H. Brown, Inc.

Machine Shop Lafayette, LA: What to Look for in Precision CNC Services for Industrial Projects

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:56:54 GMT

When project reliability, timeline, and performance standards are on the line, deciding who to trust with your industrial components matters. At H. Brown, Inc., providing services in Lafayette, LA, we understand how important it is for businesses to connect with a machine shop that combines technical expertise, responsive service, and a commitment to quality. In oil and gas, manufacturing, and other heavy industries, having a local partner with the right technology and experience can transform the way your projects progress from start to finish.

The Difference Precision Makes in CNC Production

In industrial settings, exact tolerances are not optional; they’re the foundation of safety and productivity. With advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machines, the difference between flawless operation and expensive setbacks often comes down to precision at every step. Our clients depend on us to help them meet or exceed demanding specifications in everything from prototype parts to emergency repairs.

A reputable machine shop does more than just cut and finish parts. At H. Brown, Inc., we emphasize comprehensive process control and strict quality inspections for every order. Whether the need is one-off custom components or high-volume runs, we’re able to maximize repeatability while adapting to urgent changes. Serving the Lafayette, LA area provides the added benefit of local access and reduced shipping delays, which means projects stay on schedule.

Key Capabilities That Give You an Edge

Not all shops have the same ability to keep up with changing industry needs. When choosing a provider for CNC services and industrial machining, look for:

CNC Milling and Turning: Critical for shaping both standard and complex components over large or small quantities.
Material Flexibility: Experience with a full range of metals, alloys, and specialty materials means your design isn’t limited by machinery or skills.
Quality System: Control processes and documentation to ensure standards are met without compromise.
Sector Familiarity: Knowledge of oil & gas, manufacturing protocols, and regulatory details is vital, especially for Lafayette, LA clients.

We believe transparency matters, so our process includes ongoing communication about timelines, changes, and inspection outcomes. For a closer look at our advanced equipment and workflow, take a look at our CNC machine shop overview for details.

How Local Service Impacts Your Results

Selecting a locally based team gives you productive advantages you may not find with shops farther away. Our location in Lafayette, LA, lets us respond to scheduling changes quickly and allows for hands-on project management, including meetings, inspections, and design reviews. For clients under tight deadlines or dealing with unexpected project developments, having their partner nearby reduces stress and improves results.

Strong communication is a core value at H. Brown, Inc. We work hard to keep clients updated, answer design and production questions promptly, and adjust operations if a specification or need changes. This focus on accessible customer service sets us apart and shows in the reliability of finished projects.

Industry Experience Leads to Better Project Performance

There’s no substitute for real-world knowledge gained over years in demanding sectors like oil and gas. We understand the safety protocols, compliance documentation, and material certifications that often make the difference between a project that clears inspection and one that doesn’t. Our reputation in the area is built on making certain every component we produce can be tracked, measured, and verified every step of the way.

We also recognize that every business is different. For some, the challenge is finding a provider able to produce technically advanced parts in small batches; for others, it’s a question of maintaining high-volume production with no delays. Our adaptability comes from this depth of experience working with a wide variety of Lafayette projects.

Complete Support Services for Your Operations

From first conversation through finished delivery, our support goes beyond the machining itself. We offer advice on material selection, logistics solutions for complex orders, and ongoing follow-up for long-term clients. When jobs require lifting, placement, or transportation support, we can coordinate with our crane rental and equipment handling team for smooth, integrated service.

Prioritizing safety, efficient logistics, and communication means clients get more than just parts; they get project partners prepared to handle challenges and maintain trust over years of collaboration.

The Value of Consistency and Communication

Sustained success in this sector is built on more than the ability to operate CNC machines. It’s about addressing issues quickly, tracking progress, and ensuring transparency at every stage. H. Brown, Inc. values open lines of dialogue with every client. Our approach means projects are delivered as specified and issues are resolved before they become problems.

When the job is finished, we follow up to confirm quality and satisfaction. This step is key in creating long-standing partnerships and a strong reputation for reliability throughout Lafayette, LA, and beyond.

Ready to Work With a Precision Machine Shop in Lafayette, LA?

If you’re seeking a machine shop that combines advanced capability, deep industry experience, and genuine local service, H. Brown, Inc. is here to help you succeed. Call us at 337-457-8131 or visit our contact page to discuss your project needs with our expert team. We look forward to helping you achieve results you can depend on every time.

Transformer Shipping Service and Seamless Relocation

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:59:42 GMT

When it comes to relocating heavy and sensitive equipment, precision and efficiency are paramount. At H. Brown, Inc., our transformer shipping service in Lafayette, LA, stands as a benchmark in the industry, particularly for the industrial and commercial sectors. This complex process is seamlessly executed with the complementary jack and slide service, ensuring that even the most challenging environments are navigated with ease.

Jack and Slide Systems and Transformer Shipping Service

Transformers are crucial components in various industries, responsible for converting electrical energy from one form to another. These massive pieces of equipment require expert handling during relocation to avoid any disruptions in service and potential damage. The jack and slide system is integral to this process, providing the necessary techniques to move these transformers safely and efficiently.

At H. Brown, Inc., our jack and slide systems service involves the precise coordination of hydraulic jacks and slide rails to lift and move heavy transformers smoothly. This method is particularly advantageous in environments where traditional lifting techniques are impractical or impossible. For example, tight industrial spaces or areas with height restrictions can pose significant challenges. However, the jack and slide system overcomes these hurdles effortlessly for the transformer shipping service.

Safe and Efficient Movement in Lafayette, LA

Safety is always our top priority. The jack and slide method ensures minimal risk of damage during transit by distributing the weight evenly and providing constant control during movement. This measured approach mitigates the risk factors associated with transporting delicate and heavy machinery, maintaining the integrity of the equipment throughout the relocation process.

Furthermore, the efficiency of jack and slide systems dramatically reduces downtime. Traditional methods can be cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to extended periods of operational inactivity. By contrast, our specialized equipment and experienced team streamline the process, ensuring swift transformer shipping service with minimal disruptions.

Pre-Planning and Engineering in Transformer Shipping

A successful transformer shipping service extends far beyond the physical act of moving the equipment. At H. Brown, Inc., we believe that meticulous pre-planning and advanced engineering are the cornerstones of flawless execution.

Comprehensive Pre-Planning

Our process begins with a thorough assessment of the project requirements. Every aspect of the relocation is considered, from the initial site evaluation to the final placement of the transformer. This foundational step involves creating detailed blueprints and timelines that account for potential obstacles and provide solutions to mitigate risks.

During this phase, our engineers also evaluate the structural aspects of both the origin and destination sites. This ensures that the jack and slide equipment can be optimally utilized, maximizing efficiency and safety.

Engineering Expertise

The integration of jack and slide techniques into our transformer shipping service in Lafayette, LA, demands extensive engineering know-how. Our seasoned team of engineers meticulously designs the system to suit the specific needs of each project. This involves calculating load capacities, aligning equipment precisely, and ensuring seamless operation throughout the relocation.

Advanced engineering not only enhances the safety of the process but also streamlines project timelines. By reducing unforeseen delays and optimizing every aspect of the move, we deliver timely and reliable service to our clients.

Custom Solutions for Challenging Environments

In addition to our unparalleled expertise in transformer shipping service and our innovative use of jack and slide service, H. Brown, Inc. is renowned for developing custom solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges posed by diverse environments. Every project we undertake is an opportunity to leverage our creativity and technical proficiency to address specific requirements, whether straightforward like needing rentals , or complex, like needing engineering expertise.

Specialized Equipment and Techniques

Our extensive range of specialized equipment ensures that we are prepared for any situation. From hydraulic jacks to slide rails and other advanced machinery, we are equipped to handle projects in the most constrained spaces or those with significant geographical obstacles. Every piece of equipment is meticulously maintained and regularly updated to incorporate the latest technological advancements, reinforcing our commitment to safety and efficiency.

Innovative Problem Solving

At H. Brown, Inc., our engineering team is trained in innovative problem-solving techniques. When faced with a challenging environment, we approach it as a puzzle to be solved with precision and ingenuity. By analyzing every detail of the site, planning meticulously, and adapting our strategies as necessary, we overcome obstacles and deliver outstanding results.

Case Study: Successful Transformer Relocation

To illustrate our capability, let’s delve into a case study of a particularly challenging transformer relocation project.

One of our clients required the movement of a transformer from a cramped, high-security facility to a remote location. The constraints included limited access routes, tight spaces, and strict safety protocols due to the sensitive nature of the equipment.

Our team conducted an initial assessment, identifying key challenges and devising a comprehensive relocation plan.

Using our jack and slide service, we maneuvered the transformer through tight passageways with precision.

Continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments ensured the entire process went seamlessly. The project was completed ahead of schedule, and the client was exceptionally pleased with the minimal disruption to operations and the flawless execution.

The H. Brown, Inc. Advantage

Located in Lafayette, LA, H. Brown, Inc. is uniquely positioned to serve the industrial and commercial sectors with unmatched expertise. Our commitment to excellence and innovative solutions ensures that your transformer shipping service is in capable hands.

Expertise and Experience

With decades of experience in the industry, our team has honed its skills to perfection. We understand the nuances of transformer shipping and jack and slide service, providing tailored solutions that meet your specific needs.

Customer-Centric Approach

At H. Brown, Inc., we prioritize our clients' satisfaction. We maintain open lines of communication throughout the project, ensuring that you are informed and confident in every step of the process.

By understanding the meticulous nature of transformer shipping service and the indispensable role of jack and slide systems, businesses in Lafayette, LA, can confidently rely on H. Brown, Inc. for all their heavy equipment transportation needs.

Contact Us Today!

Efficiency, precision, and safety are pivotal in providing superior transformer shipping services. At H. Brown, Inc., we excel in delivering seamless relocation solutions through our expert jack and slide service. If you need reliable transformer shipping service in Lafayette, LA, don't hesitate to take advantage of our industry-leading expertise.

Call H. Brown, Inc. at (337) 457-8131 , and let us power your next move with unparalleled precision and care.

Finding A Local Crane Service

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 15:39:00 GMT

Hiring a local crane service can be difficult. There is a lot of information online that can be misleading. Whatever industry you’re in, H Brown has the cranes you’ll need for the job. We supply cranes for construction, utilities, road work, oil and gas, and more. We help you organize your crane rental and keep costs down.

Here are some questions you should ask before hiring a crane service and how would H Brown answer.

1. How experienced are the employees?

H. Brown has served the Gulf South Region since 1938. We have employees with many years of experience. Our NCCCO certified operators receive extensive training to ensure your project is executed in a safe, professional manner.

2. What sort of cranes do they offer?

H Brown has mobile cranes, large cranes, smaller cranes, and ranging from 10 to 500 tons in capacity, enables us to tackle projects of practically any type and size.

3. Can they save me money?

Are prices fair and can they perform the work in a reasonable amount of time? H Brown has experience with projects large and small.

4. Is insurance provided?

Insurance is something we provide. If you were to rent a piece of equipment, then the responsibility would be yours. Since we are a service, not a rental company, we take care of all insurance requirements.

5. What information do I need to have in hand when hiring a crane service?

In order to estimate the cost of your project and ensure the right equipment is used, we need to gather the following information:

The weight and physical dimension of the item(s) being lifted. That helps us determine the rigging specifications and size of crane needed.

Any obstructions the item will be lifted over such as trees, buildings, power lines, etc.

The distance (or “radius”) from the crane the item is being lifted or placed.

Lift and set elevations. We need to know the elevations the object will be lifted from and of the surface upon which it will be placed. For example, an object may be lifted from an 18-wheeler trailer bed and set on top of a four-story building, or vice-versa.

Access restrictions. If, for instance, the lift site is in a construction area, we need to know whether matting will be installed to enable our rigs to get to it, or for the crane itself to sit on.

Project location. Since permitting is required based on the distance we have to travel, it is necessary to know the project location.

Load value. While we carry enough insurance to fulfill the requirements of most projects, in some cases the item’s value exceeds that amount. Therefore, in order to be properly insured, we need to know the cost.

Conclusion

The more information you have when hiring a crane service, the more successful your lift project will be. Give us a call at 1-800-256-2348 to discuss your next project. If you prefer, you may also contact us online.

