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Demystifying Overhead Crane Selection: Insider Tips from a 10+ Year Industry Specialist

A collage of different types of overhead cranes, including a single girder, a double girder, a low headroom, and a workstation crane, with text HOW TO CHOOSE

Overhead cranes also known as bridge cranes, girder cranes or OH cranes. Overhead cranes are some of the popular equipment inside the material handling industry. About overhead cranes, we in the process of communication with customers, and Quora someone's inquiries, to extract a few frequently asked questions:

  • What are the different types of overhead cranes?
  •  How do I choose the right overhead crane?
  • Where are overhead cranes used?
  •  What is the cost of an overhead crane?

This article will help you understand the overhead crane types selection and price reference based on these questions. And we hope it will help you make a favorable choice for your BUSINESS!

Overhead Crane Types

Single Girder Overhead Crane

A yellow single girder overhead crane labeled DGCRANE with a capacity of 10 tons, installed within an industrial facility with skylights and structural steel beams

Single Girder Overhead Crane-Low headroom overhead cranes maximize the height of lift.

Single girder overhead cranes-also known as single girder overhead travelling cranes/single beam overhead cranes are our most popular type of overhead cranes as they provide the most cost-effective lifting solution for all capacities 0.5ton to 20tonnes and upto 28.5mtr span for indoor or outdoor applications.

  • Standard Capacity: 1t/2t/3t/5t/10t/16t/20t or customized on demand, manual type upto 5ton
  • Span length: 7.5m-28.5m, manual type 4m-12m
  • Lifting height: 6m/9m/12m/18m/24m/30m
  • Work duty: A3/A4, manual type A1
  • Rated voltage: 220V/380V/400V/415V/660V, 50-60Hz, 3ph AC or Manual Mode
  • Crane control mode: Floor control / Remote control

Single girder overhead cranes are widely used on factory workshops, and these lightweight and small-sized equipment are also often used for installation and maintenance of equipment, such as sewage treatment plants/cement plants/wind turbine rooms/coal bunkers in thermal power plants (manual single girder overhead crane)/hydroelectric projects.

Reasons to choose single girder overhead cranes Reasons for not choosing single girder overhead travelling cranes
  • Single girder overhead cranes are cheaper and have lower freight costs.
  • Simple installation, Simpler hoist and trolley design.
  • Lighter runway beams
  • Specialized explosion-proof single girder or manual single girder for explosion-proof environments.
  • When the required lifting capacity is more than 20 tons or the span is more than 28.5 meters, it is not possible to meet the requirements;
  • Generally, single girder overhead travelling crane does not have a maintenance bench, so maintenance needs to be done with other lifting equipment.
  • Generally there is no driver’s room.
  • Cannot be selected when the working class is greater than A4.

Double Girder Overhead Crane

Double girder overhead crane successfully installed at customer's plant in Tanzania

With a lifting capacity of up to 800 ton and standard spans of up to 34m, the double girder overhead travelling crane makes it possible to handle unwieldy loads safely and precisely. Through different designs with different spreaders to realize the function of grabbing various materials, it is the type of heavy duty overhead crane that covers the widest range of industries.

An operational double girder overhead casting crane in a steel mill, with visible hot metal and industrial machinery A double girder clamping overhead crane stretching across the expanse of a bright and spacious industrial facility, equipped for heavy lifting alongside various machinery and safety barriers A green double girder grab-type overhead crane in an industrial setting, positioned above mounds of raw materials, ready for bulk material handling

Casting cranes are key equipment in the steelmaking process in steel mills and are suitable for use in harsh working environments with high temperatures, high levels of dust and noxious gases.

Clamping overhead cranes are often used in steel mills or warehouse workshops where billets, slabs, ingots, coils, profiles and other items are clamped, and other working conditions.

Grab type overhead cranes are often used in bulk material handling, timber handling, garbage grabbing and other environments.
  • Capacity: 5-800/150ton
  • Span length: 10.5-34m
  • Lifting height: 12-50m
  • Work duty: A4, A5, A6,A7
  • Rated voltage: 220V/380V/400V/415V/660V, 50-60Hz, 3ph AC
  • Crane control mode: Floor control / Remote control / Cabin room

Double girder overhead cranes require more material for the bridge beams and runway systems. They also place a greater strain on your building structure and foundation. Your crane may require extra tie-backs or support columns to handle the added deadweight that comes with two girders instead of just one. Factor these things into your total cost of purchase and installation.

