The installation of a crane really does take the hassle out of loading and unloading. Compatible with a wide range of vans and trailers, this flexible loading system ensures ease and efficiency while retaining the loading space that’s crucial to the success of any commercial vehicle. When it comes to loading cranes, there’s no better brand than MAD Automotive.
Their flagship EasyLoad Crane is a fantastic addition to bestselling vans, including the hugely popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit. But, where do you even begin when installing this compact crane in the cargo area of your Sprinter, Transit, or any other full-size panel van?
A few notes before we get started
While it is possible to install the EasyLoad Crane yourself at home, professional fitting is recommended. With this in mind, we supply the EasyLoad Crane without fitting if required. Please note, some cutting and customisation may be needed to ensure the desired finish when self-installing.
You will also need a lifting device to hoist the EasyLoad Crane into the correct position and to the necessary height during installation. While the crane can be easily and safely operated by a single person once fitted, it must be handled by at least four people if being moved or lifted manually prior or during installation.
You should identify if installation constraints apply to your vehicle prior to fitting. Any van makes and models where the rear doors are lower than the roof will require the EasyLoad Crane to be mounted at reduced height to guarantee suitable clearance of the door opening.
Install the frame
The installation of a support frame is mandatory across almost all van crane installations, with different types of frames required for different vans, lorries and trailers.
The frame consists of tubes that can be adjusted in length and slid into place. It is at this point that the maximum height of crane suspension should be determined. The height of the rear doors and the door opening should be considered here. The connecting elbows should then be tightened manually before lifting the pipes and installing the supplied mounting plates.
The frame is now ready to be installed, with mounting needing to be even across both sides.
Tighten the bolts
Once the jack has been lowered, the feet fastened, and the frame properly aligned and checked, all Allen bolts must be tightened. Use a torque wrench to complete this task, paying particular attention to the two Allen bolts in the connector piece. These bolts need to be tightened in a specific order, starting with the one furthest from the end.
Additional drilling may be required if you opted for the 500kg EasyLoad Crane for your Transit or Sprinter.
Now the electrics
The electrical connections need to be hooked up next. Start with the door switch, which will deactivate the crane when the doors close and prevent you from getting a flat battery.
The handheld unit will also need to be installed to the pipe clamps on the rear frame. Power using the 7-pole connector in the outlet next to the winch and straight on top of the EasyLoad. The EasyLoad is powered using your vehicle’s battery via the supplied power cable.
Finish with testing
Sign off your installation by testing the EasyLoad Crane. All functions must be checked before the loading crane is deployed, including emergency stop, lifting, lowering, retraction and extension.
More van loading tips
Loading and unloading your van is made easier thanks to your new EasyLoad Crane, but there are still jobs to do and rules to follow. Prioritise safety by only handling what you can safely lift. Knowing your limits as well as the limits of your loading crane is important. The positioning of your load within the cargo bay also matters as Vanwise explains:
“Always load from the back to the front of the cargo space. When loading items that are top-heavy, dismantle them to lower the centre of gravity and stop them sliding around or toppling over. Also, make sure that more fragile items are placed somewhere their movement will be restricted.”
Goods should be secured where necessary using anchor points and straps to ensure safe transit, whatever the nature of your cargo or the journey ahead.
Shop our van loading cranes today and become one step closer to easier and safer van loading and unloading.