The post Finding A Local Crane Service appeared first on H. Brown, Inc. .

The Many Benefits of Hydraulic Jack-and-Slide Systems

Sun, 18 Feb 2018 22:38:00 GMT

Is your team responsible for performing maintenance inside an industrial facility? Or maybe you are planning a plant expansion that will include the installation of heavy machinery?

From inspections to expansions or turnarounds to new construction, there are lots of reasons you might need to move large equipment into a building or within it. Due to space restrictions or limited access, using cranes isn’t always feasible.

Safe moves where cranes are not practical sometimes call for jack and slide systems and hydraulic skidding systems. These systems are designed to load, offload and trans-load valuable and sensitive equipment to engineered specifications.

Jacking systems, as you probably know, are used to raise heavy objects — think bridges and construction modules. When coupled with “skidding” systems, the “jack and slide” process lifts heavy loads, then moves them horizontally on a guided track using a controlled friction service. High friction values virtually eliminate the risk of uncontrolled movement or runaway.

Skid “shoes” (pushed by hydraulic cylinders) slide the heavy loads without the external forces a crane would require. The track has a “ratchet” design, so the cylinders are retracted with each movement and automatically reset in the next position, ready for the next push. The hydraulic pump used is what determines the speed, but about a foot and a half per minute is typical once the skidding starts.

How do jack-and-slide systems simplify things?

For one, maneuvering heavy transformers inside power plants is an engineering and logistical puzzle that used to call for multiple workers operating different machines in tandem. A custom hydraulic skidding system will provide the same team with the ability to maneuver and transport transformers, heat exchangers and other power equipment in tight spaces without damaging anything.

Surprisingly small in proportion to their strength, jack-and-slide systems capable of moving 500 tons are typically less than 10 feet long. This allows for accurate positioning, even in tight spaces. H. Brown Inc. offers hydraulic jacking systems that can move extremely heavy petrochemical and electric utilities equipment that weighs 3,000 lbs. up to 1 million lbs.

As we already mentioned, sometimes there just isn’t enough room within a facility to maneuver large equipment using overhead cranes. Safety is also a factor. Because skidding system tracks are “low profile,” the loads are never freely suspended and don’t require winches or external force. A single operator remotely controls the skidding movement, so there is no need for workers to be standing near the load while it’s being transported.

Here’s another benefit of jack-and-slide systems: They’re relatively lightweight and portable. Maintaining this equipment is easy, too. We keep our skidding equipment clean and make sure the parts and sliding surfaces aren’t damaged.

H. Brown Inc. provides hoisting, pulling, jacking, heavy equipment rigging and heavy haul transportation. We offer expertise in the rental of the safest and most reliable hoisting and rigging equipment in Louisiana. Contact us now to find out more about jack-and-slide systems, and whether one might be the answer to your rigging needs.

The post The Many Benefits of Hydraulic Jack-and-Slide Systems appeared first on H. Brown, Inc. .

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Compliance: H Brown Is Ready

Sun, 29 Oct 2017 22:22:00 GMT

Are you ready for the new ELD rules?

Carriers here in Louisiana are just a few weeks away from the electronic logging device (ELD) compliance date when trucking companies (including specialized carriers, heavy-haul services and crane companies) must comply with new rules on how drivers record the time they spend behind the wheel.

The new federal rule, which goes into effect Dec. 18, requires the installation of ELDs in each vehicle. The ELD will sync with the truck’s engine to automatically record driving time. This is intended to make it easier to track, manage and share “records of duty status” (RODS) data.

While the largest trucking companies in Louisiana and across America support the new ELD rules, smaller owner-operators have come out against the devices. In fact, many small companies say the ELD rules will be bad for business.

In July, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (the FMCSA, which passed the mandate) denied an ELD exemption request from the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA).

The PLCA sought the exemption because its drivers generally operate in short-haul situations. The PLCA contends that ELDs do not offer a safety benefit for pipeline drivers because they are rarely on public roads. PLCA requested the exemption for drivers who normally meet the short-haul exemption requirements, but don’t always return to their work reporting site within 12 hours.

FMCSA officials say they denied the ELD exemption request because the PLCA did not demonstrate how it would maintain the same level of safety without ELDs.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association also petitioned Congress to delay or strike down the mandate for small carriers (including owner-operators). They called the mandate “one of the most expensive federal transportation rulemakings over the last decade,” adding that the new requirements constituted a “massive unfunded mandate that provides no safety, economic or productivity benefits for most ensnared by the mandate.”

Some drivers will be exempted from ELD implementation, however, including those who operate older vehicles and drivers who use paper records of duty status (RODS) for no more than eight days in a 30-day period.

With so many small companies against the new rule, why do supporters think ELD implementation is a good idea?

For one thing, the new rules are meant to discourage fraud. Drivers who are paid by the mile sometimes falsify their logs when they stay on the road longer than the 14-hour limit. The ELDs will replace the paper logs many truck drivers use to record their time and, as such, will be virtually impossible to falsify.

The main selling point, however, has been safety. Supporters say the rule will help create a safer work environment for drivers and those they share the road with by discouraging driver fatigue. The FMCSA claims ELDs will save 26 lives and 562 injuries a year. They also estimate the new rules will save the industry more than $1 billion a year by reducing paperwork.

The American Trucking Associations supports the mandate to require the ELDs, saying the devices will save drivers time because they will spend less time filling out paper logs.

The new regulations will also:

How You Can Get Ready

The new rules aren’t just for your safety and compliance officer; your company should make sure all drivers, safety personnel, maintenance staff, and operations and dispatch staff read and understand Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and FMCSA’s ELD “Frequently Asked Questions” document.

Even drivers who have used electronic logging systems for years should get used to the new ELDs. They capture more data, and the rules governing use and data transfer are new. Training is critical and should include the following:

H Brown Is Ready

Ultimately, the new regulations are about safety on the road and at the job site. In the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry, H Brown knows it’s important to document everything and keep an eye on the details that can lead to big mistakes. This means documenting the hours spent on the road the same way we monitor job site progress and safety.

At H Brown, safety means exercising good judgment, being prepared for unexpected situations, staying alert in the midst of routine and never relying on chance or luck. It also means following the rules every single second, on every single job.

As a safety-driven transportation company, we remain ready and willing to find innovative solutions when your load is crossing multiple jurisdictions. We engineer our equipment to match your needs, procure the necessary permits and escorts, and assign our most skilled drivers to guide your project along the way. We’ll handle your job with a complete understanding of the task at hand and with a plan for every step that must be taken.

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Are You Looking for the Right Heavy Haul Company?

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 22:17:00 GMT

Once you’ve hitched up a piece of heavy cargo to a trailer, a lot can go wrong. Your equipment has to be properly secured, the operator has to have all the necessary paperwork and you have to think about the other vehicles sharing the highway with your load.

Before shipping heavy equipment, you need to get all your ducks in a row. It starts with hiring a carrier you can trust. Here’s an overview of how to get your job done right and deliver your cargo without problems.

It Starts with the Driver

Most drivers who operate heavy haul equipment have been in the trucking industry for a long time. Not just anybody should get behind the wheel of a half-million-dollar trailer, after all.

Your operator will need a current commercial driving license and current DOT physical to prove medical fitness. Operators may also be required to carry DOT clearance cards. Heavy haul drivers should also have interstate authority CDLs if they will be moving inventory across state lines. The carrier should be aware of any medications or health needs the drivers have.

Read Up on the Carrier

Before shipping with any transportation company, do your research to make sure they can handle your heavy equipment the right way. Ask about the carrier’s history.

Do they have any infractions or revocations? Have any complaints been filed against them? Check the Federal Motor Carrier Association, a database maintained by the Federal Department of Transportation that has lots of useful information about carrier companies operating in the U.S.

Insurance and Paperwork

What is the value of the equipment being transported? Before you ship, make sure your heavy equipment is adequately insured.

The first order of business is getting listed as a “certificate holder” by the carrier’s insurance company. To do this, have the carrier to fax or e-mail you their “package,” which consists of:

Call the insurance company and let them know they will need to list you as a certificate holder. Have a fax number ready so they can send you the necessary documentation.

H Brown, Inc, along with other heavy haul trucking companies in Louisiana, is required to carry $100,000 in cargo insurance. You may also decide to seek additional insurance; your carrier can quote you the fees required from their insurance company.

It’s important to find coverage that insures you completely. Types of heavy haul trucking insurance coverages include:

If You Need to File a Claim

If there is an accident during the haul, you’ll need to make a claim for loss or damage to your shipment, and do it promptly. Any delayed reporting could forfeit your right as a customer to a claim.

Every shipment comes with a “bill of lading” that details the contents of the delivery. Before signing it, list any damage on the bill of lading and document the problems with the shipment. Your next step will be to call the carrier’s insurer and start your insurance claim.

If you’re in the market for the right heavy-haul carrier, then look no further than H. Brown. We’re here to help Contact us for an estimate or to learn more about our capabilities.

Remember our motto: If it’s to hook it, jack it, slide it, push it, pull it, roll it, haul it, then we do it!

The post Are You Looking for the Right Heavy Haul Company? appeared first on H. Brown, Inc. .

Rigging Lift Plans

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 22:11:00 GMT

Every successful lift starts with a plan.

We’re surprised at how many in the rigging industry don’t really know how to plan a project accurately.

The H. Brown team performs heavy lifts inside facilities where sensitive, heavy equipment has to be lifted in constrained areas with little or no headroom and obstructions everywhere. These complex projects require careful planning and execution.

Here’s an example. When H. Brown, Inc. was hired to handle the rigging at a new steel tubing manufacturing plant in Louisiana, we brought our expertise, muscle and equipment, which included:

Coordinating our manpower and all this equipment safely, on time and within budget meant we had to measure and plan the job right from the start.

What is a Rigging Plan?

A fully-engineered rigging lift plan is probably the most important step of the lift. We see job sites where tolerances are less than an inch or where we are called on to lift components over live pipe racks. Finishing sensitive projects like these successfully requires precision and expertise.

A safe and correctly engineered lift plan starts with trained professionals asking you the right questions about the equipment, the job-site and much more. The initial analysis of a lift might include a feasibility study to determine project logistics.

The goal is to find the most economical crane and rigging configurations for the lift, as well as to plan around obstructions near the equipment. The plan lets you see the job site from all angles, which ultimately will increase the efficiency of the move.

To create the lift plan, we’ll consider at least eight factors:

Using these factors, the team might leverage software to mock up the upcoming job in a 3D environment. It might use sample photos showing how the lifting equipment will look when installed at the job site. For some lifts, a video simulation showing how the work will be performed might also be helpful.

Pulling the Plan Together

Your team will need to follow the lift plan, once created, carefully. You will also need to adhere to the following steps before starting the lift:

There’s no room for overconfidence and inexperience when it comes to rigging your project. The H. Brown team can create a lift plan for you that emphasizes safety, and that will complete your work on-time and on budget.

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Hiring a Jack-and-Slide Rigger

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 21:49:00 GMT

Family owned and operated since 1938, H. Brown is the most trusted provider of crane rental and cranes for hire in the gulf coast region. Our fleet, which includes cranes that can lift up to 450 tons, serves the power, petrochemical, utility and refinery industries in Louisiana and beyond.

Sometimes, however, cranes can’t be counted on to safely move, load, offload and trans-load your valuable and sensitive equipment to engineered specifications. For situations where cranes are not practical, hydraulic jacking systems can do the trick. These lifting systems can handle weights of one million pounds or more. They allow us to move extremely heavy equipment in tight areas that are hard to get to.

Before hiring a jack-and-slide rigger, take some time to learn about the process and best practices. Armed with a bit of knowledge, you can make the decision that makes the most sense for your business.

Turnarounds: The Importance of Getting Them Right

Many of H. Brown’s rigging clients are chemical or petrochemical facilities or power plants. We specialize in these fields because they play a huge role in Louisiana. Maintenance of the equipment in these environments is an ongoing requirement for safety and OSHA and environmental compliance. When we’re dealing with a piece of equipment that weighs 500 tons, doing the work takes some planning.

