Types of Overhead Cranes

Types of Overhead Cranes

24 May, 2020

What are the Different Types of Overhead Cranes?

Overhead cranes are essential in various industrial settings because they make work more efficient. The effectiveness of a crane depends on how well it suits specific operations. Cranes come in a number of configurations to offer solutions to varied applications. When getting an overhead crane for industrial use, you must know if it is the right one. Since their inception, cranes have evolved significantly. The knowledge of how different types work is essential. 

What is an Overhead Crane?

An overhead crane is a lifting mechanism that is designed to move loads backwards, forwards and side to side. It operates in the overhead space in a certain area. A crane can, therefore, be used in the open air or closed environment.

An overhead traveling crane has an end truck from which a horizontal girder connects. The girder, in turn, supports a bridge beam that is responsible for the movement of the crane. A house attached to the beam moves in different directions, according to need.

Manual or remote operation is how overhead cranes work. Electricity or pneumatic power is used to run the crane. Overhead traveling cranes are made to move heavy loads. The ability of the crane to travel in the overhead space makes it perfect for various settings. In manufacturing factories, industrial overhead cranes help with loading and unloading of materials. 

Overhead Crane Types

An overhead traveling crane can make a significant difference in your material handling process. Cranes reduce workplace accidents because they eliminate the need to have people carrying loads across the factory floor. The essence of using a crane is to save money due to the reduced spending on human workforce. It also boosts productivity because a crane can transport loads faster.

You can realize all these benefits by finding the right crane for your applications. Here are several different types from which to choose. 

· Bridge Cranes

Overhead bridge cranes are the most common models on the market. A bridge crane has two overhead runway beams that are linked onto the support structure of the building. This crane comes in two configurations; single and double girder. The strength of a double and single girder bridge crane is almost the same. However, a double girder allows you to hoist a load higher than a single girder crane. Because a single girder is simpler, it is easier to install and cheaper than a double girder.

· Gantry Cranes

In a gantry crane, the girder stands on legs as opposed to being suspended on a support beam. The legs can be fitted underground or on the surface. Gantry cranes are suitable for outdoor use because they don’t require the girder to connect to a building’s support structure. If you need a crane in a shipyard, a gantry is the right kind of system. 

· Monorail Cranes

A monorail crane differs from the rest because it doesn’t have a girder. The crane has a trolley, connected to an I-beam that moves the hoist. A standard monorail crane allows the load to run in a straight line, but the rails can be customised to suit the application. Monorail overhead cranes are appropriate for production and assembly lines. 

· Jib Cranes

A jib crane doesn’t have a runway system; it mounts on a wall with a boom extending over the coverage area. These types of overhead cranes can also be freestanding, meaning that the system has an individual support column. This crane swings in a circular motion at 180ºto 360º. It is designed to maximise on space thanks to its small radius. Despite its limited use of space, a jib crane can hoist loads of up to several tons. 

· Workstation Cranes

A workstation crane is built for lightweight use in areas with space constraints. It’s a simple design that can lift between 150 pounds to 2 tons of material. Workstation overhead cranes are perfect for repetitive duties like moving packaged boxes in a warehouse. They are ergonomically-designed for regular use. 

How Do Overhead Cranes Work?

An overhead travelling crane has an end truck from which a horizontal girder connects. The girder, in turn, supports a bridge beam that is responsible for the movement of the crane. A hoist attached to the beam moves in different directions, according to need and a hook is attached to the end of it to lift the load. Manual or remote operation is how overhead cranes work with electricity or pneumatic power being used to run them. Different components can be added or removed from a crane to engineer it for specific performances. 

The hook is one of the critical components of a crane because it dictates load capacity. The Elebia crane hooks with their remote control system is perfect in order to minimize hazards when operating an overhead crane. You can hook onto a load or release it remotely, which minimises risks. The patented evo crane hooks come in a capacity of 2.5 to 25 tons. The lower part of the hook has a magnet that attracts the sling to position it correctly for lifting. You can use the elebia crane hook with master links, cable slings, textile slings, chain slings and big bags.