Cranes are industrial machines used to lift, move, and position heavy materials in various job sites and workplaces. Workers use them to reach elevated platforms that cannot be reached using regular ladders or lifts. However, these elevated platforms pose a threat to workers. 

To ensure safer operations, collision avoidance systems have been developed and added to cranes to help prevent accidents between cranes and workers.

These systems use advanced technology to detect potential obstacles and alert workers, reducing the risk of damage and injury. Construction, manufacturing, and mining industries rely heavily on these systems to maintain smoother operations and improve safety standards. 

Understanding the different types, features, and applications of collision avoidance systems for cranes is essential for choosing the right solution for specific operational needs.

Applications of Collision Avoidance Systems for Cranes

Collision Avoidance Systems for cranes are essential tools that significantly improve both safety and efficiency on job sites. 

Bailey Cranes is a  a small veteran-owned business located in Muskego, Wisconsin. They specialize in designing and manufacturing reliable Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), including a variety of cranes with collision avoidance systems. Their expertise in creating innovative, tailored MEWP solutions makes them a trusted partner for industries like aerospace, defence, and construction​​​.

• The collision avoidance systems create a protective zone around the crane and its surroundings, automatically stopping movement before any contact is made. 
•  In products like scissor lifts, scanners monitor both sides of the platform and adjust as the extension deck moves, offering continuous protection at the front. By preventing accidents before they happen, collision avoidance systems reduce the risk of injuries.
•  This not only safeguards workers but also enhances overall productivity by reducing time on repairs.

Variants of Cranes with Collision Avoidance System

Various types of cranes are equipped with collision-avoidance systems, each designed and manufactured by Bailey Cranes for specific tasks and work environments. 

1. Collision Avoidance System Scissors 

The Collision Avoidance System for Scissor Lifts is designed to provide complete protection to workers and equipment, ensuring safer and more efficient operations in a variety of industries.

Features of Collision Avoidance System Scissors:

• The basic system includes scanners that monitor both sides of the platform, and these scanners move with the extension deck to keep the front of the platform protected at all times. 
• The advanced system offers protection zones that automatically adjust based on changes in height and platform extension. 
• The collision avoidance system in scissor models is equipped with a 4-laser System, which creates clear safety zones for better worker awareness.
• In the Yellow Zone, the system triggers an alarm and automatically reduces the machine’s speed. 
• If the machine enters the Red Zone, it stops completely, preventing any collision.
• The lasers are eye-safe and rated for outdoor use with an IP67 protection rating.
• Additional features include an override button or unlock key for special conditions and automatic stopping functions.
• Laser scanners are mounted on the platform and project downward, providing a reliable safety shield around the machine. 

These advanced features make it easy for workers to operate the equipment safely and efficiently. 

2. Avoidance System Booms

The Collision Avoidance System for Booms is a highly effective safety solution that offers complete protection around the lift, making operations more reliable.

Features of Avoidance System Booms:

• This system uses two side-mounted lasers to monitor critical areas, including the front, above, below, and rear of the platform.
• It features a clear, colour-coded warning system. For example, 

In the Yellow Zone, an alarm rings, and the lift automatically switches to a slow, controlled movement and an auto speed.

• In the Red Zone, all movement immediately stops to prevent any collision.
• An override button is included to allow controlled bypassing after a detection, if needed under special conditions.
•  The advanced system also includes a padded bump switch that protects the laser equipment, ensuring the system stays functional even with minor impacts. 

Compared to regular lifts from other competitors, the Collision Avoidance System Booms by Bailey Cranes offer superior safety coverage, faster response times, and better reliability. The smart design of its protective zones and durable laser shielding makes it a better choice for industries that require reliable lifting equipment for various types of work. 

Conclusion

Collision Avoidance Systems for cranes thus offer a major advantage by improving workplace safety, reducing accidents, and increasing overall efficiency. Compared to regular lifts, cranes equipped with collision avoidance technology offer smarter responses to potential hazards, making them a much safer choice for job sites with potential risks. 

For example, the scissor lift’s 4-laser system, which adjusts automatically with the platform’s height and extension, is ideal for industries like construction and manufacturing, where continuous platform movement is common. Similarly, the boom lift’s padded bump switch that protects laser equipment makes it highly suitable for aerospace and defence sectors, where precise operations are critical. 

Bailey Cranes is one of the leading manufacturers of advanced lifting solutions that meet the specific safety and efficiency needs of modern industries. Our commitment to designing and manufacturing premium-quality MEWPS ensures that businesses can rely on their equipment for more productive work.

To learn more about our lifting solutions, contact Bailey Cranes at 262-710-4028 or email us at sales@baileycranes.com. We have an experienced team of professionals who will help you choose the best crane with a collision-avoidance system.