Sinking Creek 4WD Association

Posted: **Fri Jan 02, 2009 2:49 pm**

I'm looking to put a chain hoist in my shop out at the farm and need a little help from someone with some engineering background. I have a couple different configurations in mind, and need to know what size I-beam would be required for each.

Configuration 1:
Either a standard or traveling chain hoist, the I-beam would need to span 21' and support 2000lbs in the middle.

Configuration 2:
A jib type chain hoist (beam extends from a pivot point, only supported at 1 end, but gusseted to the middle. This would probably only be 15' long, and support 1,000lbs.

What spec I-beam (height, width, web thickness etc) would I need for each of the aforementioned setups?

Thanks in advance,
Grubb.

Posted: **Fri Jan 02, 2009 9:42 pm**

$100/hr for design time

Posted: **Fri Jan 02, 2009 9:45 pm**

so, config #2 would look kinda like this?

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Posted: **Fri Jan 02, 2009 10:47 pm**

okay Matt,

Assumed mild A36 steel (36ksi yield) and a 5:1 factor of safety (pretty standard for overhead rigging). Any of the following would work. The dimensions are given as:
W[height(in.)]x[lb/ft]

Config 1:
W8x21 (5.25" wide)
W10x19 (4" wide)
W12x19 (4" wide)

all of those are around a 400-440lb beam

Config 2 (if I understand your design correctly):
W6x20 (6" wide)
W8x18 (5.25" wide)
W10x15 (4" wide)
W12x14 (4" wide)

210-300lbs for those beams

Posted: **Fri Jan 02, 2009 10:59 pm**

from experience ... jib type cranes are a pain in the ass. they wont have the mobility that you would like.

my vote is for a 2 axis crane, they are a god send.

one thing to consider, if you are putting this into an existing building, is whether or not the building itself can support the weight of the crane, payload, and beam.

a beam to span 24', with the weight of a crane, + 2000 lbs ... thats a lot of weight to be held up by a previously standing building, and not a building designed for the load.

Posted: **Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:39 am**

If Hsss could post a pic of his setup, you might be interested in that. Its like the first design, but is on wheels.

Posted: **Tue Jan 06, 2009 4:18 pm**

Thanks for the help. I have decided against a jib type crane and will probably just go with a standard single beam setup. Eventually I might add the beams to make it a traveling hoist, but $$ is the limiting factor right now.

As for the strength of the building it won't be an issue. The I-beam will be supported on 4-6" square tube that will run down to plates bolted to the floor.

Thanks again,
Grubb.

Sinking Creek 4WD Association

Need some engineering help

Need some engineering help