Project overview
| Client | UK Industrial Facility |
| Sector | Industrial & manufacturing |
| Application | Overhead crane proof load testing of three cranes |
| Test load | 30Te SWL, SWL +10% & SWL +25% 50Te SWL, SWL +10% & SWL +25% 100Te SWL, SWL +10% & SWL +25% |
| Equipment supplied | 125Te modular interlocking test weights, 100Te SWL single point lift cradle & 180Te SWL cradle. |
| Location | Derby |
| Project date | April 2026 |
Background
A leading UK manufacturer needed comprehensive proof load testing of three overhead cranes to comply with regulations and verify the structural integrity of each installation. The three cranes had rated capacities of 30Te, 50Te and 100Te SWL respectively – each requiring testing at three load levels, covering a full range from SWL to a 25% overload.
With a total test weight requirement of 125Te across the programme, limited space to work within and the need to minimise disruption to ongoing manufacturing, the project demanded a test weight solution that could be configured quickly, accurately and safely across the three very different crane capacities.
The Challenge
- Testing all three cranes at three load levels in a single visit.
- Limited space on site.
- Active operations.
The Solution
- Crane 1 (30Te SWL) and crane 2 (50Te SWL) test programmes using the 100Te cradle.
- Crane 3 (100Te SWL) test programme using the 180Te SWL cradle.
- Detailed arrangement drawings for all three crane load tests.
- Proposed site layout arrangement to make use of available space on site.
Results
- All three overhead cranes successfully tested at all required loads.
- Zero impact to space and ongoing operations on site.
Client feedback
“We need to proof load test three overhead cranes, in a relatively tight site area with minimal disruption to our operations. Test-weights.co.uk supplied 125Te of their modular stacking test weights along with appropriate cradles. The arrangement drawings and layout drawings helped us optimise the team and limited space. Everything arrived on time, the equipment was well-maintained and certified and the programme ran smoothly. We would definitely use them again”
– Engineering manager.
Key takeaways
- Three overhead cranes with different capacities all tested from a single hire package.
- Pre-mobilisation drawings and space saving layout advice allowed the test programme to be planned and approved before any equipment arrived on site.
- Fast load reconfiguration between test points minimised crane downtime and disruption.
