The Different Types of Overhead Cranes and Their Use

by Martin Jacob Equip2go

Overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes or overhead bridge cranes, play a crucial role in various industries, facilitating the movement of heavy loads with precision and efficiency. These versatile machines are designed to lift, lower, and transport materials horizontally, offering a range of benefits in terms of productivity and safety. In this blog, we will explore into the different types of overhead cranes available at equip2go.com.au and their specific applications across industries.

Single Girder Overhead Crane

The single girder overhead crane is a popular choice for light to moderate lifting applications. It consists of a single horizontal beam, or girder, that spans the width of the working area. This design allows for easy installation and maintenance, making it cost-effective for facilities with lower lifting requirements. Single girder cranes are commonly used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and maintenance workshops.

Double Girder Overhead Crane

Unlike its single girder counterpart, the double girder overhead crane features two horizontal beams for increased load capacity. This design provides greater stability and allows for the handling of heavier loads. Double girder cranes are often employed in industries such as steel production, shipbuilding, and heavy manufacturing where robust lifting capabilities are essential.

Top Running Overhead Crane

Top running overhead cranes are designed to travel on rails mounted on the top of the runway beams. This configuration maximizes the available hook height, making it suitable for applications that require lifting items to significant heights. Industries like steel mills, foundries, and storage facilities often benefit from the top running design due to its efficiency in handling large loads.

Under Running Overhead Crane

Under running overhead cranes, also known as underhung cranes, are suspended from the bottom flange of the runway beams. This design is ideal for situations where headroom is limited. Under running cranes are commonly used in manufacturing and assembly lines, allowing for precise Material Handling Equipments in tight spaces.

Gantry Crane

Gantry cranes are versatile overhead cranes that feature legs or supports on either side of the bridge, allowing them to move on rails or wheels along a runway. This mobility makes gantry cranes suitable for outdoor applications, such as shipyards and construction sites, where lifting and moving heavy materials over a wide area is necessary.

Jib Crane

Jib cranes have a horizontal arm, or jib, that is mounted to a pillar or wall, allowing for 180-degree rotation. These cranes are well-suited for localized lifting tasks and are often found in workshops, warehouses, and loading docks. Jib cranes come in various configurations, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and articulating jib cranes, providing flexibility for different work environments.

Workstation Bridge Crane

Workstation bridge cranes are designed for smaller work areas, providing a cost-effective solution for lifting and moving loads within a limited space. These cranes are commonly used in manufacturing cells, assembly lines, and maintenance bays, offering precise control for repetitive tasks.

Automated overhead cranes can be programmed to perform repetitive tasks with accuracy, reducing the risk of human error and improving overall productivity. This is especially beneficial in industries with high-volume production demands, where time-sensitive operations require a reliable and efficient lifting solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of overhead cranes is diverse, with each type catering to specific lifting needs across various industries. Whether it's the robust double girder crane in a heavy manufacturing plant or the nimble jib crane in a workshop, these machines contribute significantly to the efficiency and safety of material handling operations. As technology continues to advance, overhead crane designs are likely to evolve, further enhancing their capabilities and expanding their applications across different sectors. Understanding the unique features of each type of overhead crane is essential for businesses looking to optimize their material handling processes and improve overall productivity.