China-based overhead crane manufacturer Yuantai Crane has delivered a 10-tonne HD bridge crane to an automotive repair and maintenance workshop in Bamako, Mali.
The crane is set to enhance the workshop’s operations, including engine overhauls, transmission replacements, chassis repairs, and bodywork on cars and light trucks.
Previously, the workshop relied on portable engine hoists and forklifts, which limited capacity, coverage, and safety, and needed an efficient and safe lifting system.
Yuantai supplied an HD series single-girder bridge crane featuring a 15m span and 5m lift height, which addresses the challenges by improving workflow and reducing manual effort.
The crane was constructed using a welded box girder made from Q345B steel.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) validation confirmed that deflection under full load remains below L/800 of the span length, ensuring stable load control.
The end carriages run on 43kg/m crane rails mounted to the workshop’s steel roof trusses, with sealed roller bearings to resist dust and oil mist.
The crane is equipped with an HD-series open-winch hoist featuring a dual-speed gearbox, offering lift speeds of 0.8m/min and 5m/min.
The 8×36 IWRC wire rope has a 6×SWL safety factor, and a spring-applied, electro-released brake secures loads when power is off.
Both the trolley and bridge are powered by separate VFD-controlled motors, with speeds ranging from 3–20m/min for the trolley and 5–25m/min for the bridge.
Safety and control features include a pendant control with a dead-man switch and emergency stop, and an overload limiter that cuts power at 100% SWL.
It also features limit switches for upper and lower hoist and trolley end-travel, anti-sway control with VFD acceleration ramps, and IP54 enclosures for dust and splash protection.
The crane was delivered to Bamako within five weeks of the order, and installation took four days, including rail mounting, beam placement, hoist and trolley rigging, and wiring.
Yuantai conducted static proof load tests at 125% SWL and dynamic trials at full speed, according to EN 13001 guidelines.
The Chinese crane manufacturer also provided operator training on-site, with technicians practising load lifting, emergency stops, and daily inspection checklists.
Each technician received an operation manual, wiring diagram, and maintenance schedule to ensure smooth and safe operations.