Often, industrial maintenance at this scale means shutting down sectors of a facility. There’s a term for this procedure: “Turnarounds” (TARs). Turnarounds involve taking an entire process unit off-stream for inspection and testing or revamping. These TARs have to be planned and orchestrated perfectly to minimize downtime and keep production on schedule.

Keeping this maintenance time to a minimum is the reason lifting and rigging—as well as the services that support them—have to be handled professionally, on-time and within budget.

In addition to plant and maintenance turnarounds, unscheduled outages and shutdowns call for emergency rigging services.

Qualifications for Riggers

Whether it’s a scheduled turnaround or emergency service, hiring a rigger means finding someone with knowledge of rigging gear inspection, proper rigging procedures, and load control using standard rigging techniques.

According to the American Petroleum Institute, comprehensive rigger training must include hands-on applications in load weight estimation, load control, rigging capacities, sling angles and tensions. A more advanced “master rigger” will get classroom and hands-on training in multiple crane lifts, load turning, load drifting with chain hoists, jacking and rolling, incline planes and how to manage the center of gravity in all three axes.

The jack-and-slide rigger is a key member of the team responsible for assisting the loading, offloading and setting of various over-dimensional loads. He’s ultimately responsible for loading, offloading, setting and centering load and block placing to ensure safe and accurate placement.

Making the Move

Moving large industrial equipment requires first determining the load’s weight, size and the path it will take to get to its destination. Once a rig is constructed, the rigger will test it before moving anything. Hydraulic gantries and jack and slide systems are used to lift and position heavy loads with precise control, maintaining load stability even in narrow and confined spaces.

The crews doing this work must have engineering, planning and coordination skills. Safety has to be their top priority. They must properly inspect and mark mechanical and hydraulic jacks before the lift, consider stability and floor bearing pressure and check casters before use.

Hire Experienced Rigging Professionals

H. Brown has rigging services available weekly or monthly. We primarily serve the power, petrochemical, utility and refinery industries of the Gulf South Region. For more information about additional coverage areas of our rigging services, or to discuss how we can help with turnaround maintenance at your facility, please contact us at 800-256-2348.

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Pilot Vehicles: Keeping Over-dimensional Hauls Safe

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:35:00 GMT

Here in Louisiana, the industries that move oversize/overweight loads include power plants, petrochemical facilities and utilities. A heavy-haul carrier that can handle and transport oversize/overweight loads of this magnitude is critical to continued growth in these sectors.

While some of our competitors move mobile cranes, dozers and excavators, we here at H. Brown have the capability to haul transformers, giant boilers and refinery equipment weighing 100 tons or more.

In addition to truckers hauling the loads, the expanding heavy haul transportation industry also relies on the support of highly skilled, professional pilot car drivers. These escorts partner with the commercial driver and law enforcement to ensure the safety of the highway system and the public, along with making sure the deliverables arrive securely and unharmed.

Let’s take a closer look at the critical role of the escort driver.

What Pilot Vehicles Do

“Over dimensional” is a catch-all term for non-legal loads. That doesn’t mean they are “illegal”. It simply means that permits have to be obtained to make the haul. These permits often stipulate the use of pilot vehicles.

Certified escort drivers usually drive pickup trucks, SUVs or cars in front of or behind an over-dimensional tractor-trailer. The trained drivers behind the wheel make sure that everything from switching lanes to crossing bridges is safe for the heavy haul driver and everyone he shares the road with.

If the truck driver can’t see where he’s going, he can’t get the load to its destination. That’s why certified pilots cover the front and rear of the trailer when over-dimensional freight obstructs a driver’s view. Pilots often communicate via CB radio with the truck driver, letting them know if there are accidents, traffic backups, or any other situations requiring attention.

As you know, each state has its own laws about when an escort car is needed. Most states here in the Gulf South (Texas, Florida and all states in between) specify the length, height and width at which a heavy haul carrier needs a pilot car.

Getting these measurements right is critical. If dimensions are off, it could cost the shipper thousands of dollars in transportation fees and fines, especially if the shipment is passing through several state lines.

For specific regulations for each state, check your transportation department website.

Steps to take before executing a haul:

When the Haul Is Complete

A professional haul requires teamwork, and responsibility for safety doesn’t stop when the move is complete. The pilot car escort is responsible for securing and storing the vehicle’s public warning devices (signage, lights and flags) at the conclusion of the load movement.

Escort drivers also help ensure the over-dimensional load is parked and secure, then assist with a quality assurance review and After Action Report, which is then distributed to the motor carrier safety officer, pilot car company and issuing permitting official.

Pilot Car Escorts, created by The Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association (SC&RA) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Over-dimensional hauling service? H. Brown has the equipment to move virtually any super heavy or over-dimensional load, whether it is a short onsite haul or an interstate transport.

Our combination of dual-lane, multi-lane platform, and beam and dolly capabilities meet state permitting and bridge requirements, and our fleet of trucks and trailers are monitored by a state-of-the-art GPS tracking system, giving you 24-hour load updates and security for your equipment.

Whether it’s in-state or across the country, our men work closely with bridge and road engineers to develop, design and manage your move. If you need heavy haul transport, H. Brown Inc. will take the planning off your hands. You can rely on us.

Pilot car photo credit: Ytimg.com

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Rigging for Utilities

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 20:06:00 GMT

The energy and utility sectors are in full swing, with high voltage power systems and petrochemical facilities expanding throughout the Gulf Coast.

This growth means heavy equipment needs to be lifted and moved as more and more operational components are being assembled on-site to beef up operations.

These jobs call for special lifting and assembly equipment. They also call for experienced rigging that adheres to the fundamental principles of rigging safety: careful selection, rigorous inspection and correct use of the equipment.

No one else in Louisiana beats the team at H. Brown when it comes to executing safe critical lifts inside active refineries and power plants. This work often must be completed without disrupting ongoing day-to-day operations. It is also usually done within a tight schedule.

You can’t stop everything while we work, and we don’t need you to. That’s why our rigging specialists are continuously trained in these areas and more:

Too many inexperienced riggers seem to think unsafe practices are acceptable until something bad happens. They aren’t experienced enough to grasp the little details that can have huge consequences, like how much of a determining effect angles have on slings or how increased compressive forces can result in material failure.

When rigging for utilities and petrochemical facilities, it’s necessary to follow a thorough, methodical process. The steps include the following:

Asking the Right Questions

Equipment Inspection

Here’s perhaps the most important question of all: Has the equipment been properly inspected? Damage to rigging is not always visible to the naked eye.

A proper inspection conducted before the lift can prevent catastrophic rigging failures. Pay special attention to eye-to-eye synthetic slings. Make sure your crew pads slings appropriately and that they take sling angles into account when calculating loading. Padding must be sufficient to handle wear and large enough to ensure protection during the lift.

Advances in equipment in recent years mean methods and tools have changed. Example: Common rigging equipment once included basic synthetic and chain slings, but new designs give riggers in the utility industry efficient, safer alternatives.

These days we’re more likely to use a synthetic sling wrapped with a Kevlar blended material (which protects the sling from wearing out). Even experienced riggers may not know the best equipment for today’s lifts if they haven’t received updated training.

Remember: A reputable rigging service help keep utilities workers safe while helping your facility grow. At H. Brown, we specialize in moving everything from generators to transformers. We can relocate and set HV switchgear, LV switchgear and dry transformers that weigh from 6,000 to 24,000 lbs.

We perform overhead lifts with little or no headroom with obstructions that the other guys just can’t handle. We’ll bring gantries, beam trolleys, cranes of all sizes, slide systems, MatJack, air skates, trucks and even our 40,000 lb. reach lift to complete your job on time and on budget.

H. Brown will always bring trained, insured and experienced personnel to your job, with well-maintained equipment that is best suited for the work we’re doing. From brand new construction and installation to a full decommissioning of power plants (including nuclear); from transformer handling and installation to heavy haul services for turbines and generators, H. Brown gives you the rigging expertise Gulf Coast utilities can rely on.

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Our Specialized Heavy-Haul Equipment

Sun, 07 May 2017 20:04:00 GMT

H. Brown, Inc. serves the heavy-haul needs of Lafayette, Opelousas, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and beyond. We have cranes up to 450 tons, hydraulic trailers up to 500 tons, lowboys up to 220 tons, gantries up to 900 tons and slide systems up to 600 tons.

Our fleet includes drop deck trailers, lowboys, flat bed trailers, double drop trailers and stretch decks. You might be confused about the differences between removable gooseneck trailers, double-drop trailers, extendable trailers and multiple-axle trailers.

Let’s look at some of these fleet components.

Flat Bed Trailers

Flatbed trailers are widely used because they’re so versatile. You can load freight from the top, side-load it with a forklift and rear-load it from a dock. Standard height from the ground to the top of the trailer is 58 inches. Standard dock height in the U.S. is 48 inches, but a leveler can be used to make offloading possible.

The maximum legal load width is 8.5 feet (102 inches) and the maximum height limit is the same. Flatbeds typically carry up to 48,000 pounds. The standard length is 48 feet, though road restrictions in some areas (like California) keep them to 45 feet.

Cargo height tops out at 8.5 feet; anything more is over dimensional and will require permits. Over dimensional flatbed trailers can handle freight up to 160 feet long, 18 feet wide and 200,000 pounds (100 tons). Flatbeds that haul oversize loads typically have between 18 and 40 wheels.

Extendable flatbed trailers are also known as flatbed stretch trailers. They are designed for loads that are too long to haul on a standard flatbed trailer, but that need the support of the trailer for the full length of the freight. Stretch trailers are used for long freight (hence the term “stretch”). These include Double Drop Stretches, RGN Stretches, Flat Stretches and Step Stretches.

Step Deck Trailers /Single Drop Trailers

Stepdeck trailers are a version of the flatbed trailer design that mainly consists of a bottom and top deck. These trailers carry and haul freights that cannot be carried on a standard flatbed, usually due to height restrictions. The maximum legal weight for a Stepdeck is 48,000 pounds, length up to 53 feet, width of 8.5 feet and height of 10 feet. Stretch Single Drop Deck Trailer can haul freight up to 63 feet long.

Double Drop Trailers

H. Brown uses double drops for oversized freight. The lower deck height lets carry cargo over 10 feet tall. The middle of the trailer (the “well”) ranges from 25-29 feet. Because of the relatively short freight well length, there are also extendable double drop trailers for tall and long freight.

There are two types of double drop trailers:

Extendable doubledrop trailers are used to carry and haul long loads that can’t be carried by a standard double drop trailer. Depending on the fright’s weight, this trailer can either have 2 or 3 axles and be up to 50 feet long. Stretch Double Drop Trailers, or Stretch RGNs,

Usually double drop trailers have two or more axles, and a “Flip axle”, which flips up to lay on the deck or flips down to create an extra axle for balancing weight. They can usually haul about 35,000 pounds, though the RGN trailers can add axles.

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Hire Dependable Power & Utilities Rigging Experts

Sun, 07 May 2017 20:01:00 GMT

Heavy rigging for power and utilities requires expertise and professionalism. Moving generators, transformers, switchgears and other large equipment and machinery requires careful planning, project management and safety.

You can’t afford to take risks.

It’s not always easy to find a local company to perform moves and lifts that require specialized equipment. But the trained, insured and experienced personnel of H. Brown, Inc. have been rigging power generation and distribution equipment in Louisiana for nearly 80 years. Always dependable and honest, our team prides itself on meeting the needs of power plants and utilities at a reasonable price.

Three of the basic aspects of rigging are equipment , inspection and proper use .

Equipment . Our rigging equipment includes gantries, beam trolleys, jack and slide systems, Matjacks, air skates, trucks, reach lifts and cranes with lifting capacities up to 450 tons.

Inspection . H. Brown will always bring well-maintained equipment that is suited for the job at hand. Our riggers train in all of the following:

Proper use . Lots of companies use the same equipment. But too many of our competitors practice rigging techniques that put them and their co-workers at risk. Carelessness is unacceptable in industrial moves where time, money and safety are at stake. Professionalism and expertise are especially important in Power and Utilities, where adhering to schedules and maximizing plant uptime is of the utmost importance.

