Automated Crane Systems

Bohl Crane brings more than a century of material handling expertise to automated crane systems for repetitive, high-volume operations. From foundry ladles and metal coils to glass batch material, scrap, paper rolls and production-line parts, our automation solutions help customers improve repeatability, reduce manual operation and support safer, more controlled material movement.

With turnkey project capabilities, Bohl Crane supports automated crane applications with engineering, drawings, equipment, support steel, field wiring, programming assistance, installation and start up. Systems can be designed to work with existing process controllers, or we can supply a complete control system depending on the application.

Start your automation discussion with Bohl Crane.

Automated Crane System Design

Many material handling operations rely on repeated movements, defined travel paths and consistent load positioning. Bohl Crane designs crane automation around the application, facility layout, load requirements, process sequence and control needs.

Depending on the operation, an automated crane system may support point-to-point travel, dipping sequences, load transfer, material staging, production line movement or other repetitive crane tasks. The goal is to improve repeatability, reduce manual operation and support safer, more controlled material movement.

Common Applications for Automated Material Handling

Bohl Crane supports automated material handling applications across a range of industrial environments. These systems are especially useful for repetitive operations where loads follow defined paths, repeatable sequences or consistent production requirements.

Common applications include:

• sub-assemblies through assembly or paint lines
• foundry ladles from melting furnace, holding furnace, pouring area and return empty
• glass batch material from source, mixer and return empty
• metal coils or plates from trucks, storage and process machinery
• components and fabrications through process machinery, inspection, painting and shipping
• scrap from accumulation conveyors, sorting bins and shipping
• paper rolls through storage, production machinery or press return
• parts in baskets through dipping sequences for heat treating or chemical treating

For example, Bohl Machine’s Smart Arm case study shows how an articulating jib arm was integrated with a conveyor PLC to help operators rotate crankshafts and place them into heat treat baskets at the correct elevation.

Improving Safety and Consistency With Crane Automation

Crane automation can help reduce the risks associated with repetitive or hazardous material handling tasks. By limiting the need for constant manual operation, automated systems may help reduce operator fatigue, improve consistency and keep workers farther from certain high-risk handling areas.

Depending on the application, programmable controls can help manage defined movement paths, repeated load transfers, positioning requirements and process timing. The result is a more predictable material handling process with less variation between operators or shifts.

Modernization Through PLC Crane Control System Upgrades

Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, can support crane movement by coordinating hoist, trolley and bridge functions. For some facilities, improving automation does not require a completely new crane system.

Existing bridge cranes, gantry cranes or other crane systems may be candidates for control upgrades depending on equipment condition, application requirements and the desired level of automation. Bohl Crane can help evaluate whether an upgraded control system, new equipment or a complete turnkey lifting system is the right fit.

Understanding Automated Crane System Costs

The cost of an automated crane system depends on factors such as capacity, travel distance, facility layout, controls, support steel, field wiring, programming, installation, start up and the complexity of the material handling process.

These systems are often evaluated as capital investments because they can help reduce labor demands, improve repeatability, support safer workflows and increase throughput in repetitive applications. Bohl Crane can review your application and provide a custom quote based on the system requirements.

Your Premier Lifting Solution Provider

Bohl Crane supports turnkey automated crane projects with engineering, drawings, equipment, support steel, field wiring, programming assistance, installation and start up. Systems can be controlled by existing process controllers, or Bohl Crane can supply a complete control system depending on the application.



Backed by more than a century of material handling experience, Bohl Crane helps customers develop process-driven lifting solutions built around real production need.

Request Automated Crane Support

Need help improving a repetitive or high-volume material handling process? Bohl Crane can help evaluate your application and determine whether crane automation, a control upgrade or a turnkey material handling solution is the right fit. Contact us to day to start discussing your needs.