Bohl Co Resources

Bohl Crane Grows Operations with Otsego, Michigan Location!

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:39:56 GMT

Bohl Crane Expands to Otsego, Michigan—Bringing Crafted Excellence in Crane Solutions to a New Region

Bohl Crane, a division of Bohl Companies renowned for its engineered lifting solutions and century-long legacy serving material handling needs, is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest location at 1718 106th Ave, Otsego, Michigan.

Founded in 1924 by Henry Bohl, Bohl Companies has built a reputation grounded in the philosophy “always do more than the customer expects” , delivering specialized monorails, cranes, and engineered lifting devices, backed by in-house engineering and manufacturing excellence.

What Bohl Crane Offers

Diverse Product Portfolio : Offering a wide array of automated systems, bridge cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, and custom overhead solutions engineered to meet unique project requirements
Custom Engineering & Design : Bohl’s in-house engineering team collaborates closely with clients to design custom solutions tailored to their specific applications
Superior Service & Support : Bohl Crane provides expert repair, inspection, and maintenance services across multiple states—including Michigan—featuring rapid response, OSHA-compliant inspection programs, and round-the-clock support

Otsego Location Highlights

This new facility will extend Bohl Crane’s trusted services to local businesses and industries across southern Michigan. Whether offering engineered crane systems or prompt maintenance and inspections, the Otsego team will embody Bohl’s core promise: quality, reliability, and doing more than expected.

Customer Benefits

Enhanced Accessibility : Local clients in Otsego and its surrounding regions will enjoy faster access to sales, service, and custom crane design.
Skilled Expertise : Technicians bring years of experience and the backing of a robust engineering and support infrastructure.
Comprehensive Capabilities : From custom crane builds to parts, accessories, and industrial lifting training, Bohl Crane remains a single-source partner for all material handling needs.

Our Otsego team would love to hear from you! You can reach our local service manager, Adam Stairhime, at astairhime@bohlco.com.

About Bohl Companies

Celebrating over a century since its inception, Bohl Companies continues a storied tradition across its divisions— Bohl Crane , Bohl Equipment , and Bohl Machine —to support material handling solutions spanning cranes, monorails, forklifts and custom fabricated lifting equipment.

Connecting with Industry, Education & Community: Bohl Crane at Jackson County Trade Show

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:35:33 GMT

Bohl Crane at the Jackson County Manufacturing Trade Show – advancing connections and innovation

On September 24–26, 2025, members of the Bohl Crane team traveled to Jackson, MI to represent our company at JAMA's Jackson County Manufacturing Trade Show . We were excited to join local manufacturers, industry leaders, educators, students, and community members to share what we do—and learn from others doing similar work.

Why this event matters

The Jackson County Manufacturing Trade Show brings together companies and organizations to:

Showcase new technologies and solutions in manufacturing
Connect with peers and industry partners
Inspire students exploring future careers in the trades
Share ideas on topics like automation, sustainability, and workforce development

Turning Engineering Innovation into Real-World Impact at the Trade Show

At Bohl Crane, we specialize in custom overhead lifting solutions —from bridge cranes and gantry cranes to jib cranes, monorails , and engineered handling systems. With in-house design and engineering capabilities, we help manufacturers move materials safely, efficiently, and reliably.

Attending the Jackson County Manufacturing Trade Show gave us the chance to highlight that expertise while also supporting the event’s purpose—strengthening our region’s manufacturing community and inspiring the next generation of innovators. We were proud to be part of that mission and excited to contribute to the conversation.

Thank you Jackson JAMA!

This event reaffirmed the strength of the regional manufacturing community and the importance of continued collaboration. We’ll be following up on the connections made at the show and remain committed to supporting local manufacturing, championing engineering excellence, and bringing our customers solutions that move their businesses forward.

Thank you to Jackson JAMA for organizing this valuable event, and to all the attendees who stopped by our booth!

What Should You Consider When Choosing the Right Electric Chain Hoist for Your Operation?

