90°Rearward descent
No
floor space
Tightest spaces
90° vertical ladder
Smallest footprint. Rearward descent: the user turns around and climbs down facing the ladder.
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SAFE-T-FAB crossover measurement guide
How to measure for a crossover.
A few minutes with a tape measure saves a lot of back and forth. This guide covers the two numbers that matter most, clearance height and clearance width, plus how to pick your access, plan for the floor, and choose materials.
- A tape measure, and a second person if you can get one
- Photos of the area from a few angles
- Any layout drawings you already have
01 · CLEARANCE HEIGHT
Measure to the top of the tallest thing that passes under.
Your clearance height is not the height of the conveyor. It is the height of the conveyor plus whatever rides on it.
ExampleThe conveyor is 20 in tall and the tallest box on it is 10 in, so you need at least 30 in of clearance. Enter 30 in and the configurator gives you 33 in. Always leave yourself a buffer.
How to measure it
Find the tallest load that ever runs on the line, not the average one. Measure from the floor where the legs will stand to the top of that load. Include anything that sticks up higher, like guards, photo eyes, sensors or product that rides high.
Enter that number as your minimum clearance in the configurator. It sets the platform so your system clearance meets or exceeds your minimum, based on our standard 9 in step rise.
02 · CLEARANCE WIDTH AND SPAN
Measure the widest point, then find solid floor for the legs.
Measure across the obstruction at its widest point. Motors, guards, side rails and product that hangs over the edge all count. Then make sure there is solid, open floor on both sides where the legs can stand.
Longest span: 10 ftOur longest single span is 10 ft. Multiple bridges can be linked together, with a leg underneath at each connection. If you need a single span longer than 10 ft, reach out to our team for a custom quote.
Running alongside or over several lines?
Measure each obstruction and the open floor between them. Turns and tees let you change direction and add more ways up or down, and a photo of the area helps us check your layout.
03 · STAIR OR LADDER
Pick the access that fits the floor space you have.
Tight spots get a 90° vertical ladder or a 75° marine angle ladder. Where there is room to enter and exit, use a 45° staircase.
75°Rearward descent
Minimal
floor space
Tight spaces
75° marine angle ladder
A little more floor space than vertical and easier to climb. Still a rearward descent, facing the steps.
45°Forward descent
Plenty of
floor space
Spacious entry and exit
45° staircase
Needs the most floor space. The user walks down facing forward, like the stairs at home. Best for frequent use or carrying tools.
04 · FLOOR AND ANCHORING
Give every foot full contact with the floor.
Leave enough space at each leg for the floor bracket to sit flat and in full contact with the ground. Check the bottom of every stair and ladder too.
Level grade
Set the crossover on a fairly level grade if at all possible. An unlevel floor may need shimming so the components mate and fit up properly.
Anchoring
Anchoring to the floor is required. Depending on the substrate, the legs can be anchored with epoxy anchors or wedge anchors. The legs are pre-drilled for 1/2 in anchors.
Please noteWe do not supply anchors or anchorage plans. Your installation team makes that call based on the substrate they are mounting to.
- Floor bracket
- Full contact
- Anchor holes
- Pre-drilled, 1/2 in
- Anchors
- By installer
05 · ASSEMBLY
All assembly hardware is in the box.
Every crossover ships with its assembly hardware: 3/8-16 Grade 8 bolts, washers and locknuts.
Snug first, tighten last
- Assemble with every bolt just over hand-tight.
- Set the final location and position of the system.
- Properly tighten all bolts.
- Then anchor to the floor.
- Bolts
- 3/8-16, Grade 8
- Included
- Washers, locknuts
- Order
- Tighten, then anchor
06 · MATERIAL
Steel or aluminum.
Powder coated steel in safety yellow or gray is standard. Aluminum is worth a look in two situations:
Wet or humid areas
Aluminum resists corrosion, which helps in washdown areas, outdoors and anywhere with steady moisture.
Difficult installations
Aluminum parts are roughly one-third the weight of steel, which makes tight access, rooftops and hand carrying much easier.
Choosing aluminum in the configurator sets the finish to unpainted mill and the capacity to 500 lbs. Aluminum can also be painted, at additional cost.
07 · TREAD AND RISERS
Choose your tread for the conditions below.
Grip strut lets water, oil and debris drain through. Diamond tread is solid, so nothing falls through. If anything below must stay clear of debris, choose diamond tread.
Enclosed risers
Most crossovers do not need them. Enclosed risers close off the open back of each step, so nothing falls between the treads. Consider them only where a staircase passes over critical moving parts or conveyors that must stay completely clear. Enclosed risers are available with diamond tread only.
08 · CHECKLIST
Before you configure.
- Clearance height to the top of the tallest load
- Clearance width at the widest point of the obstruction
- Span between legs of 10 ft or less
- Open floor at every leg, stair and ladder
- Access type: 90°, 75° or 45°
- Fairly level floor, or a plan to shim
- Anchors chosen by your installer for the substrate
- Steel or aluminum for the environment
- Grip strut or diamond tread, and enclosed risers only where nothing can fall through
Not sure? Send us photos.
We are here to help. Reach out with photos of your area, or send drawings if available. Have a 3D model of your space? Better yet. Our team of skilled engineers can get the system laid out for you.
888-864-9853
Got your numbers? Start configuring.
Every configuration starts from a blank slate and your price is ready when your layout is complete.