The first crane training simulator developed in North America has been purchased by the Crane Institute of America to give operators hands-on training in a risk-free environment.
According to the Crane Institute, the MasterLift system replicates the features in the cab of a typical midsize mobile crane using an integrated full-motion, surround-sound display system.
The simulator was developed by Utah-based Jason Associates Corporation and replicates a Manitowoc 2250 lattice boom crane, using the same seat and
controls.
The cab sits on a steel platform and uses a heavy duty motion system to allow the operator to raise or lower the front or rear drums, attach and release loads, swing the boom and travel the crane.
An instructor can select a training scenario, incorporating different loads, hazards and weather conditions, from a computer program at an adjacent monitoring station.
“When crane accidents occur, they do so many times due to a lack of training,” said Crane Institute director Jim Headley.
“I’m convinced simulation training is an excellent and cost-effective way to minimise the safety problem.”
Headley added that the Crane Institute was getting a second simulator, this one for a telescoping boom crane, later in the year.