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:57:06 GMT

With so many options available, choosing the correct electric chain hoist for your operation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Focusing on a few key factors can simplify the decision-making process and help you select the best hoist for your specific needs.

Weight Load Capacity Matters

First and foremost, you should consider the weight load capacity. It is essential to choose a hoist that can handle loads heavier than your maximum expected weight. A good rule of thumb is to opt for a hoist with a capacity at least 25% higher than your heaviest load. This extra margin will not only provide added safety but also extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Think About Your Application

Next, think about how you plan to use the hoist. Different applications, whether in construction, manufacturing, or maintenance, may require varying lifting speeds and frequency of use. High-paced environments might, for example, benefit from hoists with variable speed options, while slower operations will work well with standard models.

Safety Features Are Essential

Safety should always be one of your main priorities. Look for hoists equipped with essential safety features such as overload protection and emergency stop functions. These features will help prevent accidents and ensure safe lifting practices.

Consider Your Environment

Finally, remember to evaluate your working environment. Factors like temperature, humidity, and exposure to dust or corrosive substances can impact the performance of your hoist. Choosing a model designed for your specific conditions will enhance both efficiency and durability.

Bohl’s product range currently includes specialized cranes, forklifts, monorails, and engineered lifting devices that can move almost any product manually or automatically. The firm also offers custom lifting devices and equipment and a wide range of machining, fabricating, and engineering services. For more information, please visit Bohlco.com.

How Does the Design of a Wire Rope Crane Hoist Enhance Lifting Capacity and Precision?

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:24:38 GMT

When it comes to lifting heavy loads in industrial settings, wire rope crane hoists stand out for their impressive design features, which boost both their lifting capacity and precision. Understanding these design elements can help businesses make more informed decisions about their material handling needs.

Strength in Structure

The heart of a wire rope hoist's remarkable effectiveness is its multi-strand wire rope, which is specifically designed to handle significant loads—often ranging from 1 to over 100 tons.

This robust construction allows for a higher safe working load compared to chain hoists, making wire rope hoists the perfect choice for heavy-duty applications in environments such as manufacturing and construction. The wire rope's ability to distribute weight evenly reduces stress on the hoist's other components, leading to longer service life and less frequent maintenance.

Precision in Motion

Wire rope hoists also excel in precision lifting. Their design allows for smooth operation with minimal lateral movement, which is extremely important when positioning loads accurately.

This is particularly important in applications where exact placement is crucial, such as assembly lines or complex installations. The option to use a reeving system—where the wire wraps around multiple drums—can further boost stability and control during lifts.

Efficiency and Speed

Another advantage of wire rope hoists is their ability to operate at higher speeds without sacrificing safety and control. This efficiency boosts productivity and ensures that operations run smoothly without unnecessary downtime.

Bohl's product range currently includes specialized cranes, forklifts, monorails, and engineered lifting devices that can move almost any product manually or automatically. The firm also offers custom lifting devices and equipment and a wide range of machining, fabricating, and engineering services. For more information, please visit Bohlco.com.

How Can Bridge Crane Kits Be Used to Customize an Efficient Lifting System

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:54:03 GMT

Bridge crane kits can often be a game changer when optimizing your lifting operations. They provide the flexibility to create a customized lifting system based on your specific needs, boosting both efficiency and productivity in your workspace.

Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs

One of the most significant benefits of bridge crane kits is their amazing versatility. Whether handling heavy machinery in a manufacturing plant or materials in a warehouse, these kits can be configured to fit your specific requirements.

You can, for example, choose the span, lifting capacity, and even the type of hoist that best suits your environment. This level of customization helps ensure that you always have the right equipment for the job, reducing the risk of overloading and improving safety.

Streamlined Installation Process

The good news is that bridge crane kits are designed for easy installation. Most of them come with all the necessary components, such as beams, end trucks, and hoists. That is why they are typically simpler to set up than building a system from scratch. This saves time and minimizes downtime during installation, allowing you to get back to business quickly.

