How to Select the Right Overhead Crane

BY Dongqi Crane IN Overhead Crane Blog

Types of Overhead Cranes to Choose:

Depending on the project requirements and parameters, overhead cranes are used in a wide variety of industries. There are four different types to choose from Dongqi Cranes.

As you select the most suitable overhead crane for your industry need and facility, here are some tips you should consider.

Top Running and Underhung Overhead Crane:

The two main configuration options for overhead cranes are top running and underhung. On a top-running crane, the end truck rides on top of the runway beam. For a under-running crane, the end truck rides on the lower flange of the runway beam.
The underhung crane allows the hoist to get closer to the end truck or end of the runway than is possible when using a top running crane. Under running cranes are usually more cost effective than top running cranes.
The top running crane can lift heavier load which is an advantage it has over the under-running cranes. A top running crane also had greater headroom compared to the underslung Bridge Crane.

top running overhead crane for sale

Singer Girder and Double Girder Overhead Crane:

The other two configuration options for cranes are single girder or double girder, both could be used with either top running crane or under running cranes.
Single girder crane has a lower cost but have lower capacities than double girder cranes. With a single girder crane, the hoist usually rides the bottom of the crane girder in both top running and under-running configurations.
Double girder overhead crane has greater support for more capacities. Double beam crane is also known that double girder designs allows for a greater hook height than the single girder designs as the hoist could be fixed on top of the bridge instead of under it.

Dongqi single girder overhead crane for sale

Select the Right Overhead Crane:

Purchasing an overhead crane system is a long-term investment that can dramatically improve operations, streamline production, and increase worker safety. Selecting the best system for your application and facility will ultimately save you money in the future.

To help you develop a detailed analysis of your application and material handling needs, we have broken down the application category into four parts: capacity, structural components, mechanical and electrical components, motor controls and operator controls.

Capacity:

The load rating capacity is the maximum load weight a crane can handle. It’s important to note the load capacity and frequency of operation. Be sure that the maximum weight requirements of your application are less than the load rating capacity of the crane.

Structural Components:

Most overhead cranes are made from welded steel plates or aluminum sections. The more steel, the heavier the crane. Understanding these options will help you to make the best choice for your operation and to control some of the structural elements that impact the weight of the crane and its cost.

Mechanical & Electrical Components:

Overhead cranes in general provide a variety of options beyond design and structure. There are multiple mechanical and electrical component options for each type of overhead crane we manufacture. Knowing what each component does and how it will impact your particular application will help you to decide which options are necessary.

Motor Controls & Operator Controls:

Electrical control systems allow you to manipulate bridge and trolley motions for increased precision and safe, controlled lifting. Operator control systems also impact crane design. These components greatly increase worker safety and improve efficiency. Operator controls are like a TV remote for your crane, allowing workers to control the system electronically. This is particularly useful for applications that require workers to multi-task safely or at a distance.

How to Purchase a Overhead Crane for Your Application:

Dongqi Cranes as the professional and leading crane manufacturer in China, will want to know how your production processes currently work, and get an understanding of the building’s floor space, support structures in place, and the size if the crane that you will be building.

A description of the lifting application and the environment:

Will the crane be installed indoors or outdoors?
Are there any environmental factors like a chemical or hot metal environment?
Total number of cranes needing to be installed?
Crane capacity / max hoist capacity?
Number of picks, or lifts, per hour?
Span, or length, of crane and runway system
Will this be a new runway system, or can they utilize existing support structures?
What is the distance needed between columns?
Will the runway be ceiling mounted?
Can it be mounted to building columns or can it be tied back to the building?
Hook height / total lift height required?
Power supply (380V, 200V, or others)?