When it comes to overhead cranes, the real cost isn’t always upfront. In this episode of Safety Factor, crane industry veterans share the most common buying mistakes that lead to catastrophic failures, expensive service calls, and constant downtime, and how to avoid them from the start.

From mismatched duty cycles to proprietary parts and short-sighted procurement strategies, this episode unpacks the traps that cost operations hundreds of thousands—if not millions—over time.

You’ll hear exactly what to avoid when buying a crane, so you don’t end up with years of breakdowns, ballooning costs, and downtime you can’t afford.

"You've got cranes that are still in service that have been up for 40 years, and they're still serviceable, they're still solid, good cranes, and those cranes were sold right. You've got other cranes that were sold six months ago, and they're wore out already." - Kevin Brewer, Director of Service, Mazzella

Episode Highlights:

• Real-life crane failures and what caused them
• Why specs—not price tags—should guide your next crane purchase
• Understanding duty cycle and what it means for your uptime
• How to compare crane quotes the right way
• What makes a crane easier and cheaper to service long-term
• How to explain crane needs to higher-ups or procurement

Whether you're sourcing a new crane or stuck maintaining one that’s underperforming, this episode is packed with honest insights, technical expertise, and hard-earned lessons.

This Episode Is Essential Listening For:

• Operations managers in steel and mill environments
• Procurement teams evaluating crane proposals
• Engineers and maintenance leaders
• Anyone responsible for uptime in a facility with overhead cranes

Guests:

• Jim Warren, Director of Steel Segment, Mazzella
• Tim Gaydos, Crane Specialist, Mazzella
• Kevin Brewer, Director of Service, Mazzella

FREE Downloads:

• Overhead Cranes E-Book: Overhead Cranes From Top To Bottom
• 10 Things to Consider When Selecting an Overhead Crane for Your Business Checklist
• Bridge Crane Quote Comparison Tool
• Overhead Crane and Hoist Service E-Book: A Guide to Upgrades and Modernizations

In a special episode of Safety Factor, a panel of women leaders in the lifting industry share their diverse journeys and experiences. Discussing their unique backgrounds, from engineering to finance, and how they navigated their careers in a traditionally male-dominated field. They emphasize the importance of safety, innovation, and community within the industry, highlighting the familial atmosphere that keeps them engaged. Addressing the challenges of attracting new talent and the exciting intersection of digital and practical training. Ultimately, they celebrate their roles in making the industry safer and more inclusive.