Overhead Crane Types & Costs: How to Select for Your Use
Overhead Crane Types & Costs: How to Select for Your Use
There are five different types of overhead cranes. We'll define each and how to choose the right one for your application.
It's essential to understand the various types of overhead cranes that are offered, as well as the features and advantages of each type , before selecting the particular one for your application. As soon as you have the necessary information, you may decide what will work best for you in terms of crane types, working duty class, space needs, and budget.
We'll go through the advantages and use of the 5 main types of overhead crane in this blog, as well as the various configurations that are accessible.
Here are the five basic types of overhead cranes :
Bridge Cranes
Bridge cranes are made up of two parallel runways connected by a traveling bridge girder. The bridge travels on runways with end trucks on each side, and the two runways are supported by fixed columns. Bridge cranes are common in industrial settings and are the most frequently used overhead cranes for indoor material handling.
Single girder vs. double girder
- Single-girder bridge cranes are made up of one girder bridge that travels along each runway and is supported by an end truck. In this configuration, the trolley and hoist are commonly underhung. Bridge cranes with a single girder are best suited for capacities of up to 15 tons and spans of up to 65 feet.
- Double-girder bridge cranes are made up of two girders that cross the runways and are supported on both sides by an end truck. The trolley and hoist can be top-mounted or underhung. Double-girder bridge cranes are ideal for applications requiring capacities greater than 15 tons, long duty cycles, and spans greater than 65 feet.
Top running vs. underhung
This is the section of the bridge where the trolley and hoist system is installed and operates.
- Top-running configurations -Due to the fact that the trolley and hoist are supported by the runway support columns, top-running configurations are perfect for lifting extremely heavy loads.
- Under hung crane configurations - In an underhung configuration, the trolley and hoist are connected and run along the bridge's lower flange. Underhung trolley and hoist configurations are an excellent way to maximize space in your facility.
Bridge Crane Uses
- Bridge cranes are used in a variety of industries, from automobile factories to paper mills.
- A bridge crane is the best way to move something very heavy inside a building.
- They are extremely dependable and make interior building work much more efficient.
Bridge Crane Cost
Although the single girder bridge cranes are less expensive, they also don't have as much lifting capability as the other two cranes. Therefore, you might need to pay more money to purchase a double girder bridge crane if you need to carry particularly heavy objects.As for the specific bridge crane price and cost, please feel free to contact us by leaving a message below.
Gantry Cranes
With gantry cranes, the trolley and hoist mechanism still travels along a bridge but is supported by legs rather than runways. They are therefore perfect for outdoor situations where installing columns is not an option. For instance, fixed- or track-mounted gantry cranes are frequently utilized for those applications in shipyards and railyards. Gantry cranes are adaptable and come in portable and adjustable models. Gantry cranes are especially helpful in situations where lifting is not usually needed, like in a motor repair shop, etc.
Gantry Crane Uses
- Gantry cranes are available in a variety of sizes, from small gantry that fit in garages to large gantry crane that can handle entire house structrue and everything inside them.
- Large gantry cranes are most typically seen at shipping and container yards, rail yards, and places where large concrete slabs are formed.
- Garage use and smaller fabrication workplaces are far more usual places to find the smaller gantry cranes.
- Smaller gantry cranes are typically mounted on heavy-duty casters to allow for easy mobility. As a result, they are extremely adaptable and mobile.
- If you need a mobile overhead crane system but only need to move a few tons, the smaller mobile gantry cranes are an excellent choice.
- If you require an outside overhead crane that can move many tons and is suitable for use on a track system, a larger gantry crane may be suitable.
Gantry Crane Cost
The best thing about smaller gantry cranes is that they are reasonably priced. A gantry crane capable of moving several thousand pounds can be purchased for around several thousand dollars. This makes them a viable option for home mechanics and hobbyists who need to move or hold a lot of weight. Larger gantry cranes can be very expensive. As for the specific gantry crane price and cost, please feel free to contact us.
Monorail Cranes
Monorail cranes are ideal for manufacturing and assembly line environments. The trolley and hoist are connected to an I-beam that runs along the bottom flange of these cranes. Monorail cranes move in a straight line by default, but they can be customized to meet specific applications, such as this automated bus assembly monorail system.
Uses
Monorail cranes are frequently used in assembly lines because they can adapt to a variety of situations. They don't have the same upper lifting capabilities as a standard single girder bridge crane because they have to move along some interesting curves. The most I've seen for monorail cranes is about six tons, with most of them being less.
