AFE Crane

06/16/2026

Elevate your understanding of hoist technology in our new Learning Center article where we break down the different types of hoists—from manual chain to electric wire rope and air-powered solutions—and what they mean for your lifting operations. Read the full article here: https://afecrane.com/overhead-lifting-insights/hoist-types/

06/10/2026

The AFE Crane Solution | Case Studies in Motion

AFE Crane was enlisted by a manufacturer contending with extremely limited headroom above an assembly line pit, where only ten inches of clearance separated the underside of support steel from a critical crane runway. This tight envelope, coupled with an overhead “power-and-free” paint system, posed serious constraints on equipment placement and worker access during maintenance activities.

The AFE Crane Solution involved a custom low-headroom crane system built with lightweight aluminum runway and bridge structures from Unified Industries. It featured end trucks designed for minimal vertical profile, combined with a nested trolley and chain hoist to maximize usable space while delivering full lifting capacity. Operators now benefit from safer access with fall-protection compatibility and streamlined maintenance workflows.

The result: A reliable, efficient crane system that conquers the clearance challenge while improving safety and maintenance speed.

Read the full case study here: https://afecrane.com/case-studies/innovative-low-clearance-crane-solutions-enhance-assembly-line-safety/

06/04/2026

Seamless material transfer.
At AFE Crane, our Interlock / Transfer crane systems are engineered to enable efficient movement of materials between adjacent or connected bridge cranes without manual handling. These systems employ a specialized interlocking mechanism that allows a hoist to travel safely from one crane bay to another—optimizing workflow and reducing downtime.

Available customization options include manual or motor-operated latches, custom track configurations, electric, air-powered or manual hoists, and fully automated PLC-based controls tailored to your layout and process.

Learn more about our Interlock / Transfer Crane solutions:
https://afecrane.com/crane-equipment/interlock-transfer-crane/

05/28/2026

When your runway ends—but the work doesn’t—what’s the solution?

Telescoping bridge cranes are designed to extend beyond standard limits, helping reach areas that traditional systems can’t.

If you’re working around layout constraints, obstructions, or limited access, this is worth understanding.

We were recently featured on Small Business Spotlight, where this article breaks down how these systems work and where they make sense.

🔗 Read more:
https://small-business-spotlight.ghost.io/telescoping-bridge-cranes-extending-reach-beyond-standard-runway-limits/

05/19/2026

Dive into our newest Learning Center article: understand the core components, types, and operational advantages of bridge cranes to maximize your facility’s material handling efficiency. Read it here: https://afecrane.com/overhead-lifting-insights/understanding-bridge-crane-basics/

05/13/2026

The AFE Crane Solution | Case Studies in Motion

AFE Crane partnered with a local manufacturer to address a material-handling challenge within their paint booth operations. The customer needed a workstation crane that could perform within tight vertical limits, lift heavy parts, and meet stringent spark-resistant requirements in a confined and high-risk environment.

The AFE Crane Solution delivered a custom freestanding workstation crane system using Unified workstation rail for both runway and bridge, combined with low-headroom end trucks and a hoist carrier positioned within the double girders to maximize clearance. Spark-resistant materials were selected for the paint-booth application and a 2-ton CM Budgit air hoist was integrated for heavy-part handling.

The result: A tailored crane system that optimized restricted space, enforced strict safety standards, and improved efficiency in paint-booth handling.

Read the full case study here: https://afecrane.com/case-studies/custom-workstation-crane-for-paint-booth-application/

05/05/2026

AFE Crane has been recognized as a Partner-level supplier in John Deere’s Achieving Excellence Program.

This program evaluates suppliers on key performance areas including quality, delivery, and overall operational performance—standards that directly impact our customers’ operations.

“Recognition like this reflects the consistency required across engineering, fabrication, and service to deliver systems that perform as expected in real-world applications,” said Emily Carrier, Applications Engineering Manager at AFE Crane.For us, this aligns with the same priorities we bring to every project:

- Application-driven engineering
- Reliable ex*****on
- Ongoing service and support

These are the same performance standards our customers rely on every day.

04/29/2026

🔧 Extended reach for complex layouts.
At AFE Crane, our telescoping (also called projecting) bridge crane systems are designed to extend hook coverage into hard-to-reach areas without major structural changes. These under-hung single-girder or double-girder solutions address workflows where conventional bridge cranes can’t.

With features like projection in one or both directions, collision avoidance systems, optimized under-hung runways, and low-headroom options, we tailor each system to fit your facility’s unique structure, load requirements, and process layout.

Learn more about our Telescoping Bridge Crane solutions:
👉 https://afecrane.com/crane-equipment/telescoping-bridge-crane/

04/27/2026

Ten years ago, we made a decision that changed the direction of our business.

AFE Crane was rebranded from American Fabricators & Engineers with a clear goal—build a company centered around overhead lifting systems and the customers who rely on them. Since then, that focus has shaped how we approach every project—engineering systems built for real-world applications, backed by service and long-term support.

While the name changed 10 years ago, our foundation goes back to 1983. That experience continues to guide the work we do today. This video highlights a few moments from that journey—along with the projects and capabilities that define AFE Crane today.

If you’ve partnered with AFE Crane, what’s one application or challenge we helped you work through?

04/23/2026

We had the opportunity to join the Small Business Talks podcast. In this episode, Tom Shultz breaks down common overhead crane systems, where each works well—and where they don’t.

A practical listen if you’re evaluating options.

🎧 Listen here: https://small-business-talks.podbean.com/e/custom-overhead-bridge-cranes-solving-unique-production-challenges-through-engineering/

If you find it useful, a like or share helps get it in front of other manufacturers who may be evaluating similar systems.

Growing manufacturers face constant pressure: move more material, do it safely, and make it all fit inside existing facilities. In this episode of Small Business Talks, we explore how custom overhead bridge crane systems help small and mid‑sized businesses solve complex material‑handling challen...