Jun. 10, 2024
Cranes are lifting equipment widely used in various industries for transporting and moving heavy objects. Several types of cranes are available, each with unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the six main types of cranes: overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, portable gantry cranes, workstation overhead cranes, and electric hoists, and their respective advantages and suitability for different types of factory conditions.
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An overhead crane is a type of crane that is commonly used in industrial settings for the transportation and movement of heavy objects. These cranes are suspended from the ceiling or roof of the building, allowing them to move heavy loads throughout the facility.
One of the primary advantages of overhead cranes is their ability to lift heavy loads. These cranes can lift objects weighing several tons, making them ideal for industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. Additionally, overhead cranes can move in multiple directions, which increases their flexibility and versatility.
Another advantage of overhead cranes is their high speed and precision. These cranes can move quickly and accurately, reducing the time and effort required to move heavy objects from one location to another. Overhead cranes are also ideal for facilities with limited floor space, as they do not require a lot of floor space.
Overhead cranes are suitable for a wide range of industrial settings, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, and construction sites. They are particularly useful in facilities where heavy loads need to be lifted and moved over long distances. Additionally, overhead cranes are well-suited for facilities with limited floor space, as they can be suspended from the ceiling or roof.
Overhead cranes are also ideal for facilities where precision and speed are required, such as in manufacturing plants where heavy equipment needs to be moved quickly and accurately. These cranes are also suitable for facilities where there is a need to move heavy loads in multiple directions, as overhead cranes can move along a range of axes.
While overhead cranes are suitable for a wide range of industrial settings, there are some conditions in which they may not be ideal. For example, facilities with low ceilings may not have enough space to accommodate overhead cranes. Similarly, plant facilities are not suitable when they are not able to withstand the weight of the overhead crane and lift heavy objects.
Additionally, overhead cranes require special protective measures when used in harsh or corrosive plant conditions. Because in such conditions, crane components may be damaged or corroded over time, reducing the crane's effectiveness and potentially causing safety problems.
Gantry cranes are a type of crane that is used for lifting and moving heavy objects in a variety of industrial settings. These cranes are typically supported by two or more legs that run along rails or tracks, allowing them to move horizontally as well as vertically.
One of the primary advantages of gantry cranes is their mobility. These cranes can be easily moved and positioned around a facility, allowing them to be used in a variety of locations. Additionally, gantry cranes can lift heavy loads with ease, making them ideal for industrial settings such as construction sites, shipping yards, and manufacturing plants.
Another advantage of gantry cranes is their versatility. These cranes can be customized to meet the specific needs of a facility, with different models and configurations available to suit a range of applications. Gantry cranes can also be equipped with a range of features such as hoists, trolleys, and remote controls, which increases their flexibility and adaptability.
Gantry cranes are suitable for a wide range of industrial settings, including manufacturing plants, shipping yards, and construction sites. They are particularly useful in facilities where heavy loads need to be lifted and moved over long distances. Additionally, gantry cranes are well-suited for facilities with limited floor space, as they can be positioned above machinery or other obstacles.
Gantry cranes are also ideal for facilities where mobility and versatility are required. These cranes can be easily moved and positioned, allowing them to be used in a variety of locations. Additionally, gantry cranes can be customized to meet the specific needs of a facility, making them a popular choice in industries such as construction and manufacturing.
While gantry cranes are suitable for a wide range of industrial settings, there are some conditions in which they may not be ideal. For example, facilities with low ceilings may not have enough space to accommodate gantry cranes. Similarly, plants with uneven surfaces or limited floor space may not be able to support the movement and lifting of gantry cranes.
Additionally, the gantry crane in some often windy and rainy conditions of use, the lifting mechanism to do rain cover and other protective facilities, or the use of special outrigger design and other measures to ensure the safety of crane operations.
Jib cranes are a type of crane that is typically used in smaller industrial settings for lifting and moving loads. These cranes consist of a horizontal beam or jib that is supported by a vertical mast, allowing them to rotate and extend to reach objects in a specific area.
One of the primary advantages of jib cranes is their compact size. These cranes are typically smaller than other types of cranes such as overhead or gantry cranes, making them ideal for facilities with limited space. Additionally, jib cranes are relatively simple in design and easy to operate, making them a cost-effective option for smaller operations.
Another advantage of jib cranes is their versatility. These cranes can be installed in a variety of locations, such as on the wall or column, allowing them to be used in areas where floor space is limited. Additionally, jib cranes can be customized with different types of hoists and trolleys, allowing them to handle a wide range of loads.