Qualified for Every Job

It’s important to select a company that can rig your power generation loads safely and effectively. You need riggers who can:

OSHA requires riggers to be qualified based on knowledge, skills, and performance. Determining whether a rigger is “qualified” depends on that person’s knowledge and experience, but it is also based on the nature of the load and the lift, as well as the equipment used to hoist a particular load.

Employers must make sure the person can do the rigging work needed for the exact types of loads and lifts for a particular job with the equipment and rigging that will be used for that job. A qualified rigger:

Although rigger certification is not required by OSHA, H. Brown works with qualified riggers . This goes for all the hoisting for assembly and disassembly work we do with Louisiana’s power, utility and petrochemical industries. It also goes for any job where workers are within the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, or guiding a load, or doing the initial connection of a load to a component or structure.

Every load we work with has unique properties, and even a rigger with years of experience rigging structural components isn’t necessarily qualified to rig unstable or unusually heavy loads. Loads that may require a tandem lift, multiple-lifts, or use of custom rigging equipment require a rigger with the appropriate experience.

Also, a certified operator does not necessarily meet the requirements of a qualified rigger. A certified/qualified operator may meet the requirements of a qualified rigger, depending on the operator’s knowledge and experience with rigging.

H Brown’s rigging specialists can move any model and size transformer that is used in Louisiana’s power transmission and distribution. Whether the job calls for cranes, gantrys, jack-and-slide systems, heavy haul or hydraulic trailers, H. Brown’s power generation installation and relocation services will do the job safely, on time and according to your specifications.

Careful attention to every detail will ensure a successful, safe and damage-free move. Call H. Brown today and we’ll discuss your needs.

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Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries: Versatile and Cost-Effective

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 20:00:00 GMT

Got an industrial rigging project and need some heavy lifting capability? H. Brown uses Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries that can move up to 900 tons. Our gantries hoist heavy payloads vertically and can move on tracks or rubber tires.

Our Lift-N-Lock Gantry is a mobile, self-propelled, variable-height, hydraulic lifting frame controlled from a remote, self-contained power module. H. Brown Gantries are designed to be operated on steel plates or skid tracks.

Since hydraulic gantries can be placed on tracks, they have the same mobility as mobile cranes. They have the advantage of flexibility, because cranes can only hoist loads when the rigging hook is directly above the load’s center of gravity. Hydraulic gantries can actually be placed next to the load. Used in tight spaces or in situations where the job is straddling water or other obstacles, our gantries can place a load properly.

Gantry systems are ideal positioning systems for automated manufacturing where conveyor belts transfer parts from one gantry station to another. Each gantry handles a particular job such as machining, gluing, assembling, inspection, printing, or packaging.

The control module incorporates a diesel fueled engine as the primary power source. All hydraulic valves and controls for all cylinders and the propel system are operated manually.

Standard features on Lift-N-Lock Gantries include:

H. Brown, Inc. serves Lafayette, Opelousas, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and beyond. We have cranes up to 450 tons, hydraulic trailers up to 500 tons, lowboys up to 220 tons, gantries and slide systems. Because H. Brown, Inc. handles such a wide variety of lifting, hauling and rigging jobs, we have to be resourceful to accomplish our work safely and on budget. And that’s what we do, every day.

Family owned and operated since 1938, H. Brown will always bring trained, insured and experienced personnel to your job, with well-maintained equipment that is best suited for the work we’re doing.

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Wide Load Shipping Services

Sat, 15 Oct 2016 19:58:00 GMT

Wide or oversized loads require extra care during transport. Not only do industry regulations and safety precautions need to be strictly adhered to, state and local ordinances concerning large loads must be followed to a “T.”

Safety for Wide Load Shipments

Safety is especially critical when it comes to wide load transport. A driver should follow all applicable safety rules and regulations. Here are a few additional safety tips for shipping wide loads.

Permits and Regulations for Wide Load Transportation

As previously mentioned, any oversize or wide load must be in compliance with any industry regulations. In addition, transport companies will likely carry their own set of rules for transporting wide loads. Oversize and wide load transporters must obtain the necessary permits, use the proper signage and follow any pilot car guidelines. Regulations and laws vary by state so it’s important to obtain a permit and study the wide load transport laws for every state your load will be transported through. Not doing so could result in costly delays.

Shipping wide loads calls for a thorough understanding of oversize and over dimension load-handling and should only be taken on by experienced professionals. Failing to heed even one safety precaution or making just one uninformed decision about which equipment to use can be disastrous. If you’re not experienced with wide load transportation, reach out to trusted industry experts for help in ensuring a successful haul.

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What is a Critical Lift?

Sat, 01 Oct 2016 19:54:00 GMT

Once deemed critical, a lift becomes subject to additional precautions and protocols.

What criteria must a load or lift operation meet in order to be considered critical? A load that would create any of the following conditions upon its upset or collision qualifies as critical:

Other scenarios that can cause a lift to be deemed critical include:

A lift can also be critical if a noncritical load is being lifted above an item that would meet any of the above criteria if the load were dropped on it.

Who Decides if it’s a critical lift?

The person in charge of the lift is the one responsible for deciding whether the lift will be deemed as critical and whether it will be handled accordingly. A manager at a facility where the lift is being performed also has the right and authority to declare the lift critical. On any critical lift, it is imperative to develop and carefully follow a plan of action. It’s a good idea to create a checklist to outline all the necessary personnel and equipment to complete the lift safely and efficiently. Also, preparation is especially important when dealing with critical items and operations.

Safety of a critical lift

Obviously, safety is of utmost importance during any lift. Because of the nature of many critical lifts, there are increased safety hazards involved. These must be mitigated as much as possible by following all safety regulations and guidelines. Never skip routine inspections. Nobody can afford to have a piece of equipment fail during a critical lift. If something doesn’t pass inspection, immediately remove it from service until it can be repaired or replaced. Provide adequate training to all staff members to ensure that they understand the how’s and why’s of critical lift protocols.

Critical lifts require precise planning, expertise, and the right equipment. When there is no margin for error, you can’t afford to overlook even one detail. Don’t leave anything to chance. Only deal with experienced lifting service providers when it comes to critical lifting projects.

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Jack and Slide Systems

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 19:51:00 GMT

A skidding system (also called a “jack and slide”) can move a load on a guided track with a controlled friction service. This allows you to move very heavy loads smoothly and simply. For example, in the video below, the skid system can move up to 500 tons.

So why and when should you consider using a jack and slide system? Let’s explore some of the situations in which the system proves most beneficial.

When you need to carry oversized and overweight equipment.

Jack and Slide systems are a safe, fast, and reliable way to transport even extremely large and awkward equipment. They are ideal for loading, offloading, and transloading items that require a rigid, load carrying track. Some examples of these include generators, transformers, pressure vessels and compressors.

When dealing with a limited work space.

A jack and slide system makes it easy to move extremely heavy equipment in areas where movement is limited. Surprisingly small in proportion to their strength, systems capable of moving 500 tons are typically less than 10 feet long. This allows for extremely accurate positioning, even in precarious places.

For safety concerns — which is always.

Considered to be one of the safest and most efficient systems for conveying loads, skidding systems can be controlled remotely, and, as such, no personnel needs be near the equipment when a load is moving.

When precision matters .

Sometimes a crane, or other lifting equipment, simply cannot achieve certain placement specifications. In some cases, a load is just too much for a crane to safely and efficiently handle. Since loads can be moved directionally, skidding systems place loads according to even the most exacting specifications without putting undue stress on your equipment.

When it comes to heavy duty rigging work, there is no room for error. A quality skidding system is one of the most precise and cost-effective ways to move, load, and unload heavy equipment among other, various and oversized cargo. These systems are manufactured using ultra high strength materials and engineered to withstand immense load pressure. Skid track systems are also surprisingly simple to set up and to operate.

With rigging experts trained to operate skidding systems on a variety of sites and under different load requirements, H. Brown, Inc. can provide all-inclusive jack and slide services. Contact H. Brown Cranes to find out more about the properties and benefits of jack and slide systems, and whether one might be the answer to your heavy hauling needs.

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Heavy Haul Videos

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 19:50:00 GMT

In for the HEAVY Haul

Heavy Haul trucking takes focus and passion. Loads have to be shipped professionally, safely, and on-time. It ain’t easy. That’s why it takes a pro to do it right.

Getting a heavy load onto the trailer or transporter isn’t even the beginning. There’s a lot of thoughtful planning involved. That’s why finding videos of pros in action is satisfying for us here at H. Brown. Finding heavy haul videos “gone wrong” is scary and cringeworthy. But (we have to admit) it’s sometimes entertaining.

Let’s take a look so you see what we mean.

Vintage Heavy Haul Trucks move Railroad equipment

These old trucks (Mack Bulldogs, CAT-powered Kenworth, etc) are getting it done. This time, it’s antiques moving antiques–with style. Many of these trucks in the video are passed along to close friends and family members, even appearing at truck shows. In the video, however, these vintage trucks are hauling a heavy load as they carry Edaville Railroad equipment to Maine. It’s a sight you don’t see every day. Look closely and you will even view a COE (cab over engine) among the convoy.

Hauling two locomotives over 1,200 miles

Two locomotives, more than 1,200 miles, in just four days. Otherwise, it will result in a missed ferry–and tens of thousands of dollars lost while waiting for new permits and the next ferry. Two trains are loaded onto eight axle, sixty-four wheeled trailers. You think that isn’t a hard job. Check this out: It all happens over the rough and tumble Australian terrain.

Now you’re ready to see heavy hauling done right …

Heavy haul trucking can certainly keep you on your toes. Don’t make the same mistake of using the wrong company for a big job. Turn to the professionals at H. Brown, Inc. We have the fleet to handle any heavy haul, no matter if it is in-state or across the country.

Got a job too big for conventional heavy trucks and lowboys? H. Brown has dual lane trailers and hydraulic platform trailers for oversize loads. Contact H. Brown, Inc., today for a free quote and more information.

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Hydraulic Jack and Slide Systems: An Alternative to Cranes

Thu, 19 May 2016 19:40:00 GMT

In industries like construction and mining, in which heavy lifting plays a major role, a wide variety of machinery and equipment is necessary to get the job done. Cranes are often the machine of choice when it comes to these daunting tasks. But, some projects experience delays, due to the high cost of renting or buying a crane. In situations wherein budget and space constraints are a serious concern, hydraulic jack and slide systems can be a great alternative.

Hydraulic Skidding – The Jack and Slide System

Hydraulic Jacks are fairly popular in construction, because they are compact, and can lift extremely heavy loads. Hydraulic jacks are readily available in capacities ranging from a few to over a hundred tons. Some specialty units have capacities of up to a thousand tons.

Like cranes, the jack and slide system is considered indispensable to most contractors. The simplest way to describe it is to say that it comes with skid “shoes” that move a load horizontally along a guided track, and over a surface with controlled friction. This system can slide objects of enormous weight without the external forces a crane would require in order to mobilize.

The Advantages

The major edge jack and slide equipment has over cranes is its significantly reduced requirements in terms of cost, space, set-up, and maintenance. Cranes typically need a lot of space for set-up and overhead clearance. When there is insufficient headroom for a crane, and winches and tackle systems are not enough to lift a load vertically, you may need to erect an inclined plane to roll or skid the load up. Many construction sites involve confined spaces and multiple obstructions, so workers might have a difficult time maneuvering a crane around these areas, which could heighten the risk of accidents.

A skidding system, on the other hand, is relatively less dangerous by virtue of the strategically low profile of its tracks. The load is never suspended freely, and when used accordingly, the system doesn’t require holdback, winches, or other kinds of external force or restraint.

Other Types of Hydraulic Rigging Equipment

Hydraulic gantries are very useful for lifting heavy equipment, and maneuvering heavy loads. Gantry systems vary from those using small, five-ton capacity jacks, to systems capable of carrying 1,000 tons. Some systems can reach 40 feet with fully extended height.

Rollers can be used to move loads horizontally or on slight inclines, provided the surface is even and firm. Rollers may be made of aluminum/steel round stock, heavy steel pipe, or manufactured caster.

Tuggers or powered winches are basically rope-pulling machines that are often described as “boomless” cranes. Depending on the application, the rope may be made of wire or fiber. Like the jack and slide system, tuggers also have lower costs. They weigh less, are more portable, and are better-suited to smaller, tighter spots. They can be used for hoisting and hauling, and may be powered hydraulically.

