Choosing The Right Davit Crane Mounting
Davit cranes are versatile, strong, and durable, making them the perfect lifting, lowering, and positioning solution for all kinds of applications. From wastewater treatment facilities to construction, manufacturing, marinas, and bulk material handling, industries across the globe use davits every day. But not just any davit will work in every application. Choosing a davit crane that fits the working environment, performance requirements, and safety needs — while still providing positive ROI — is key to picking the right davit.
NOTE! If a stationary davit is what you need, you’re already set — Thern’s stationary davits have a bolt-down mounting base inherent to the crane mast. There are no base options to choose from.
If a portable davit crane is the best fit for your needs, you’re in the right place. There are a few base styles you can choose from, including pedestal, flush, and wall-mounted. The right base plays a critical role in the performance and success of your crane, so we’ve put together this guide to help you make the best decision for your unique application. Let’s get started!
Understanding Your Application Requirements
As you’re choosing your davit and mount type, there are some crucial factors to keep in mind. First, analyze the loads that you need to move, including the type of materials, balance, and weight. Also note the frequency of lifts and be sure to choose a crane that can handle the workload.
When considering base types, be sure that your choice fits your jobsite. For example, if you are choosing a crane for a more cramped, indoor space, a wall mount could be the ideal solution. On the other hand, if you have space and want to maintain maximum hook height without using an extension, a pedestal mount may be a better choice.
Environmental variables will affect the best finish for not only your base, but your entire davit system. If your crane will be exposed to salt water, winds, uneven terrain, chemicals, or anything else that could cause corrosion or damage, the finish you choose must be designed to stand up in that environment.
Common Davit Crane Mounting Styles
All of the common mounting styles Thern offers are ideally suited for permanent installation. They provide quick crane removal for maximum flexibility and suitability for a multi-location setup. Maintenance requirements are minimal and every base comes with a durable cap to prevent build-up of loose debris in the base pipe when not in use.
Pedestal Mount
Pedestal mounts extend up from the ground and are often used on surfaces like machinery decks or concrete pads. By installing pedestal mounts at key points on your jobsite, you can take advantage of its adaptability and versatility to handle a variety of tasks. Before choosing pedestal mounts, please note that because these mounts extend up from the ground, they can become an obstacle if installed in high-traffic areas.
Socket (or Flush) Mount
As the name suggests, these kinds of mounts are embedded in concrete and sit flush against the ground. Since they are embedded in concrete, they are not a tripping hazard, even in areas with high foot traffic. While maximum hook height is reduced when using a socket mount alone, there are base extensions that will return the hook height to where it would be with a pedestal mount, without affecting the davit’s load capacity.
Wall-Mount or Side-Mount
Wall- or side-mount bases are ideal for applications with limited floor space or to provide davit access over parapet walls or pits. As with socket (or flush) mount options, these bases are not tripping hazards, but the maximum hook height will be reduced if an extension isn’t used.
Custom Solutions
Sometimes, stock just doesn’t fit the bill. If a combination of one of our standard portable davits and base options won’t work for your application, Thern’s engineers can design a custom solution. We can also create custom bases independently of your crane, so no matter your requirements, our team can make sure you get exactly what you need.
Pairing the Right Crane With Your Mount
Finding the right crane and mount combination for your application may take a bit of time and problem solving, but the results are a highly functional and adaptable davit ecosystem. By considering your winch type (electric or manual), height and reach requirements, the number of bases you’ll need and the best finish for your equipment, you can be sure you’ve found the optimal solution for your project.
With more than 75 years of experience, expert engineering support and customization, and proven quality across industries, Thern offers everything you need to ensure you find the perfect crane and base for your needs. If you have questions about our services or base options, get in touch with our team. You can also check out our full line of davits and bases and explore our various combination options.