Enhanced Workflow and Productivity

Customizing your lifting system with a bridge crane kit can enhance workflow and boost productivity. A well-designed crane system will help to reduce the need for manual handling of heavy loads, streamline processes, and improve safety for your team. Plus, a custom solution means you can optimize your facility's space, allowing for better organization and efficiency.

How Can You Estimate and Manage Overhead Crane Costs Effectively in Your Project?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:38:45 GMT

Virtually every industrial operation wants to effectively estimate and manage the overhead costs of each project to maximize profitability. Learn how you can manage your overhead crane costs below.

Understanding What These Costs Involve

Overhead costs include indirect expenses related to labor. These include bonding and insurance, vehicle expenses, labor burden, equipment costs, advertising costs, and administrative expenses.

Calculating These Costs

To calculate these costs, the method often used is using a percentage of the direct expenses incurred during the project. Thus, estimate the project's total cost, considering material costs, direct labor, and fees. Then, a specific percentage (such as 10%) should be applied to the estimated project cost to approximate the overhead costs.

The Factors That Can Affect Overhead Crane Costs

These factors include the following items:

The type of crane: Cranes can be single girder, double girder, or gantry; all of these have varying costs depending on the type and materials they are made of and utilized for their pulling capability.

The span: The greater the distance between the centerline of the runway rails, the higher the cost. The capacity: This is the maximum load the crane for which the crane is rated.

The height: This is the height at which the crane can lift the load.

The frequency of use: How often will the crane be used or in operation? Special requirements: Any added building or structural needs for installation for the crane to operate correctly.

Installation costs: Any costs needed to install the crane to ensure proper operation.

Electric Wire Rope Hoist: What Makes It a Preferred Choice in Material Handling?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:31:42 GMT

There are several reasons why electric wire rope hoists are a preferred choice in material handling in industrial applications and other projects. Learn some of the reasons why this is the case below.

Precision and Power

While electric wire rope hoists have a simple, compact design, they also have impressive precision and power, so they are often used in extensive material handling projects and applications.

Efficiency

These hoists are considerably more efficient than manual hoists because they offer consistent performance without putting extra strain on workers. They can also be used indoors and outdoors, making them ideally suited for various projects and tasks.

Safety

These hoists come with overload protection, limit switches, and emergency stop buttons to enhance their reliability. At the same time, their risk of accidentally injuring workers is reduced to a minimal amount.

Versatility

These hoists handle virtually any length of rope; as a result, they are more versatile than either chain hoists (which have complicated procedures for swapping out chains) or drum hoists (that usually have a maximum effective wire rope length). Electric wire rope hoists can work at any angle, horizontally and vertically. This can enable them to easily handle such tasks as lowering, lifting, and pulling loads as needed. Their versatility is enhanced by their being portable and lightweight, which enables them to be transported virtually anywhere and operate in virtually any environment.

Wire Rope Crane Hoist: What Are Its Advantages and Applications?

asmith@bohlco.com (Anthony Smith II) — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:24:39 GMT

There are several applications wire rope crane hoists work well, as well as several advantages they can provide to your industrial operation. Learn the applications and advantages of using wire rope crane hoists below.

Durability and Strength

Wire rope crane hoists are constructed to have exceptional strength and durability. The multiple steel wires form individual strands laid around a core in a helical pattern. As a result, the increased strength of these hoists enables them to easily lift heavy loads that other hoists and cranes would struggle with. Additionally, the hoists can hold up well against crushing, fatigue, and abrasion, even in demanding environments.

Ease of Use and Versatility

These hoists can work vertically, horizontally, or at any angle. Thus, they are adaptable for various hoist applications, including lowering, pulling, and lifting heavy loads. These hoists can also handle almost any length of rope. In addition, they are pretty portable and lightweight; this makes them easy to install and operate by even a single worker.

Capable of Higher Lifting

Because of their design and robust construction, wire rope crane hoists can lift much heavier loads than chain hoists. As a result, these hoists can efficiently lift sizable loads.