As mentioned earlier, hydraulic jack and slide systems require significantly less maintenance than cranes. However, they still need to be kept free of debris and protected from the environment after use. The machine should also be handled carefully to prevent damage to any components or sliding surfaces.

Cranes will not lose their place in industrial situations, but it’s good to know that jack and slide systems exist, and can provide companies a cost-effective, fast, highly-efficient way to lift, move, and transport heavy loads. To learn more, give H Brown Cranes a call today.

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Why Rent a Crane?

Thu, 19 May 2016 19:39:00 GMT

Cranes get work done, pure and simple.

From the major lifts on construction sites to the installation of rooftop air conditioning units, cranes can give you the muscle you need. However, cranes are expensive, highly complicated pieces of equipment that require knowledgeable personnel to ensure the safety of the operators, and the crews working around them.

Crane failures and accidents can result in significant costs to replace damaged or broken crane components, repair any damage to the load, and mend any harm done to the property on or near the job site. At worst, such incidents can cause serious injuries, and even fatalities. In addition to the initial expense of the crane purchase, maintenance issues coupled with specialized tools for servicing, make owning a crane a considerable ongoing expense.

But what about renting a crane? The benefits include:

Cost savings

Renting a crane is much cheaper than purchasing a crane outright, and unless you perform a very high volume of jobs, it is unlikely that you will be able to recoup the cost of a crane’s purchase price. Renting a crane also saves money in personnel costs, as the rigging for crane lifts is highly specialized, and requires certified personnel to ensure proper procedures are followed at all times. Training for rigging certification can be expensive, and time consuming. However, if you rent a crane, the rigging personnel are already provided, so you don’t have to find qualified personnel on your own.

Time savings

A crane rental service can save time in several areas, including site set up, job completion, and transportation. Once your crane is rented, the rigging crew will manage all issues associated with the rental so you don’t have to. Additionally, depending on the job, utilizing a crane to make one large lift instead of numerous smaller lifts can result in substantial time savings over the course of the project. For example, instead of breaking a billboard up into smaller manageable pieces to mount, the crane allows you to make one single lift and complete the job all at once.

Safety

Crane rigging is a highly specialized and regulated skill. If not performed correctly, it can lead to a variety of problems and safety concerns. Qualified personnel are provided with a crane rental, which ensures your personnel stay safe, and that the rigging is performed correctly.

Specialized situations

Some jobs are impossible without the use of a crane, as they may require a large lift, or a lift at extreme height. Having a rental crane capable of performing these jobs gives you the advantage of being able to take on more work, while not taking on the expense of keeping, and maintaining a crane of your own.

No maintenance requirements

You are not liable for performing maintenance on the rented crane. For each job, the crane will arrive serviced and ready to be put to work. There’s no down time, and the crane is in top shape upon arrival.

Crane rentals provide a variety of advantages over purchasing your own crane, and there are many additional benefits beyond those listed above.

If you have any questions about crane rentals, or are looking for a quote, contact H Brown Cranes today. H Brown Cranes proudly serves the oilfield, petrochemical, utilities, construction, demolition, power generation, and nuclear industries with a variety of lift solutions. This crane company is ready with a solution to meet the specific needs of your next project.

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H. Brown is Putting Safety First in Crane Service

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 19:36:00 GMT

Safe operation of mobile cranes requires a keen awareness of several, often interrelated, factors. Skipping over or inadequately performing safety procedures can result in crane failures and accidents. These cost money for the replacement of damaged or broken crane components, damage to the load, and damage to property on or near the job site. At worst, such incidents can cause serious injuries and even fatalities.

In Louisiana, H Brown’s highly trained, NCCCO-certified crane operators follow all of these tips to minimize the potential safety risks.

Taking time to follow proper safety procedures pays off. Taking preventative measures to minimize the risk of mishaps or equipment failure is absolutely necessary for any responsible crane operator. A crane operator should feel comfortable speaking up if he or she recognizes that a certain strategy is potentially dangerous. The operator should always be allowed and encouraged to suggest alternative methods when said alternatives may be safer.

Count on H. Brown Inc. to be your trusted Louisiana crane service, with a sizeable fleet of moving cranes and highly qualified personnel to help you complete any project quickly and safely.

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Dual Lane Trailer/Transporter Permits and Rules

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 19:34:00 GMT

Dual Lane Trailer/Transporter Permits and Rules

Dual lane transporters are made to spread the load you’re hauling so it will meet highway and bridge-load limits.

Dual lane transporters are perfect for moving heavy loads, including power plant equipment (such as transformers, turbines, and generators) and refinery equipment (like pressure vessels and exchangers) over public roads. To determine when dual lane transporters are warranted, study the oversize and overweight regulations for the areas you’ll be transporting through.

Federal Regulations

The federal government has set forth certain guidelines for overweight and oversize loads on interstate highways. The maximum allowable weight allowances are as follows.

When there are two consecutive sets of axles, each set may carry its own load of 34,000 pounds as long as the distance between the first and last axle is at least 36 inches.

Any applicable permits and fees are determined on a state-by-state basis. Always look up the regulations and requirements for each state an oversize load will travel through.

Louisiana Regulations

The state of Louisiana posts no set length limits, and load length is assessed on a per-case basis. Oversize load permits must be acquired before entering the state and are issued based on the number of days the load will be inside state lines. Louisiana requirements for weight, height, and width follow.

Weight Limits

Width and Height Limits

The general maximum allowable width is 18 feet, and 14 feet on interstates. Loads may not be taller than 14 feet, 8 inches. Loads that exceed 125 feet in length require a state police escort. Loads over 16 feet high must have a state police escort on multi-lane highways.

There are also restrictions on when oversized loads can be transported in Louisiana. The general rule is that such loads may run from sunrise to sunset every day of the week. Trailers with loads exceeding 14 feet wide are only allowed to travel until noon on Saturdays. If a load is overweight but not longer than 65 feet, it can travel continuously without time restrictions.

As is the case in most states, an “Oversize Load” sign is required for all loads more than 10 feet wide, 75 feet long, or exceeding the overlength as determined by authorities. All oversize loads must have flags on all four corners of the load and at any protruding points. Over-height loads are required to have a height pole on board.

If your load can be broken down into smaller parts or has removable equipment, the removable parts can usually be removed and shipped on the same load.

Region-Specific Regulations

There are also some regional requirements to be aware of when transporting through Louisiana. For example, oversize and overweight loads are not allowed to cross the Mississippi River by bridge in the New Orleans area and are not to be within a two mile radius of any such bridge between the hours of 6:30 am and 9:00 am and from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Loads more than 12 feet wide are not allowed on the interstate system through Monroe, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. New Orleans has its own rules for transporting oversize and overweight loads through the city. A police escort is needed for non-interstate travel with loads more than 12 feet wide, 13 feet 6 inches high, or 90 feet long.

H. Brown’s fleet of equipment includes cranes with lifting capacities of ten (10) tons through four hundred fifty (450) tons. We also have all types of rigging, including hydraulic jacks and rollers to handle your equipment and structures. If it’s too big for conventional heavy trucks and lowboys, we have dual lane trailers and hydraulic platform trailers for oversize loads.

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10 Types of Mobile Cranes

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 19:33:00 GMT

If you’re just jumping into hauling and construction, getting a firm grasp on the types of mobile cranes at your disposal is important. While some are so specialized that there’s no mistaking what they do, selecting the right crane is the difference between costly mistakes and getting the job done on time and under budget.

Most mobile cranes are simple vehicles with a truss or telescopic boom affixed to a platform. For quick reference, here are 10 types of mobile cranes .

A mobile crane designed to travel with a load, the pick-and-carry crane does away with the stabilizers and outriggers of similar models and is able to transport the load over short distances. They can save a lot of time in their ability to perform the lift and move the load, but they are designed to lift only about 10 to 20 tons. That capacity is of course lower with the boom fully extended.

As the name implies, this type of pick-and-carry crane is mounted on a vehicle with four large rubber tires designed to work off the beaten path. It comes with outriggers to help stabilize the lift in uneven terrain. Four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering generally comes standard, making the crane capable of handling whatever landscape you’ve got with less preparation than a standard truck.

The all-terrain model combines the ability to travel at speed on public roads with the off-road capabilities of the rough-terrain crane. It is designed with the maneuverability of the RTC in mind and is generally able to lift in excess of 1,000 tons.

This road truck or semi-trailer lifts and transports ISO standard containers. The parallel lift arms are able to hoist containers from the ground or railroad cars onto the deck for transport.

This small four-wheel crane has similar uses to the pick and carry crane. It has a 360-degree rotating boom and thrives in confined spaces. It’s able to lift a load and place it on the carry deck and move it short distances to another work space.

These function a bit like a forklift mounted on the end of a telescopic boom. Many newer models have the boom capable of rotating 360 degrees, making them even more indispensable. These are particularly useful for moving heavy pallets or putting frame trusses on new buildings.

The crawler crane is a crane mounted on caterpillar tracks, giving it supreme stability and mobility. Crawlers are able to handle very heavy loads, are mobile, and require minimal setup since they are so solid they have no need of outriggers. The crawler tracks also make it easy to use on unprepared job sites where the ground may be soft. Their wide base helps to distribute the weight across a greater area, preventing the crane from sinking in the middle of a lift. The big drawback is that they’re difficult and expensive to move from one job site to the next.

With flanged wheels, this crane is designed to traverse railroad tracks. In its most basic form, it’s a crane mounted on a flatcar. These are frequently maintenance cranes and are generally purpose-built to the job at hand.

Floating cranes have many uses, but are most typically used in bridge and port construction projects. However, they can also be used to offload difficult loads from ships or even in salvaging sunken ships. In them, the crane is mounted onto a pontoon or a specialized crane barge.

This is a very specialized crane with very narrow use cases. Sometimes called a “sky crane,” it is a helicopter outfitted to lift and transport heavy loads in areas that more traditional cranes cannot access. They’re frequently used for moving loads onto high-rises, in military projects, or in disaster relief areas.

Please use our easy contact form for more info about cranes, rigging, heavy hauling, and transportation equipment. Someone will be in touch with you right away to see how we can help.

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3 Scenarios Where You Need Hydraulic Jacking

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 19:30:00 GMT

Occasionally, customers come to us with their crane rental needs and don’t realize that a massive project (even if it’s one that they’re currently working on) may need some special equipment. For example, where they thought they needed traditional crane service, they actually had a jack and slide project on their hands.

Our industrial rigging customers are usually experienced enough to not make these kinds of mistakes, But sometimes it’s good to recognize what situations require hydraulic jacking before you start the job.

If you’re considering renting a crane, here are three scenarios where a jack and slide operation might be the best plan.

In instances of an extremely heavy load, hydraulic jacking may be required.

When we say “extremely heavy,” we’re not talking about that grand piano you inherited from your great grandmother.

How heavy are we talking about? H. Brown’s cranes can handle a lot. When there’s a high tonnage project at hand, we might use the Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries, with upper weight limit is at 900 tons.

These Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries use Pascal’s Principle with a system of plungers and oil to help us access tight spaces and lift objects vertically, getting them off the ground in spaces where more traditional systems would get hung up.

These gantries can then be moved (on a track or rubber tires), moving the payload onto other heavy-haul transportation or to their new location on-site.

Sometimes, the heaviest objects seem to be in the most difficult places to access.

Using our hydraulic gantries, we are able to grab heavy loads that have any number of obstacles in the way, preventing a crane from approaching or requiring the load to be lifted straight up.

It also allows for easy movement of loads in or around water. If a load is in a watery spot where another vehicle might get stuck trying to lift it, or the suction of mud makes it more practical to execute a vertical lift, our gantries can straddle the water to get a good lift on the load.

Brown has the tools no matter what the project is. Our hauling equipment can handle any kind of load, including challenges like those above that require specialized industrial rigging on a hydraulic jack. If you’ve got the project, we’re up to the challenge. We mean it when we say, “If it’s to hook it, jack it, slide it, push it, pull it, roll it, haul it, then we do it!”

If you’ve got a project, get in touch to get a quote.

