Innovative A-Frame Crane for RV Sikuliaq

Recently installed aboard the R/V Sikuliaq was Allied Marine Crane’s innovatively redesigned A-Frame crane, which aims to improve the safety and capability of the marine research industry.

 

Built at Allied Systems’ 250,000 sq. foot mfg. facility in Sherwood, Ore., the A-Frame was installed aboard 261-foot oceanographic research ship at the Bay Ship & Yacht Co. in Alameda, Calif. Delivery and installation was completed just about one year from the receipt of order.

 

“We expect the A-Frame to do everything we designed it to do. We came up with a great product,” explained Mark Chryss, Port Engineer for the Seward Marine Center.

 

Allied Marine Crane – a division of American manufacturer Allied Systems Company – has been designing and manufacturing the highest quality cranes, davits and handling systems for nearly 40 years. 

 

The recent incorporation of proprietary technology has allowed for the development of an A-Frame whose cross beam rotates freely as it deploys, guaranteeing the load and lighting are properly oriented throughout the entire range of motion. “Allied Systems Company should look into providing this same articulating cross beam for other solutions – the transfer of the load really is much smoother,” Chryss said.

 

The Allied A-Frame also possesses a unique maintenance pin design that creates an additional degree of freedom to provide a 172-degree range of motion. The innovation continues into the details of the machine with rope pass-throughs for tugger winches that maximize the operating envelope of the A-Frame and available electrical outlets at the cross-beam for ease of powering equipment.