Applications

These hoists are often used in construction because they are ideal for placing and moving supplies, materials, and equipment during retrofits and new construction projects. They are also often used in the installation and maintenance of elevators because they can handle heavy loads easily, are easily transportable, and can be operated by just one person.

What Are Overhead Hoists, and How Do They Compare to Other Lifting Solutions?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:17:49 GMT

Overhead hoists are essential to many industrial operations for a variety of reasons. Learn what overhead hoists are and how they compare to other lifting solutions below.

Chain Hoists

This hoist type utilizes a chain and pulley system to gain the mechanical advantage necessary to lift heavy materials and loads. They can be powered through manual labor, electricity, or pneumatically (air-powered). These hoists can usually handle five tons or less.

Wire Rope Hoists

Like chain hoists, but because of the wire rope and the fact it is wound around a circular drum, these hoists have a higher lifting capacity and can lift the loads to greater heights. They are usually powered by electricity but can also be powered by air.

Overhead Hoists: Manual and Electric

Manual overhead hoists gain mechanical leverage through a chain and pulley system, while electrically powered ones are often incorporated into overhead cranes. Manual hoists can lift relatively light objects and require no electricity or air. Electric ones can lift heavier loads than manual ones and are used in many industrial applications.

How Overhead Hoists and Cranes Differ

Overhead hoists are mounted onto the crane structure and only lift items on the vertical axis. They can be powered through manual labor, electricity, or air. Overhead cranes can transfer heavy loads vertically and horizontally; thus, they can move them up and down or from side to side. The crane structure is needed to support the hoist, which can be either mobile or fixed.

How Do Overhead Crane Costs Vary Depending on Specifications and Usage?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:01:37 GMT

Overhead crane costs can vary for various reasons, including the crane's specifications and how it will be used. Learn how such factors as specifications and usage can impact the cost of an overhead crane below.

Types

There are several overhead cranes, each designed for specific projects and applications. The cost of a crane is influenced by the engineering requirements, the complexity of the components that make up the crane, the industry in which the crane will be used, and the type of materials being lifted. The larger the crane and the heavier the loads it can handle, the greater the crane cost.

Capacity

The maximum rated load capacity can significantly influence a crane's cost. Higher-capacity cranes have stronger, more durable components and engineering specifications that allow them to withstand more frequent, heavier loads more easily.

Use Frequency

How often the crane will be used will also significantly impact its price. Constant usage requires a crane with a higher duty cycle that can withstand the rigors of continuous usage, which can amount to near or equal to 24 hours per day.

Span

The span refers to the centerline of the runway rails; a wider span will result in a higher price. This is because the wider and longer the span is, the stronger the crane structure needs to be. A stronger crane structure can only occur by using more robust materials, which leads to a greater cost.

What Are the Benefits of Using Wall Bracket Jib Cranes in Industrial Operations?

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 08:45:01 GMT

You want your industrial operation to be as efficient and productive as possible. Wall bracket jib cranes can help your operation become more efficient and productive; learn about the benefits of using these cranes below.

R eliability

Jib cranes have greater strength than tension welds because of their formed bracket fittings and double-sheared bolts. As a result, these cranes can handle much greater weight and transport such heavy loads from one location to another more quickly than other types of cranes.

Cost-Effectiveness

These cranes work in various settings, including along walls and columns, within bays, and single workstations. Thanks to their economical design, these cranes are cost-effective as they can be used in various settings and replace other equipment in your operation, even other cranes.

Made for Heavy-Duty Work

These cranes are solidly built and made for heavy-duty work, thanks to their robustness and durability. The single tie rod used with these cranes is threaded at both ends; not only does this make the crane strong for lifting heavy loads, but the boom is easily adjustable to handle various types of lifting operations and can be easily installed. Thus, they were made for projects requiring lifting heavy loads and navigating them in tight spaces such as warehouses, plants, and facilities. As a result, they are an excellent choice for improving your industrial operation.

What Are the Benefits of Wall Bracket Jib Cranes?

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 08:55:49 GMT

Wall bracket jib cranes are used for positioning and lifting heavy loads in various industrial settings. They are just one option to be used, but they offer a number of benefits. Learn about some of these benefits below.