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9 Crane Rental Tips to Remember

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 19:25:00 GMT

Renting a crane can be a relatively simple process if you know what you’re doing and take the proper steps to prepare. If you don’t, it can be an ordeal of the highest magnitude. There are a lot of parties involved, a lot of organizing to do and a lot that can go wrong.

But take these nine crane rental tips and you’re on your way to a headache-free rental.

There are two parts of this. Know what is going to be needed on-site and know what’s needed for a successful crane rental. As far as the latter step, you’re here, so good work on that.

When you rent a crane, you don’t just need the crane, you need a rigger. They fasten the straps, chains and cable. They execute the “lift.” Depending on the job, they may execute other duties as well. When you hire a rigger, knowing what is needed on your end and communicating that clearly will help a rigger know if you need more crew. (And it’s important to have the right people on each job.) Get them involved early.

It’s often best to get a rigger before the crane. A rigger can help get the project headed in the right direction from the word “go.” He or she will have a good sense of what the right crane is for your project.

Knowing what you need and being ahead of the game means you have time to get competitive bids. Expenses can add up quickly when renting a crane. Save money by talking to as many companies as possible.

When you talk with crane companies give them lots of information and invite them to perform a site visit. Again, their expert knowledge can be an asset.

Do everything you can to make yourself a priority for the crane company, including having your booking done far in advance. You don’t want to call and discover that the crane isn’t available on the day you wanted or, worse yet, to have a scheduling mishap they day your equipment needing a “lift” is arriving.

Your facilities crew can be one of your biggest allies in making the operation smooth. They’ll block off the parking lot or other area of the facility, and will know about any potential union issues that might affect your project. They may also have a sense of obstacles you’ll encounter that you haven’t thought of.

Schedule the whole “pick” for normal working hours. This can help save you money both on the facility side and in hiring a rigger. Working during off hours can increase your budget by a tremendous amount.

You’ll want to play dictator on the transportation of equipment and know where everyone is at all times. It can be a lot, but make yourself the point of contact. The equipment being hoisted, the crane, the facilities crew, and any additional rigging or other equipment needs to arrive in a symphony of coordinated bliss. You don’t want everyone standing around waiting for someone you can’t contact.

Look into what your city requires for permitting. If you need to block a sidewalk or road, this is especially important. And even if you’re pretty sure that you know what is needed, it’s worth making the phone call. Taking 10 minutes now is better than getting fined or shut down.

You’ve had the facilities crew involved and you’re coordinating the deliveries. Also make sure that the facility is ready for the lift. If you need windows, doors or walls removed, have it done in advance. In most instances, the rigger isn’t going to do this. It will be the responsibility of your operations team.

It’s been brought up multiple times, but this is a biggie, so it’s being brought up again. Communicate, communicate, communicate.

You’re working with experts for a reason. You got references, looked into the companies or individuals and know you need to rely on them. You can’t hold them responsible unless they have all the information. You’re better off being the annoying client who is always providing updates than the annoying client who didn’t relay key information and now needs a favor.

That means knowing the aspects of your project that aren’t listed here. If you’re having a grand piano lifted into your apartment, let anyone who is assembling it know when the lift is scheduled for. If you want to play it right away, let your piano tuner know. If you’re installing an air conditioning unit, get your HVAC guys involved. You get the idea.

And if you can remember all this, you’re on your way to a successful and stress-free crane rental. Congrats. If you’ve got more crane service questions, give us a shout.

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Planning for a Critical Lift

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 18:58:00 GMT

It’s the duty of construction workers to use equipment to complete large projects. Cranes are essential for lifting and moving loads to otherwise inaccessible heights. However, some lifts are more dangerous than others, hence the designation of a “critical lift.” Today, we’ll cover the common definitions of a critical lift, and provide guidelines on how to prepare a Critical Lift Plan.

What is a Critical Lift?

While there is no universal definition for a critical lift, various resources do include similar lift characteristics. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines a critical lift to include a load that approaches the maximum capacity (70% – 90%) of the crane, involves two or more cranes, involves the lifting of personnel, use of nonstandard crane configurations, or is in the presence of special hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a critical lift as one to either have a load that exceeds 75% of the crane’s maximum capacity or require more than one crane.

Who Creates the Critical Lift Plan?

Rigger explains that the critical lift plan should be prepared by a qualified person. According to the OSHA, a qualified person is:

“One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience has successfully demonstrated ability to solve or resolve problem relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”

The qualified person is typically in management.

Creating a Lift Plan

Your site’s critical lift plan, like all other safety procedures, needs to be documented and shared with workers. The Hartford and Rigger suggest a critical lift safety plan should include the following:

SafetyInfo details the types of sketches included in critical lift plans, which help workers visualize the required procedures. Sketches include:

Fortunately, there are a variety of critical lift plans available to review. Other sections found in these plans include:

Finally, plans should include sign-off sheet to ensure the plan has been reviewed, inspections are current and proper tests were conducted. Typically most workers involved in the critical lift sign off on the plan, including the crane operator, lead rigger, project manager, and supervisor.

Pre-Lift Procedures

Before the critical lift takes place, it’s important to review the plan with everyone involved in the lift. SafetyInfo.com, a website that offers OSHA safety tips, recommends practicing the critical lift with the exact personnel and equipment to ensure everyone is familiar with the process. Hoisting personnel procedures should also be reviewed at this time.

Critical Lifts are sometimes necessary during a construction project. Despite the increased safety hazards, preparation should be approached just like other crane procedure. The Critical Lift Plan should be properly documented and shared with crewmembers. Practice of the lift should be done beforehand to reduce accidents.

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Life of a Lift Director

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 18:56:00 GMT

Skilled construction workers can perform in many different roles throughout the day. When it’s time for a lift, worker roles become well defined, ranging from the rigger to the signal person. Overseeing lift operations is the Lift Director. Yet the role of a lift director includes so much more than oversight. Today, we’ll take an in-depth look at the life of a lift director to learn what exactly they contribute to a crane site.

What is a Lift Director?

According to Industrial Training International, the lift director is appointed by the site supervisor. The lift director works with all other workers on site, including the crane operator, rigger and signal person. Total Equipment Training explains that the lift director is responsible for coordinating lifts, and should therefore be on site at all times.

Experts.com explains the lift director should have solid working knowledge of load handling equipment (LHEs), rigging and safe load handling procedures. However, this doesn’t mean the appointed director needs prior experience in another crane role, such as operator or rig master. What’s necessary is that the director knows enough to get into the details of a specific role while still being able to oversee entire procedures. This leads us to the essence of the lift director role: coordination.

The Mighty Coordinator

Since the lift director works with other workers, it’s necessary for them to possess a vast knowledge of anything related to crane equipment and procedures. This includes crane capacities and limitations, load charts, and proper conditions for a lift to take place. The lift director may also be involved in creating the lift plan, a detailed document that outlines every aspect of the lift, from equipment specifications to load description to personnel involved.

According to the Specialized Carrier and Rigging Association (SC&RA), the lift director should hold pre-lift meetings to ensure workers know their roles. The director needs to discuss with the site supervisor any safety issues related to the site. If security or traffic control is necessary, the lift director is responsible for helping them properly barricade and secure the site from pedestrians or nearby structures. Depending on the situation, the director might call for a practice lift without the load so workers know the workings of the site.

Sometimes, it’s necessary for the site to pull in experts from areas outside the knowledge of the employees on site. The lift director is often the one responsible for contacting designated personnel regarding emergency plans, engineering concerns or regulatory requirements.

Finding the Right Lift Director

Everyday the lift director is trusted with the safety of the crew and others around the site. SC&RA explains that a lift director needs to be a natural-born leader, one that others trust enough to follow. The right person is also dependable, reliable, and understands how to handle high-pressure situations. Depending on the size and nature of the load, more than one lift director may be needed, allowing each one to work around their limits and experience.

The director utilizes his vast knowledge to answer questions and address issues regarding crane safety and protocol, coordinating lift operations and reaching out to outside experts when necessary. In a nutshell, the value lift directors add to crane operations is indispensable. The next time you step onto a site, remember these workers do so much more than stand and watch. If anything, it’s this very attention that’s keeping everyone safe.

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Our Jack and Slide System

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:55:00 GMT

If you’ve ever driven down an American freeway or looked over at a busy waterway, you’ve probably noticed flatbed trucks or wide container ships mounting even larger, oversized cargo, usually roped or chained down to the deck. The cargo on these ships ranges from massive, self-contained electric transformers to concrete pilings and structures. You may, upon seeing them tied down to comparatively flimsy trucks and container ships, wonder how they got there in the first place. We’re here to answer that question.

What are Jack & Slide Systems?

The secret to transporting these loads is also the first step in the process: a hydraulic jack and slide system. Jack and slide systems are used when cranes are unfeasible, dangerous, or not rated for the magnitude of the task at hand. Their purpose is to move objects and weights laterally, along a slide system, and onto the container ship or truck in question.

Such jack and slide systems are actually deceptively simple; as their name indicates, they consist of heavy-duty hydraulic jacks, for pumping up oversized, overweight loads, and a slide for transporting the load from one container ship or truck to another location. With that being said, the theory of a hydraulic jack and slide is simple, but the actual operation does contain several moving parts, and is best done by specialists.

How a Jack & Slide system works

To begin, the hydraulic jack is first installed under the oversized object, as is the first part of the slide (with supports). The oversized load is then raised with the hydraulic jacks, and wooden blocks are installed underneath the load in order to prop it up. Afterwards, the final part of the slide is installed underneath the object, and the object is again lowered back onto the slide.

At this point, the object is moved across the slide by means of a hydraulic pump system, and onto the new platform (be it a truck, container ship, or the installation area). Afterwards, the process occurs again in reverse: the jacks are installed again to lift up the object, the slide/rail system is removed from under the object, and the object is finally lowered into its resting place.

Is a Jack & Slide system right for your project?

As you can see, a hydraulic jack and slide system is ideal for industrial rigging situations where cranes are not feasible, perhaps due to cost, environmental constraints, or the like. Jack and slides are simpler, and while they may not be as fast as cranes, their reliability and simplicity make them ideal for truly massive, oversized loads.

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Securing Temporary Traffic Control

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:53:00 GMT

Improvements in infrastructure are crucial for ensuring safety for drivers and pedestrians. Nevertheless, heavy haul transportation projects are anything but simple, requiring temporary traffic control zones to redirect anyone using the road (who we’ll refer to as “road users”).

All TTC zones are comprised of four areas: advance warning, transition, activity and termination. Securing temporary traffic control areas are crucial to ensure the safety of road users and workers. While it’s necessary to understand the entire TTC planning process, this article will focus on the basics.

Basics of Temporary Traffic Control

To begin, let’s review the basics of traffic control:

Securing Temporary Traffic Control Zones: Transition Area

The transition area is where road users are redirected due to the project. For most projects, this involves the user of tapers. Taper length depends on three factors: posted speed limit, taper length and width offset. The length will then vary depending on the type of taper used. Taper formula resources should be consulted to ensure road user and worker safety.

Securing Temporary Traffic Control Zones: Activity Area

The activity area is made up of three spaces: buffer, work and traffic. The workspace is the area closed off for road users. This is the location of the project, including all workers, equipment and materials. The traffic space allows for road users to pass through the TTC zone.

When securing TTC zones, it’s important to consider the buffer space. Though an optional safety measure, the buffer serves as empty area between road users and the project. This helps protect users from dangerous construction areas, and provides a buffer for workers in the event of a vehicle losing control. Stopping sight distance resources should be used along with engineering judgment to determine the length and width of the buffer.

TTC Zone Devices

Below are some common devices available to ensure your TTC area is secure and safe for road users and workers:

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When a Crane is Not Practical

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:50:00 GMT

Cranes, particularly overhead cranes, are one of the most common sights on any construction or demolition site. Materials can be lifted to great heights, and their rotating axes allow for great range within a construction site. Nevertheless, cranes are not a universal choice for construction projects. Below are some scenarios where perhaps a crane is not practical for your project, along with some equipment alternatives.

Situations Where a Cranes is Not Practical

While every construction job is unique, below are some common scenarios when cranes may not be the best equipment for your project.

