHI, and
and Specification their members
Responses and specificallymake NOall
disclaims
WARRANTIES of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, in connection
implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. By using the Interpretation or
with the
Response information
information, in this
it is the user’s Guide
intent and SPECIFICALLY
and understanding to absolve CMAA,DISCLAIM ALL
its successors and
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS
assigns, officers and employees from any and all liability in tort, contract or other liability. FOR
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
INDEMNIFICATION. By referring to or otherwise employing this Guide, the
User agrees to defend, protect, indemnify, and hold CMAA, MHI, their
members, their officers, agents, and employees harmless from and against all
claims, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct, incidental, or
consequential, arising from acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide,
including loss of profits and reasonable attorneys' fees which may arise out of
the acceptance or use or alleged use of this Guide. The intent of this provision
and of the User is to absolve and protect CMAA, MHI, their members, their
officers, agents, and employees from any and all loss relating in any way to
this Guide, including those resulting from the User's own negligence.

8720
8720Red
RedOak
OakBlvd.,
Blvd.,Suite
Suite201
201––Charlotte,
Charlotte,NC
NC28217
28217––704-676-1190
704-676-1190––Fax
Fax704-676-1199
704-676-1199––www.mhia.org/cmaa
www.mhia.org/cmaa
 Prepared by

© 2014 by Crane Manufacturers Association CMAA is an Affiliate of

of America, Inc. Material Handling Industry
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28217-3992
Telephone: (704) 676-1190
Fax: (704) 676-1199
Website: www.mhia.org/cmaa