FAQs
About Cranston Machinery
Where is Cranston Machinery located?
Cranston Machinery is headquartered in Oak Grove, Oregon, where its corporate office and primary manufacturing facilities are located. The company has served customers since 1923 and manufactures specialized equipment for the pulp, paper, lumber, transportation, and industrial material handling industries.
What career opportunities are available at Cranston Machinery?
Cranston Machinery offers career opportunities in engineering, welding, machining, mechanical assembly, field service, sales, accounting, administration, and manufacturing. Visit our Careers page to view current openings and learn more about joining our team.
Which industries does Cranston Machinery serve?
Cranston Machinery designs and manufactures equipment for the pulp and paper, lumber, transportation, synthetic fiber, and industrial material handling industries. The company specializes in custom machinery, cargo handling systems, pulp bale handling equipment, and engineered solutions for demanding industrial applications.
About Products and Services
Where can I buy Cranston products?
Cranston Machinery products are available through our sales team and authorized distributors. Contact us at sales@cranston-machinery.com, parts@cranston-machinery.com, or service@cranston-machinery.com, or call (503) 654-7751 to find the best purchasing option for your location.
Does Cranston offer field service?
Yes. Cranston Machinery provides worldwide field service for equipment audits, installations, start-ups, upgrades, repairs, and training. Our technicians and engineers offer on-site technical support and evaluations but do not perform mechanical work or travel with tools.
How can I order parts from Cranston Machinery?
Email your parts request to parts@cranston-machinery.com. Include your machine serial number, the required part numbers, and your preferred shipping method for faster service.
Does Cranston Machinery stock spare parts?
Yes. Cranston Machinery stocks a wide range of spare parts for its equipment. Most in-stock parts ship within a few days. Provide your machine serial number and part numbers, and our parts team will help you quickly identify and order the correct components.
How are Cranston machines packaged for shipment?
Cranston Machinery carefully prepares every product for shipment. Parts are labeled, protected with rust preventative when needed, and securely packaged. Machinery is shipped fully assembled whenever possible, while larger equipment may be partially disassembled to meet shipping requirements. International orders are typically shipped in containers, and domestic shipments are transported by truck trailers.
How are replacement parts shipped?
Replacement parts are shipped using trusted carriers such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, or LTL freight, depending on the size of the order. Small parts are packaged in boxes, while larger orders are secured on pallets or in wooden crates. International wood packaging is IPPC certified and stamped. All packages include packing slips with the customer order number inside and outside the box, and special packaging or marking services are available upon request.
About Custom Tools
What is a common use of the Cranston Wire Cutter?
The Cranston Excalibur® is a battery-powered wire cutter, while the PWC is a corded system. Both are designed to safely cut high-tensile steel wire in paper mills, recycling centers, and synthetic fiber plants, with multiple barrel lengths and configurations available for different applications.
Can the Excalibur or PWC wire cutters cut heavy-gauge wire?
Yes. Both the Excalibur® and PWC Wire Cutter systems can cut multiple strands of 11 AWG (3 mm) high-tensile steel wire with a single pull of the trigger. If you have a unique application, Cranston can also test your wire samples to recommend the best solution.
Can the Excalibur or PWC wire cutters cut flat steel strapping?
Yes. The Cranston PWC Wire Cutter system is available with a cutting head designed for flat steel strapping. If you have a specific application, Cranston can also test your material to recommend the best solution.
About the Produce Measurement Gauge
How to read a Produce Measurement Gauge?
The Cranston Produce Measuring Gauge requires only one hand to operate, by merely sliding the thumb tab to tighten the band around the item, then reading the diameter at the pointer (Imperial and Metric on opposing sides).
What is a common use for a Produce Measurement Gauge?
Although the Cranston Produce Measuring Gauge’s lineage comes from measuring the diameter of Apples and Pears in the orchard, monitoring growth rates from blossom to harvest, today it’s used on all sorts of fruits, vegetables, pipes, hoses, and fittings. It is used during the packaging season for sizing and grading inspection, etc. This tool can measure virtually anything that will fit in its band.
About Cargo Lifting Hooks and Beams
What hook options are available?
Cranston Machinery offers three hook options for different lifting applications. The Unihook® is recommended for multiple wires, narrow webs, links, and rings and is rated for 3 MT SWL. The Weblatch® is designed for wide webbing slings, wire rope slings, flat straps, and rope and is available with 5 or 10 MT SWL ratings. The Unilift® is ideal for flat webbing slings, flat straps, rope, and multiple-strand wire and is rated for 2 MT SWL. All hook options are available individually or as part of a complete chain assembly.
What is the air supply requirement for the Unihook and Weblatch?
New Cranston Unihook® and Weblatch® models introduced in 2025 can unlock at 1.3 bar / 20 PSI, helping extend tank life. Earlier models require 2.6 bar / 40 PSI. When new and older hooks are used together, the newer hooks can still operate at the higher pressure.
Does Cranston offer a pneumatic release kit?
Yes. Cranston Machinery offers a pneumatic release kit for the Unihook® and Weblatch® systems. The kit includes an air or nitrogen tank, regulators, valves, plumbing, a remote-control release, batteries, and a steel mounting box that can be welded or bolted to your equipment.
Are Cranston lift beams and hooks certified?
Yes. All Cranston Machinery lift beams and hooks are load-tested and certified at the factory. Certification documents are included with every shipment.
What is the blue dot on pneumatic hooks?
The blue dot is an optional RFID or GeoTag installed in the pneumatic hook. It can be scanned with a smartphone to access information such as the hook’s identification, location, and maintenance records.
Which hook model should I choose?
The best hook depends on your application. Corrosion-resistant hooks are the most popular because they require less maintenance and perform well in most lifting environments. Wear-resistant hooks are recommended for lifting flat steel banding, where increased durability and longer service life are important.