Alternatives to Cranes

While several alternatives to cranes are available, below are two examples that show how crane limitations can be addressed:

Alternatives to Overhead Crane

While the overhead crane might not be practical for your particular project, this doesn’t mean all cranes should be ruled out. Other types of cranes are available that, like other equipment,

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What are Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries?

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 18:49:00 GMT

Naturally, some of the best construction and demolition equipment was created to meet evolving needs–used for a variety of industrial rigging projects around the world, hydraulic gantries are a prime example. In this post, we’ll discuss the specific advantages Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries over other, similar equipment.

Hydraulic gantries were originally developed in the 1960s. At the time, they were needed for press installation, which was looking for an alternative to cranes. (In other words, equipment that was high capacity and low headroom). Since then, the purposes of hydraulic gantries have expanded, and they now serve as great alternatives when larger equipment cannot be used.

Advantage to Cranes

One example is the use of cranes. Complete with ropes and hoists, cranes are a common sight on most construction and demolition projects. Nevertheless, their uses are limited when there’s low headroom on the project.

Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries have impressive height capabilities, allowing them to complete the tasks of standard cranes and to move materials into low-headroom areas. Hydraulic gantries can also be placed on tracks, giving them the same mobility as mobile cranes.

Another great advantage is their flexibility. Cranes, by nature, can only hoist loads when the rigging hook is directly above the load’s center of gravity. Hydraulic gantries, on the other hand, can also be placed next to the load, providing greater flexibility for the crew. Hydraulic gantries also have their weight distributed over a large area, reducing the chance of loads becoming unbalanced.

Additionally, Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries utilize a special cam-locking technology that provides continuous load protection during the entire lift. If the lift cylinder were to fall, the cam-lock technology would hold the loaded materials in place, minimizing safety risks.

Custom Equipment

Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries can also be used along with the custom-designed Sideshift Endtruck Trolley System (S.E.T.S.), built out of a need to place large storage tanks. This system allows gantry housing to be moved off of tracks during placements of large loads and equipment.
Other Features

Lift-N-Lock Hydraulic Gantries have other features that give them additional advantages over other equipment, including double-acting cylinders, rotating header plates, and steel hydraulic lines. Control features such as pressure-compensated controls and two speed load sensing are also included.

If you have any questions about how hydraulic gantries or Lift-N-Lock hydraulic gantry can be used on various projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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Crane Spotter Training: The Basics

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 17:21:00 GMT

What do crane spotters do?

Crane spotters (also called ‘observers’ or ‘signal people’) have been around since the popularization of industrial cranes, and little has changed in the many decades since. Spotters are essential to the safe operation of any project involving cranes, and their expertise is developed over years of on-site knowledge and experience.

The 5 things that spotters always need to consider are:

1. Crane components and operation

Even though a crane signal person is not a crane operator, he should have the same knowledge base.

Different types of cranes operate at different load capacities, and knowing how a crane operator should lift and lower a load, how heavy the load can be, which type of sling to use, etc. is vitally important.

2. Crane limitations and safety considerations

Knowing what not to do, like not rigging above the center of gravity, performing a non-perpendicular hoist, or attempting a critical hoist (> 90% load capacity) with potential obstacles, is equally important. Sometimes the operator may not notice these small details, and it’s up to the spotter to point them out.

Some things spotters need to watch out for include whether…

3. Crane hand signals (Visual communication)

Of course, the most important role of a crane signal person is proper hand signal communication and directing the crane operator. Knowing how the crane works and what to avoid would be pointless if the spotter couldn’t communicate that knowledge on the fly.

For a comprehensive list of animated crane hand signals, check this crane operating signal guide. In addition, The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) has some sample test questions available online.

4. Voice communication

Sometimes, hand signals just don’t cut it. For particularly tricky maneuvers, the crane signal person should be comfortable with hands-free radio communication (while providing visual cues and hand signals).

Voice commands should be short and to the point, so that the operator is not distracted or confused. In fact, the operator and signal person should agree on basics beforehand.

Voice commands should also be spoken in a specific order:

Of course, it goes without saying that the operator should be speaking the names of the hand signals he’s using while he uses them (e.g., Boom up, slowly, lower load, etc.).

5. General safety considerations

Lastly, crane signal persons should be very familiar with general safety precautions for everyone on site. These include:

For more information about what crane spotters do or on how to become one, feel free to contact us, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Family owned and operated since 1938, H. Brown, Inc. prides itself on giving complete satisfaction to our customers at a reasonable price. Our fleet of equipment includes cranes with lifting capacities of ten (10) tons through four hundred fifty (450) tons. We also have all types of rigging, including hydraulic jacks and rollers to handle your equipment and structures. If it’s too big for conventional heavy trucks and lowboys, we have dollies and extra axles to move your equipment or structures. H. Brown will always bring trained, insured and experienced personnel to your job, with well-maintained equipment that is best suited for the work we’re doing.

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Transporting Oversize Loads Over Long Distances

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 17:15:00 GMT

In transportation terms, an oversize load is any load that exceeds standard or legal size and weight limits set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Different portions of roads and highways have different standards. Examples of overweight loads include construction machines (like cranes), prefabricated homes, mobile homes, houseboats, bridge beams, and industrial equipment.

According to the FHWA, any load over 80,000 lbs gross weight per vehicle, 20,000 lbs per single axle, or 34,000 lbs per tandem axle is above the federally mandated maximum weight limit set in section 23 CFR Part 658.17 of the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.

Formula for calculating gross weight

One way to determine the gross weight of your load (which is not the same as its actual weight) is by using the following formula:

W = 500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36)

Where W = overall gross weight, L = distance in feet between axles, and N = the number of axles.

The role of pilot cars

As overweight loads are transported to their destinations, pilot cars (also known as escort or flag cars) like the one above are used to safely escort the load and to warn other drives of the potential danger it poses. Pilot cars are also needed because often the load-bearing vehicle’s driver will not be able to safely see the road.

The lead pilot car typically follows a state trooper or local police vehicle, or a utility/bucket truck. A trailing pilot car may also be required to enforce a minimum safe distance for drivers behind the oversize load.

Pilot car drivers have the authority to stop the load for any reason, and to block traffic from passing the load.

Safely reaching the destination

If a permit has been obtained, a load has been checked against load weight limits, weather conditions are ideal, and pilot cars are ready to go, it should be a safe ride.

But some other things to consider include the route itself, as well as waypoints.

There are approximately 40,000 miles of U.S. highway permissible for oversize loads, so knowing which roads you can take is very important–and it’s just as important to make sure that you pass by weigh stations for weight compliance checks (and know where they are).

Applying for a permit

Of course, the most important part of safe heavy haul transportation over a long distance is to have the proper permit and training required to do so.

Because the FHWA does not award permits for oversize loads, but sets the safety standards, it requires that each state have its own permit guidelines. And, depending on the state, more than one permit may be needed.

In order to find out what permits you’ll need, contact the states in which you travel. Courtesy of the FHWA, the office numbers are below:

Canadian Provinces

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The 7 Major Types of Hauling Equipment

Wed, 20 May 2015 17:13:00 GMT

Hauling Equipment

If you are new to construction and drilling, it’s important to understand the types of equipment that will be used on the job. Hauling equipment, in particular, is used to move building/drilling supplies, soil, and other materials. Below is an overview of the types of hauling equipment commonly used in construction and more:

1. Cranes

Equipped with wire ropes, sheaves, and a hoist, cranes are used to lift and move materials and supplies during construction. Cranes are also useful for demolishing buildings and other structures. In construction, the two basic types of cranes are mobile and fixed.

2. Bulldozers

Though commonly used to refer to the entire vehicle, the term bulldozer actually refers to the front-mounted dozer plate, which is attached to a separate tractor. The bulldozer is used to loosen hard soils and shift dirt, and can work on tough terrain. It is also great for creating pilot roads, as it can clear land from trees and stumps. Bulldozers can be wheel-based or track-based. For muddy or sandy terrains, track-type bulldozers are best, as the tracks distribute the bulldozer’s weight over a larger area, reducing the risk of sinking.

3. Excavators

Excavators are vehicles equipped with a digging bucket attached to the end of an extendable arm. One of the more versatile types of hauling equipment, excavators are used to dig holes, demolish buildings, and lift and load heavy supplies among others. Due to their large size, excavators require the fewest passes when loading trucks with materials.

4. Loaders

These vehicles are used to load loose materials, such as sand, dirt, or gravel, and take them to another machine, such as a dump truck or conveyor belt. Oftentimes, these destination machines are at a higher elevation than the location of the materials. Loaders can also be used to transport other machinery. Similar to bulldozers, loaders can be track-based or wheel-based, and the selection depends on the terrain to be worked on.

5. Shovels

Shovels are used for digging and loading rocks and soil for mineral extraction. The ability to dig into very hard material and lift large objects, such as boulders, are their greatest strengths. Shovels can be electric powered or hydraulic powered. Electric shovels use a revolving deck with a power plant, while hydraulic shovels have a simpler power system that requires fewer components.

6. Tractors

Though most commonly used for pulling and pushing other equipment in construction, the great advantage of tractors is the available parts that can be used to accomplish different jobs. Available components include the quick hitches, backhoes, buckets, and blades. Similar to bulldozers and loaders, tractors can be track-based or wheel-based. Like other track-based equipment, these tractors are able to work through muddy terrains. However, they operate at much slower speeds.

7. Trucks

Their high travel speeds allow for quicker transportation of materials when traveling on established roads. Their low hauling costs also allow for flexibility when determining the total hauling capacity or in the event of a change in destination/route.

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Professional Heavy Haul Transportation Saves Time and Money

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 17:04:00 GMT

Many construction and industrial projects require equipment and/or materials that are oversized and difficult to manage with traditional lifting and hauling equipment. Project managers in the oilfield, utilities, petrochemical, and power generation industries are used to managing heavy loads and various types of oversized loads on and around the worksite. However, when these loads are to be transported across the state or even cross state lines many more factors come into play.

Logistics and Permits

Before heavy haul transportation loads are even hoisted onto the trailer, the proper permits and legal considerations need to be procured for the intended route. Permitting can be a complicated process depending on the length of the trip and the dimensions of the proposed load.

Permits are based on the size, weight, and height of the load and can normally be obtained from each individual state’s Department of Transportation (DOT). You will be required to submit a route plan which will be reviewed by the DOT and either approved or modified to ensure that the load dimensions will safely pass under all bridges, tunnels, or other obstacles along the route.

If your load will pass through more than one state, you will need permits from each state along the route, regardless of how long the load travels in the state. Some states will have additional restrictions beyond dimensional limits, including top speed allowances and even restricted hours of travel to minimize traffic delays and ensure that all vehicles using the roadways are safe.

Professional heavy hauling companies should manage the entire permitting process efficiently and well ahead of time. Many state DOT offices can process and approve permits within the same business day; others require as much as three to four days to process a single permit request.

Lifting and Securing Oversize Loads

Assuming all permits and route plans have been approved, your oversize load will need to be properly hoisted and secured onto the appropriate trailer for the type of load you will be transporting. Hydraulic crane services are typically the most appropriate for this job as they can be rigged to safely and quickly lift even the most awkward loads. Hydraulic cranes can be designed to lift from 10 to 450 tons. By rigging multiple cranes on an exceptionally large load, even heavier weights can be lifted if needed.

The best crane service companies will have professional riggers trained in industrial rigging practices to ensure the safety of both equipment and onsite personnel.

Industrial Rigging Personnel should be trained in industrial basic safety, electrical substation training, substation awareness, observer spotter training, and transmission and baseline training.

Once lifted, the load can be secured to the trailers and transportation can begin.

The Benefits of H. Brown Heavy Haul Transportation

H. Brown is a full service industrial rigging, crane service, and heavy haul transportation provider. We ensure that our employees meet consistent safety standards and uphold the highest training standards in the industry. The safety of your equipment and personnel on the ground is important to us.

We specialize in making logistics and heavy haul transportation simple for your project, managing all permitting, route planning, and rigging requirements in-house, well in advance of your proposed move.

Our trucking and hoisting fleet contains equipment to manage all size and manner of project, from simple equipment moves to large scale, multi-lane oversize load projects.

