LD1
Epic Contributor
Wow. My idea was to keep your current design of non moving 12' rails with the matching trucks you have, but instead of an underhung hoist (load on the bottom flange of the beam) on one big beam, use a top running design (hoist rides on top of and between two smaller beams).
The two beams do not move in relation to each other. Think IOI instead of a big I with an O hanging under it.
This design also leaves the bottom flanges of both beams available for smaller hoists for greater manipulation of a load. You can hang multiple hoists on a single beam but they are unable to bypass one another. With a main hoist on top and one on the bottom that can bypass the top, turning loads over becomes easier and safer.
This will help you by having smaller beams to lift into place. Two beams can have better torsional rigidity. Top running provides more room under the hook. A larger area of each beam is loaded.
I see what you are saying.
But I dont have enough rail to span 38' twice nor do I have a top running hoist.
What I do have is enough rail for the 12' spans, and 3 under-hung hoist. A 5-ton, a 1-ton, and a half ton. And I have a 5-ton and 1ton hoist.
And seeing what is out there in the used market, I think one large beam is gonna be cheaper than two smaller beams. ITs hard enough to find 38' of beam, let alone 2 of the same size.