Jib cranes are suitable for a variety of industrial settings, particularly those with limited space. They are commonly used in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and workshops for tasks such as lifting and moving materials and equipment.
Jib cranes are particularly well-suited for facilities where loads need to be moved quickly and efficiently over a short distance. Additionally, these cranes are ideal for facilities with high ceilings, as they can be mounted on the ceiling or a supporting column to maximize floor space.
While jib cranes are suitable for many industrial settings, there are some conditions in which they may not be ideal. For example, jib cranes may not be suitable for facilities where loads need to be lifted and moved over a long distance, as they have a limited reach compared to other types of cranes.
Additionally, free-standing jib cranes may not be suitable for use in environments where the ground structure is soft, as the base of the crane must be firmly anchored to prevent tipping.
Portable gantry cranes are cranes that can be easily moved and transported to different locations. These cranes consist of a horizontal beam supported by two vertical legs and wheels that generally use gimbals, making it possible to lift and move loads around the area in a flexible manner.
One of the primary advantages of portable gantry cranes is their flexibility. These cranes can be easily moved and set up in different locations, making them ideal for facilities that require frequent lifting and moving of loads in various areas. Additionally, portable gantry cranes are relatively easy to assemble and disassemble, requiring minimal tools and equipment.
Another advantage of portable gantry cranes is their versatility. These cranes can be customized with different types of hoists and trolleys, allowing them to handle a wide range of loads. Additionally, portable gantry cranes are available in different sizes and weight capacities, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
Portable gantry cranes are suitable for a variety of industrial settings, particularly those where loads need to be lifted and moved in different locations. They are commonly used in construction sites, shipyards, and workshops for tasks such as lifting and moving materials and equipment.
Portable gantry cranes are particularly well-suited for facilities where there is limited overhead clearance or where permanent overhead cranes are not practical. Additionally, these cranes are ideal for facilities that require frequent changes to the lifting and moving areas, as they can be easily moved to different locations as needed.
While portable gantry cranes are suitable for many industrial settings, there are some conditions in which they may not be ideal. For example, portable gantry cranes may not be suitable for facilities where loads need to be lifted and moved over a long distance, as they have a limited reach compared to other types of cranes.
Additionally, portable gantry cranes may not be suitable for facilities where loads are extremely heavy or require a high elevation, as the weight capacity and height of the crane may be limited. Portable gantry cranes may also not be ideal for facilities where there is limited floor space, as the legs of the crane can take up a significant amount of space.
Workstation overhead cranes are a type of overhead crane that is designed for use in small areas, such as factories, workshops, and warehouses. These cranes are typically used to lift and move materials and equipment within a specific workstation or area.
One of the primary advantages of workstation overhead cranes is their ability to maximize floor space. These cranes are designed to operate within a specific workstation or area, allowing them to move loads without taking up valuable floor space. This makes them ideal for facilities with limited space, where the use of a larger overhead crane would not be practical.
Another advantage of workstation overhead cranes is their ease of use. These cranes are typically operated by a single worker using a remote control, allowing for precise and efficient movement of loads. Additionally, workstation overhead cranes are available in a range of sizes and weight capacities, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
Workstation overhead cranes are suitable for a range of industrial settings, particularly those where space is at a premium. They are commonly used in manufacturing facilities, assembly lines, and workshops for tasks such as moving materials and equipment between workstations.
Workstation overhead cranes are particularly well-suited for facilities where loads need to be moved quickly and efficiently within a specific area. Additionally, these cranes are ideal for facilities that require frequent changes to the workstation layout, as they can be easily moved and repositioned as needed.
While workstation overhead cranes are suitable for many industrial settings, there are some conditions in which they may not be ideal. For example, these cranes may not be suitable for facilities where loads need to be moved over a long distance or to a high elevation, as their range and height may be limited.
Additionally, workstation overhead cranes may not be suitable for facilities where loads are extremely heavy, as the weight capacity of the crane may be limited. Workstation overhead cranes may also not be ideal for facilities where there is limited overhead clearance, as the crane may interfere with other equipment or structures.