On the jobsite, our highly trained rigging personnel will guide the rig up and rig down process, as well as lead any hoisting activities to ensure the highest level of safety possible.

The next time you plan a heavy haul project, consider H. Brown for all of your crane, industrial rigging, and hauling needs.

The post Professional Heavy Haul Transportation Saves Time and Money appeared first on H. Brown, Inc. .

Safe Rigging Jobs Require Proper Planning and Precaution

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:59:00 GMT

The term “rigging” originated as a nautical word defined as the ropes, chains, and other lines that support the mast and spars of a vessel or serves to set and trim the sails.

Today, rigging is the process of moving heavy loads with slings, hoists, and other equipment. In much the same way rigging had to be correctly set for a ship to arrive at its designated port, proper planning is essential to ensure a rigging job moves the load safely and securely from start to finish.

Three factors come into play in every rigging job:

Only after the rigger knows these factors can he choose the best rigging and lifting techniques for moving the object in the safest manner possible.

Lacking proper planning and the necessary precautions, a rigging operation could result in incidents such as tip-overs, boom failure, or contact with overhead power lines. In addition, improper rigging or rigging failure could expose riggers, crane or hoist operators, and other nearby workers to potential hazards.

7 Rigging Rules

The three factors listed above are only the beginning. Industrial Training International (ITI), an education and training provider for those who use cranes, rigging and load handling equipment, recommends following these seven rigging rules:

Ask the Right Questions

Proper planning and precaution involves asking the right questions, such as:

Basic Sling Operating Practices

Lastly, it is essential that you take the proper precautions when using slings. The U.S. Department of the Interior prescribes the following guidelines:

Taking the time to “trim the sails” with proper planning and precautions when conducting a rigging operation will help to ensure that the load is moved safely and without incident to equipment or workers.

The post Safe Rigging Jobs Require Proper Planning and Precaution appeared first on H. Brown, Inc. .

Securing Super Heavy and Over-Dimensional Loads

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 16:56:00 GMT

Safely securing super heavy or over-dimensional loads is a matter of grave concern. Although incidents involving the loss of heavy equipment or cargo are infrequent, when they do occur severe injuries or fatalities can be the result.

Securing heavy equipment such as that used in the construction, power generation and oilfield industries fall under the regulatory requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when transporting across state lines. (When hauling heavy loads intrastate, local regulations may also apply.)

FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules

On September 27, 2002, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published new cargo securement rules, which are based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations.

The new rules require that all devices and systems used to secure cargo to or within a vehicle must be capable of meeting the performance criteria. All vehicle structures, systems, parts and components used to secure cargo must be in proper working order when used to perform that function with no damaged or weakened components that could adversely affect their performance.

Conventional Methods Used to Secure Cargo

There are a variety of cargo securement options, the most common being tie-downs consisting of chains, webbing, or wire rope. Blocks, chocks, and braces are also used to secure cargo.

Chains

Chains offer the advantage of durability and strength. Their main drawbacks are weight and the potential to damage cargo physically. Steel chains are graded to industry standards based on their intended use.

Web Straps

Web straps are popular tie-downs used by multiple industries. They can be used to secure equipment, pallets, or individual items. Compared to steel chains, they are lighter, easier to handle, and less likely to damage cargo. However, rough edges or surfaces can cut or abrade the webbing.

Wire Ropes

Wire ropes (cables) consist of multiple bundles (strands) of metal wires twisted around a core of steel or synthetic fibers such as polypropylene. Choosing the right wire rope for a job is based on many factors: application, required strength, and environment, to name a few.

In addition, chocks, wedges, a cradle or other equivalent means used to prevent rolling, must restrain any cargo that is likely to roll. The methods used to prevent rolling must not become unintentionally unfastened or loose while the vehicle is in transit.

Selecting the Right Tie-Down

Your first step in choosing a tie-down is to identify those that are right for the job. Primary consideration should be given to composition, classification, cargo, and mode of transport. Storage requirements, weight, and ease of use are secondary.

Tie-downs manufactured in the United States must comply with specifications established by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).

Tie-down systems and the accompanying hooks, bolts, binders, and ratchets used to hold them are under constant pressure anytime equipment or cargo is in transit. Vehicular movement when turning, braking, accelerating, or navigating rough terrain facilitates load shift, and the tie-downs must be strong enough to restrain the cargo.

A Word About Working Load Limits

The Working Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum allowable load assigned to each synthetic web tie down by the manufacturer, which is not to exceed one-third of the complete assembly breaking strength.

The WLL is calculated by multiplying the breaking strength by a design factor, often 1/3 of the breaking strength. For example, a tie-down with a 7,500-pound breaking strength has a WLL of approximately 2,500 pounds (7,500 x .33 = 2,500).

This safety margin is critical because it is difficult to notice and allow for all of the weakened stress points on or within a cable, chain, or web such as torn webbing or stitching, or cracked, deformed, or broken hardware or chain links.

Special Rules for Special Purpose Vehicles

Not all the rules concerning tie-downs apply to the types of equipment we haul here at H. Brown. (You could say we’re in a class by ourselves! Take a look at some of the photos in our heavy haul transportation gallery and you’ll see what we mean. )

While we often use the types of tie-downs discussed in this post, the equipment we transport must be fastened by special methods due to its design, size, shape or weight.

That’s why, when it comes to transporting super heavy or over dimensional loads, it’s best to hire the professionals.

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5 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Crane Service

Mon, 20 Oct 2014 16:51:00 GMT

Hiring a crane service is a necessity in industries such as oil & gas, construction, utilities and demolition.

Due to the sizable expenditures related to equipment cost, maintenance and training of operators, using for-hire crane services like H. Brown presents a less expensive, more viable option than bringing such services in-house.

Here are some questions you should ask before hiring a crane service.

1. How much experience do they have?

When considering hiring a crane service, experience is one factor not to be overlooked. The more experience a crane company has working in various industries, the better. H. Brown has served the Gulf South Region since 1938.

2. Do they have the right equipment?

The type of crane needed differs based on the job. Our extensive fleet of mobile cranes, ranging from 10 to 450 tons in capacity, enables us to tackle projects of practically any type and size.

3. How well trained are their operators?

Our NCCCO certified operators receive extensive training to ensure your project is executed in a safe, professional manner. Our safety and training programs includes every requirement for working with all types of cranes in a variety of industries including oilfield, petrochemical, utilities, construction, demolition, and others.

4. Is insurance provided?

5. What information do I need to have in hand when hiring a crane service?

In order to estimate the cost of your project and ensure the right equipment is used, we need to gather the following information:

Conclusion

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Facts About Transporting Heavy and Over Dimensional Loads

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:49:00 GMT

In over the road transport, overweight and over dimensional loads are those that exceed the standard legal size or weight limits for a specified portion of a road, highway or other transport infrastructure. Restrictions include such factors as load per axle, height, and width.

Vehicles that exceed legal limits require a special permit that allows them to travel on roadways. The permit may include such restrictions as day and time of day when the vehicle is allowed to travel, the route it must follow, and whether or not a pilot car or escort has to accompany it.

In the United States an over dimensional load is any vehicle, load or combination of vehicle and load wider than 8 ft 6 in. Each state has different requirements regarding height, although, in most states, that is 13 ft 6 in tall.

In terms of weight, there is no maximum restriction of super heavy loads. Typically, vehicles or loads weighing over 80,000 lbs gross are considered heavy haul shipments and, therefore, require a special permit.

Because not every road can handle heavy loads, routing must be considered. Shipments may also require multiple axles in order to distribute the weight equally so as not to damage the roadbed.

In addition, many states require that the load be considered “nondivisible” in order to qualify for a permit. That means is consists of an object that cannot be broken into smaller pieces. Some states do permit divisible loads.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are examples of permitting requirements in Louisiana and Texas.

Louisiana

Texas

(WideLoadShipping.com contains a complete listing of state oversize/overweight regulations.)

Knowing how to deal with the legal considerations, permitting requirements, and technical challenges of pulling a heavy or over dimensional load is crucial to having a successful shipment.

We have both the equipment and know-how to handle virtually any super heavy or over dimensional load you could throw at us.

Our combination of dual-lane, multi-lane platform, and beam and dolly capabilities allow us to meet state permitting and bridge requirements. In addition, our highly skilled staff works closely with bridge and road engineers to develop, design and manage your move, whether it’s intrastate or across the country.

The post Facts About Transporting Heavy and Over Dimensional Loads appeared first on H. Brown, Inc. .

The Value of NCCCO Certification and Crane Operator Training

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:48:00 GMT

It stands to reason that operating a crane is no small feat. The crane’s ability to lift a heavy load, swing it in any direction, raise it high overhead, and deliver it safely to the designated spot primarily depends skill of its operator.

A single miscalculation by the crane operator could result in damage to life and property, not to mention lost time and the possibility of litigation. As such, the proficiency of a crane operator to do his job well is crucial to the successful completion of the project.

At H. Brown, our safety and training programs includes every requirement for working with all types of cranes in a variety of industries including oilfield, petrochemical, utilities, construction, demolition, and others.

We follow very high standards in safety and all our operators are NCCCO – National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators – certified.

NCCCO Training Improves Safety

Established in January 1995, NCCCO administers a nationwide program of certifications designed to reduce the number of accidents and deaths. The organization, a 501(c)6 non-profit, sets standards for the knowledge and skills required to operate a crane safely.

While NCCCO does not conduct training itself (that is handled through third-party providers), it establishes fair and reliable examinations to test crane operators.

There is clear evidence that certification can decrease the number of accidents, and save lives and property.

For instance, according to The Crane School, an NCCCO certification testing company, the Province of Ontario instituted a certification program in 1979 requiring more thorough training of crane operators. The net result has been fewer injuries and fatalities and an improvement in overall safety records.

Crane-related fatalities and injuries in California declined sharply after more than four years of training and testing that produced over 10,000 certified crane operators.

CCO certified crane operators have to adhere to a strict code of ethics that says they will place the safety and welfare of others associated with their work above all other considerations. In addition, they cannot use any substance that would impair their ability to operate the crane safely. Any violation can lead to loss of certification.

What NCCCO Training Means

The Crane School says that, in order to receive certification, operators must “demonstrate skills and knowledge that subject matter experts have judged necessary for safe crane operation.”

Operators carrying CCO certification cards have demonstrated that they possess a “fundamental knowledge necessary for the safe operation of cranes – without relying on subjective…judgment,” said Crane.

For our customers, the fact our operators have received training and CCO certification means that, not only are the chances of an accident occurring greatly reduced, their ability to handle jobs quickly, efficiently and safely can save time and money.

NCCCO Program Key Facts

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization incorporated in January 1995 to establish and administer a nationwide program for the certification of crane operators.

NCCCO has administered over 1,200,000 written and practical examinations and issued more than 420,000 certifications in all 50 states, ensuring that a significant portion of crane operators throughout the nation are informed, trained, and qualified.

NCCCO programs meet federal OSHA regulations and American National Standard ASME B30.

The CCO national certification programs are recognized by the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration as meeting OSHA’s requirements for crane operator competency. This formal agreement between OSHA and NCCCO provides significant benefits for employers who adopt the CCO certification program.

The benefits of NCCCO’s nationwide certification programs include reduced risk of loss, fewer accidents, more consistent training, and expanded job opportunities for those who work in and around cranes.

CCO certification is designed to assure both industry and the general public that employees working with cranes are skilled and knowledgeable.

A CCO certification card is issued to those who meet eligibility requirements and pass written and practical exams demonstrating fundamental knowledge of and skills in safe operations.

NCCCO has the support of a diverse group of crane-using industries, including construction, utilities, energy, steel erection, crane rental, automotive, petrochemicals, and pulp/paper.

NCCCO activities center on these three specific areas:
Validating knowledge and proficiency
Developing and administering examinations to test that knowledge and proficiency
Issuing certification to those who meet the appropriate criteria

NCCCO programs are:

Examinations are administered on demand at sites across the U.S. Tests are available in both a traditional paper-and-pencil format and via computer-based testing (CBT).

In addition to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, NCCCO also works closely with other U.S. federal agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, the Department of Energy, Department of the Navy, the U.S. Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

NCCCO coordinates its testing services through all major industry groups, and is formally recognized by many including:

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