Costs
The cost of a monorail crane is largely determined by the amount of track required and the number of curves required. The other cost consideration, as with any crane, is how much you need it to lift. As for the specific monorail crane price and cost, please feel free to contact us by leaving a message below.
Jib Cranes
Jib cranes are ideal for areas with insufficient headroom and structural support, providing versatile and cost-effective lifting solutions. Jib cranes have limited movement because they cannot move around a facility, but they can be used as supplements to regular traveling cranes and monorail tracks. They can also be used in bays, as well as along the walls and sides of stores. Jib cranes provide 180- or 360-degree movement when mounted to the floor or a wall.
Jib Crane Uses
- These cranes are commonly found in production and assembly lines, factories, and mines.
- Their lifting capacity is lower than that of some of the other cranes on this list (usually capping out at one ton).
- Nonetheless, because of their high dependability and ease of use, they are an excellent choice for short-distance needs.
Jib Crane Cost
A one ton floor mounted jib crane will cost you around three thousand dollars. The more weight you need it to lift the more expensive it will be, but remember that they don't go much higher than a few tons. As for the specific jib crane price and cost, please feel free to contact us by leaving a message below.
Workstation Cranes
Workstation cranes provide a convenient and ergonomic design for repetitive activities and lightweight applications (up to 2 tons). Workstation cranes, which come in a wide range of sizes and lifting capacities, can be set up as over-hung systems or standalone buildings in your company, to assist enhance safety, uptime, and productivity in your business.
Uses
- The workstation cranes are a particularly popular choice for fabricators and garage technicians.
- They may be positioned nearly anyplace because they don't rely on the stability of your building's structure.
- They are also employed in large production facilities where access to a crane for the whole factory floor is not necessary.
- They are capable of lifting between about half a ton and 3 tons.
Costs
Depending on how much weight needed to be lifted, these can start at roughly $10,000 and go higher from there. The price is also based on the amount of space that needs to be covered. The more supports are required, the larger the area that needs to be covered. As for the specific workstation crane price and cost, please feel free to contact us by leaving a message below.
How to Select The Best for Your Applications
The overhead crane in your plant is one of the most crucial pieces of machinery. The majority of the labor-intensive work at your facility is physically done by it, therefore you need to have the equipment that will perform optimally for your needs. The size of your facility and your budget are only two factors to consider when selecting an overhead crane. You must carefully choose because there are various things to take into account, including your facility and the applications you will use it for.
Here are some fundamental guidelines to help you choose the best overhead crane equipment for your applications:
What is your facility conditions?
Take a thorough look at your facilities and decide what size and type of cranes will fit into the space the best before you start looking into a specificic cranes.
This includes:
- Calculating the area that the crane will cover. You must measure any height limits or obstructions on the ceiling that can affect the functioning of the crane or violate OSHA rules in addition to the width and length of your structure.
- Identifying any barriers that might restrict the crane's mobility. Examine your facilities to identify any potential impediments that can prevent appropriate and safe operation. OSHA regulations provide for at least 3 inches of clearance above and 2 inches of clearance laterally around crane equipment.
- Knowing how to install the crane in your facility. You might be able to employ a portable system that doesn't need any installation depending on your applications and the layout of your facility. However, if you want the installation of a permanent system, pay special attention to whether your facility has the foundation and/or structure required for a secure installation.
What is your lifting requirements?
The application for which you will require the overhead crane is the next most crucial consideration after determining how a crane might fit into your building. When considering your options for cranes, keep the following in mind:
- Crane capacity and working duty. Pay special attention to the amount of weight a overhead crane can support and evaluate it against your requirements. Even marginally exceeding a crane's capacity can be exceedingly risky. Decide if your lifting crane will need to be put to everyday use because the service duty or working class also dictates how frequently the crane can be used safely.
- Structural components .Aluminum or steel can be used to make cranes, with steel being more robust and long-lasting. Steel construction cranes are typically required for heavier-duty applications.
- Mechanical and electrical systems. Additionally, consider the crane's capabilities and whether they align with the application. Your crane may be able to provide more reach and better flexibility around obstructions, for example, thanks to systems like a telescoping bridge. Your staff may be able to multitask or control the crane remotely if necessary thanks to the operator controls.
There are numerous aspects to consider when picking the ideal overhead crane system for your requirements. It might be difficult to choose the appropriate overhead crane equipment for your facility and application, but being aware of your needs in advance can help you avoid a lot of uncertainty. Yuantai Crane has rich experience in helping clients to select the right type of cranes, hoists, and structures they require to improve worksing efficiency, safety and make more profits.
If you're looking for a new overhead crane system, get in touch with Yuantai Crane to see what we can do to help you.
