USG’s Shoals mine taps CraneWerks to install a top-running double-girder crane by R&M Materials Handling underground. (Photo: CraneWerks)
CraneWerks installed an 18-metric-ton (mt) overhead crane 122 meters (m) underground at the U.S. Gypsum Co.’s (USG) Shoals mine in Indiana, U.S.
The crane and hoist were supplied by R&M Materials Handling Inc., and were sold by Harriman Material Handling.
CraneWerks designed a two-piece 11-m bridge that was welded together in the south end of the mine. The crane operates on a 62-ft runway.
The miner chose a top-running double-girder crane because it offers the same hook height as a single-girder crane, but doesn’t require as much headroom. The hoist and trolley ride on top of the bridge girders instead of being suspended from the bridge girder. The crane was available on a short lead time.
The crane lifts equipment and components for assembly and maintenance.
USG reported the crane fulfills expectations. “We needed a crane capable of moving large pieces around for assembly of equipment in the mine, and the results suggest we found a solution,” USG said. “We could have acquired a few telehandlers that had the necessary weight capacities, but the electric overhead traveling crane was the preferred option.”