Different types of cranes have unique features that make them suitable for specific industrial applications. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each type of crane, facility managers can choose the most appropriate crane for their operations. Here are some recommendations based on the information provided:
For facilities with limited floor space:
For facilities that require frequent lifting and moving of loads in different areas:
For smaller industrial facilities with limited space:
For facilities that need to move heavy loads quickly and accurately:
For facilities that require efficient and precise movement of loads within a specific workstation or area:
It is important to note that each type of crane has limitations and may not be suitable for certain applications. For example, overhead cranes and gantry cranes may not be ideal for facilities with low ceilings environments. Jib cranes may not be suitable for facilities where loads must be moved over a long distance or to a high elevation. Portable gantry cranes may not be suitable for facilities where loads need to be moved over a long distance or to a high elevation, or where there is limited floor space. Workstation overhead cranes may not be suitable for facilities where loads need to be moved over a long distance or to a high elevation, or where there is limited overhead clearance.
In summary, facility managers should carefully consider their specific application requirements and the advantages and limitations of each type of crane before making a decision. By doing so, they can choose the most appropriate crane for their operations, optimize their workflow, and ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
Zora Zhao
Expert in Overhead Crane/Gantry Crane/Jib Crane/Crane Parts Solutions
With 10+ years of experience in the Crane Overseas Export Industry, helped 10,000+ customers with their pre-sales questions and concerns, if you have any related needs, please feel free to contact me!
Knowing the difference between overhead cranes can do several things for your business.
Overhead cranes can greatly improve production and efficiency in your work space.
Choosing the right overhead crane can make work much easier. Choosing the wrong one, not so much.
The different types of overhead cranes include gantry cranes, jib cranes, bridge cranes, workstation cranes, monorail cranes, top-running, and under-running.
By reading the following article, you will get a brief, informative overview of all of the different types of overhead cranes.
You'll know enough by the end of this article to decide what type of overhead crane would best suit your needs and who you need to get in touch with to get your overhead crane.
Gantry cranes are a type of overhead crane that is built on a gantry
A gantry is a movable framework that supports large equipment. Some of the common things it supports are railroad signals, rockets, and (hey you guessed it) cranes!
Putting two and two together, a crane on a gantry is a gantry crane.
Gantry cranes come in a range of sizes ' from something that fits in your garage to something that could lift your garage, house, and everything in it.
The really big gantry cranes are most commonly seen at shipping and container yards, rail yards, and places where they form big concrete slabs.
The smaller gantry cranes are much more common for garage use and smaller fabrication shops.
The smaller gantry cranes are typically on heavy duty casters so they can be easily moved around. This makes them extremely versatile and mobile.
If you've got a need for a mobile overhead crane system, and don't plan on moving more than a few tons then the smaller mobile gantry cranes are an excellent choice.
If you have a need for an outside overhead crane that needs to move many tons and would be fine on a track system, then a larger gantry crane might suit your needs
The best part about the smaller gantry cranes is that they are fairly inexpensive.
For around four thousand dollars, you can get a gantry crane that will move several thousand pounds.
This really makes them a viable option for home mechanics and hobbyists that have a lot of weight to move or hold.
The larger gantry cranes can get much more expensive.
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If you've never seen a jib crane before, they look kind of like an upside down letter L.
They are usually floor mounted via their own dedicated support or to a building's support beam.
Jib cranes are usually equipped with an electric chain hoist and are able to be rotated by hand. This makes them very efficient at doing many lifts over short distances.
These types of cranes are typically used in production and assembly lines, factories and mines.
Their lifting power is not as great as that of some of the other cranes on this list (usually capping out at one ton).
Still, due to their high reliability and ease of use, they make for an excellent choice for short distance needs.
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.
Bridge cranes are what you would most likely think of when thinking of an overhead crane.
This type of overhead crane is built inside of a building and will normally use the structure of the building as it's support.
An overhead bridge crane almost always has a hoist which will move left or right. A lot of times these cranes will also run on a track, so the whole system can move forward or backwards through the building.
Bridge cranes come in two common variations; single girder and double girder.
Bridge girders are the beams that span across each runway.
The single girder bridge crane has one I-Beam or 'girder' which supports the load.
These cranes are typically lighter, and lift less weight than their double girder counterparts.
They can still lift quite a bit compared to some other cranes, but their load capacity usually caps out around 15 tons.
Double girders are bridge cranes that have two i-beams or 'girders' which support their load.
These are the heavier type of bridge cranes and they have more lifting capacity than single girder cranes.
The biggest double girder crane load capacity caps out around 250 tons.
Many industries use bridge cranes from automotive factories to paper mills.