Solid Design, Clear Purpose

Wall bracket jib cranes are designed so that they can be mounted on either columns or walls. These cranes are made of a single tie rod that is threaded at both ends. The threading at both ends allows for easy installation and easy boom adjustment. These cranes were especially made for situations where heavy loads and material transport need to be carefully maneuvered around obstructions and obstacles. As a result, the flexibility is very useful in tight spaces.

Cost-Effective

Wall bracket jib cranes provide a cost-effective way to enable hoist coverage at single workstations, whether that is along walls, in bays, or along columns within plants. Their economical design is an effective way to keep budgets tightly maintained.

Heavy-Duty

While these cranes are cost-effective in their economic design, they are well-made and made for heavy-duty work. That is because these cranes are both durable and robust. The single tie rod is threaded at both ends so that the boom can be easily adjusted and installation is similarly easy.

Reliable

Due to the fact that these jib cranes have formed bracket fittings and the bolts are in double shear, there is increased strength as compared to tension welds. As a result, no matter how heavy the material is, the cranes can hold the weight and help transport it from one location to another without issue.

How Do Overhead Cranes Improve Workplace Efficiency?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:25:29 GMT

There are several ways that overhead cranes improve workplace efficiency. Learn about some of these ways below.

Flexibility and Versatility

Overhead cranes increase workplace efficiency because of their adaptability in lifting many different types of heavy materials and objects. There are hundreds of models of overhead cranes that can be utilized for various applications, and they are usually customizable for specific applications.

For example, gantry cranes are adaptable in their tread, height, and span ; as a result, the cranes can be maneuvered in small aisles, their trolley hook heights can be adjusted, and they can easily handle materials of various sizes and shapes. The fact that they are also portable enables them to be easily moved to various workstations or job sites. Aluminum gantry cranes can be easily assembled and disassembled, making them ideal for applications at multiple locations and job sites.

Material Flow Maintenance

Overhead cranes help manufacturing facilities maintain a constant flow of materials that are vital to their productivity. They help to achieve this by streamlining production through the efficient handling of materials, while also maximizing productivity through the lifting of heavy loading that would be impractical or impossible to do via manual handling. Thus, businesses can meet their production targets more efficiently and at less cost.

Lower Costs

Overhead cranes provide long-term cost savings by lowering the need for manual labor through automated material handling . They also offer improved operational efficiency through better workflow, fewer interruptions, and higher profit production.

What Advantages Do Jib Cranes Offer in Industrial Settings?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:09:14 GMT

There are a number of advantages that jib cranes can offer in industrial settings. Learn more about these advantages below.

Great Range of Movement

Jib cranes are capable of providing a 360-degree radius of movement, enabling operators to easily maneuver heavy materials and objects in their arc of motion. This arc of motion enables them to maneuver those materials around corners and within limited working areas and confined spaces. This increased maneuverability can decrease the chances of an accident while hauling heavy objects and materials.

Compact

Jib cranes are smaller than most other types of cranes; as a result, they can be installed and utilized in smaller work areas and spaces. They can be mounted on columns, walls, and floors, thus saving on both space and time during installation.

Affordable

Jib cranes are more affordable than most other crane types. Thus, they are a great choice for both small- and medium-sized businesses with more limited budgets. Yet, these cranes are still very efficient and effective, while requiring less manpower to operate.

More Operational Control

Jib cranes enable the operator to have better control over the load. Their closeness to the material enables them to have better control over it in tight spaces, while the adjustability of the lifting speed can help to limit accidents and damage.

Stable

Due to the fact that jib cranes can be secured and anchored to a column or wall, this provides increased stability as compared to other crane types. Thus, there is more stability and safety during lifting operations.

Contact us to learn more about our cranes and other equipment in our inventory.

What Are the Different Types of Overhead Cranes Available?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:58:58 GMT

There are several different types of overhead cranes that are available. Learn about these different type of overhead cranes below.

