A Wisconsin customer of ours was looking for a used 10 ton crane. We considered their needs. We did not have a crane in stock at that time and attempted to find a used crane with quality and value to meet their needs. While we were looking, the customer did web searches and found and purchased a crane from Texas.

Prior to the crane’s arrival, we were contacted to quote the installation. That’s when the trouble started. First, we could not understand why it took so long to ship. Once it did ship, it took weeks to arrive. When it finally did arrive, we were able to piece together the story. The crane purchased was shipped in one piece. Built with no construction bolts, it was welded as one entity. The crane was 13 feet wide and needed escorts and special permits from Texas to Wisconsin at a tremendous shipping cost.

The crane was constructed from an antique steel girder from an old crane runway manufactured in the days before welding was invented. It was made from plates and angles riveted together. There was a groove worn in the top of the girder where a rail was once placed. There were bars poorly welded on the lower angles that created the lower flange the hoist was to ride on to hide or reinforce severe corrosion. The hoist provided was a 1940s vintage P&H hoist. Parts have been unavailable for years. The hoist became obsolete in the 1960s. The crane end trucks were from an old double-girder riveted and cast iron construction crane.

When measured before installation, (something we always do), the crane was not square on the correct span. Also, it was too high above the rails to clear the obstructions in the roof. We did not install it. The situation became worse. The company in Texas sent a crew to correct the problems. When they were finished, the “corrections” had made the crane totally unusable. We wouldn’t have wasted the time it took to scrap it.

From this experience, one would think this buyer would have learned a lesson. He bought another used crane made from old obsolete hoist and crane components. It was too short, so he made it longer himself and installed it. I have no idea what all of this cost, but I could have supplied new in less time and estimated cost.

Our used cranes always are of an age manufactured and quality so if parts are needed, they are readily available. A hoist or crane that needs parts that are not made or available any longer is scrap, even if it still works fine. Granted, this is the worst case I have ever seen but, once again, BUYER BEWARE!