If you need to move something very heavy inside of a building, you can't beat a bridge crane.
They are highly reliable and make work inside buildings much more efficient.
The single girder bridge cranes are the less expensive of these two cranes, but also don't have as much lifting power.
So if you need to lift very heavy things, you may have to spend the extra money to get a double girder bridge crane.
Workstation cranes are bridge cranes like the ones mentioned above, except instead of using the building as their support they have their own floor mounted supports.
Sometimes you don't have the need for a bridge crane that spans the whole width of your building. You might just need to lift heavy things in one part of the building so anything more would be a waste.
Alternatively maybe your building isn't strong enough to support a single or double girder crane.
There are a lot of pole barn buildings around my area and I personally wouldn't want to be anywhere near a pole barn that is trying to support a 15 ton load!
In these cases it is much safer, and I would say necessary to use a workstation crane.
These cranes are very popular options for garage mechanics and fabricators.
Because they don't rely on your building's structural integrity, they can be placed almost anywhere.
They are also used in big manufacturing plants that don't need to have a crane accessible to the entire factory floor.
Their lifting capability can range from around half a ton to several tons.
These can start around the ten thousand dollar mark and work their way up from there, depending on how much weight needs to be lifted.
The cost also depends on how much space needs to be covered. The bigger the area that needs covering, the more supports are needed.
Monorail cranes are pretty unique looking overhead cranes.
Their hoist doesn't move side to side like that of a normal bridge crane, it just goes up and down.
The interesting thing about monorail cranes is that the rail they run on can be formed to adjust for curves.
The ability to move around curves is a major advantage when you need to work around certain structures in your factory.
Because they can adjust for some unique situations, monorail cranes are often incorporated into assembly lines.
Now because they have to move along some interesting curves, they don't have the same upper lifting capabilities that a normal single girder bridge crane.
The upper limit I've seen for monorail cranes is roughly six tons, with most of them being less than that.
The cost of a monorail crane is largely dependent on how much track you need and how many curves will be needed. The other cost factor is, as with every crane, how much you need it to lift.
Our last two crane types should look pretty familiar.
These are just single girder or double girder bridge cranes. The term 'top running' and 'under running' describes how the crane is mounted inside of your building.
So you know 'running' describes how the overhead crane is mounted. Top running therefore refers to the crane being mounted on top of its runway beams.
The runway beams it's mounted on can be a part of the building structure or a part of a freestanding system (aka workstation crane).
The uses of a top running crane are the same as that of the bridge cranes we discussed earlier.
The benefits of top running cranes come in with increased lifting capacity and an increase in their mobility.
Because they won't run into any of the supports, they can traverse a greater distance than an under running crane.
The cost will be dependent on all the factors discussed under the bridge cranes section.
Maintenance costs will be less than that of under running cranes, as top running cranes don't carry suspended loads (i.e. the weight of the girder and hoist will always be supported by the structure it sits on, rather than having an attachment to the floor supports that holds the crane assembly).
Well if top running cranes are easier to maintain, cheaper, and can generally hold more weight, why would I want an under running crane?
Well, how tall is your ceiling?
Ceiling height is a pretty big factor when you want to put a large crane inside your building.
Many times people don't have very tall factory buildings to work in. In these cases an under-running crane may be their only possible configuration.
Also used just like any other bridge crane, though typically spanning less distance than a top running crane.
The benefit businesses get from under running cranes is definitely the amount of space savings.
And for some businesses it may be the only option they have to get a bridge crane in their building.
Under running cranes generally have higher maintenance costs than top running cranes.
This is because the crane will always have a suspended load to bear. When it comes time to work on its supports that load won't go away so the work is more costly.
After having read all of this you should definitely feel more comfortable talking about overhead cranes.
But the biggest benefit is now you've got a fairly good understanding of many different cranes and how their uses and capabilities could benefit your business!
We've touched a little bit on the cost of each type of crane too. Not only what kind of price tags we expect to see but also what some of the long term costs might look like.
Now as much knowledge as you've got right now about these different types of overhead cranes, there is always more to learn.
Or maybe you've got some questions about how any of these types of cranes could benefit your business or suit your needs.
For more information on these cranes I highly recommend talking to a member of the PWI team.
They'll be able to help you determine what will suit your specific needs and give you estimates on the crane or cranes that will make your business more efficient.
You can also get a free quote on PWI cranes.
See Also
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