Gantry Cranes

An overhead crane built on a gantry (movable framework supporting large equipment), the smallest can move a few tons and are quite mobile, while the largest are often used at shipping and container yards.

Jib Cranes

These cranes look much like an upside-down letter “I” and are usually floor mounted via either their own support or a building’s support beam. They are ideal for doing multiple lifts over short distances because they are equipped with an electric chain hoist and can be rotated by hand.

Bridge Cranes

These cranes are built inside of a building and use the building’s structure as its support. Their hoist enables them to move left or right, while the track they are on will allow them to move backward and forward through a building.

Workstation Cranes

Bridge cranes with their own floor-mounted supports, they are ideal for companies that only need to life materials in just one part of a building.

Monorail Cranes

The hoist of these cranes move up and down instead of side to side. The rail can be adjusted for curves, which make these cranes quite useful when you have to work around specific structures within your factory.

Top and Under-Running Cranes

Also known as single girder and double girder bridge cranes. “Top running” and “under running” refers to how these cranes are mounted within your building. Top-running cranes are cheaper to operate, but only are feasible if your factory or building has a high ceiling to which it can be mounted.

Contact us to learn more about our cranes and other equipment in our inventory.

What Are the Essential Components of Wire Rope Parts?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:45:34 GMT

There are specific components of wire rope parts that help to enable their strength and functionality. Learn what these essential components are below.

Wires

The wires form the individual strands of the wire rope itself. These wires are usually made from such materials as stainless steel, steel, iron, bronze, or monel. The type of material that is often used to make these wires is high-carbon steel, as this provides some of the greatest strength.

Manufacturers of these wires will select the type of wire based upon the requirements of the finished product. Grades of this wire rope include extra improved plow steel (EIP) and double extra improved plow steel (EEIP). The strength of the wire depends upon its diameter, with the strongest wires being those that are the smallest wires.

Steel wire often comes in three types of finishes:

Bright: Uncoated wires.
Galvanized: Wires coated with zinc.
Tin: These wires are used in specific applications.

Strands

Strands are made of multiple wires that are laid helically around a core. The geometric arrangement of wires within a strand can vary. Strands can be made of any number of wires, and a rope can have a number of strands. Some strands even combine steel wires with natural or synthetic fibers.

Core

The core provides support for the strands under loading and bending conditions, serving as the foundation of the wire rope. The materials of the core include the following:

Fiber core: Made of synthetic or hard vegetable fibers.
Independent wire rope core (IWRC): A separate wire rope strand.
Wire strand core (WDC): Additional wire strands.

Contact us to learn more about our wire ropes and other items in our inventory .

Why Choose Jib Cranes for Your Material Handling Needs?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:22:41 GMT

Wall bracket jib cranes are used to position and lift heavy loads in various industrial settings. They are only one of a number of options that can be used, but there are a number of reasons why jib cranes are a practical choice. Learn more about these reasons below.

Save on Space

Jib cranes are capable of being mounted on columns, freestanding pillars, or walls. As a result, they can save on valuable floor space, since they do not have to be on the floor to be utilized in the moving of material. In addition, they are not blocking walkways or getting in the way of other equipment that is used in industrial settings.

Flexible Coverage

Jib cranes are capable of providing precise coverage in tight areas, thus making them an ideal choice to be used in areas such as loading docks, assembly lines, and workstations. Additionally, their rotating boom enables you to reach materials wherever they are located.

Lower Cost

Jib cranes are more cost-effective than larger overhead cranes . Jib cranes are capable of providing efficient lifting without extensive infrastructure to sustain and operate them.

Easy Installation

Wall-mounted jib cranes are easy to install because it is a straightforward process. The only need minimal structural modifications; as a result, they can be put to use very quickly for material hauling purposes.

Different Configurations

There are different configurations of jib cranes:

Wall bracket jib cranes are ones that can be mounted on columns and walls. Freestanding are those that can stand alone.
Articulating are those that provide additional flexibility and reach.

Contact us to learn more about our jib cranes and other items in our inventory.