Reasons to choose double girder overhead cranes Reasons for not choosing double girder overhead cranes
  • Greater lifting height. the design of the trolley or hoist running on top of the beam allows for a higher lifting height.
  • Wider industry coverage.
  • Wider range of lifting weights and spans covered.
  • Ideal if you need to add service walkways, maintenance platforms, lights, cabs and other accessories.
  • Double girder overhead travelling crane needs to meet certain conditions before it can be chosen because of heavier self-weight and higher requirements on the load bearing beams of the factory building.
  • Generally, double girder overhead travelling crane uses more materials, the price is relatively more expensive, and the freight cost is also more expensive.
  • If your application requires you to lift and move loads that are lighter than 20 tons, buying a double girder overhead crane is overkill.

Underhung Cranes

A bright yellow low headroom single girder overhead crane, with

Underhung cranes—sometimes referred to as underhung overhead cranes, under running overhead cranes. Underhung cranes are the choice when there is insufficient space in the upper part of the plant, or there is no conventional crane runway but the roof can be stressed.

  • Capacity: 0.5ton/1ton/2ton/3ton/5ton/10ton
  • Span length: 5.5m-16.5m
  • Lifting height: 6m/9m/12m/18m/24m/30m, manual type upto10m
  • Work duty: A3/A4, manual type A1
  • Rated voltage: 220V/380V/400V/415V/660V, 50-60Hz, 3ph AC / Manual Mode
  • Crane control mode: Ground control / Remote control

Under running cranes in standard capacities up to 10 tons. Special configurations can be designed to accommodate up to 32 tons. Underhung cranes offer excellent side approaches, close headroom and can be supported on runways hung from existing building members if adequate.

Reasons for choosing underhung cranes Reasons for not choosing underhung cranes
  • When the height of the upper part of the building is not high enough to allow the crane to run on the track.
  • When there are no conventional crane load-bearing beams and runways in the plant and the roof can support the crane.
  • When the roof is load-bearing and a longer outreach of the crane is desired.
  • Manual overhead cranes can also be used in environments where power supply is not possible.
  • When the requirement of lifting capacity >10ton or span >16.5m cannot be met.
  • When your plant supports the use of top running overhead cranes, it is best to choose this type because of its wide availability of parts and the advantage of easy maintenance and installation.

Workstation Overhead Crane

A workstation overhead crane system with blue steel support columns and a yellow beam, featuring a hoist, in a clean and organized industrial environment

Workstation overhead cranes are a kind of combined suspension overhead crane, also called workstation bridge crane, freestanding overhead crane. The modular design makes installation and modular design of workstation overhead cranes makes installation and modification more convenient. The lower frictional resistance results in quieter and smoother operation.

  • Capacity: 125kg to 2000kg
  • Work duty: M3,M4
  • Rated voltage: 220V/380V/400V/415V/660V, 50-60Hz, 3ph AC
  • Crane control mode: Floor control / Remote control

Widely used in automobile assembly workshops, precision machinery assembly and other assembly line operations, the application layout is more flexible, according to the arrangement of the production line, the layout of the crane's operating route.

Reasons for choosing workstation overhead cranes Reasons for not selecting workstation overhead cranes
  • Self-weight is light, modular design, easy to disassemble, easy to transport
  • Main girder structure are profiles, generally shorter production period
  • Suitable for larger spans
  • Can be used in cases where the running track has curves or bends.
  • When the required lifting capacity is >3000kg, it can not be satisfied, and it is not suitable for those who have higher lifting capacity requirements.
  • This type of overhead crane needs to be installed on the roof or used with columns, which is not applicable when the roof cannot support the load and the ground is not suitable for planting columns.

Monorail Overhead Crane

A red monorail overhead crane system with a yellow hoist and hook

Monorail overhead cranes usually refer to the type of overhead cranes where the main beam is a fixed I-beam and the hoist runs and lifts on the I-beam. These cranes can only move in two directions, in the vertical direction (up / down) or on the Y axis and in the horizontal direction along monorail beam or on the X axis. While single girder overhead crane able to move in three directions or more on the X, Y, Z axis and move radius in the vertical axis.

  • Capacity: 0.5ton/1ton/2ton/3ton/5ton/10ton
  • Lifting height: 6m/9m/12m/18m/24m/30m
  • Work duty: M3/M4
  • Rated voltage: 220V/380V/400V/415V/660V, 50-60Hz, 3ph AC
  • Crane control mode: Floor control / Remote control

Monorail overhead cranes are mostly used to relocate materials or products within a limited area. Monorail crane design is simple and can be compatible with the structure of the building without major changes.

Reasons to choose monorail overhead cranes Reasons not to choose monorail overhead cranes
  • Cheaper price and transportation compared to similar products for the same lifting capacity.
  • Because the overhead cranes are made of profiles, the production cycle is generally shorter.
  • The track can be used in curves, loops or bends.
  • If the track is installed on the roof, the load capacity of the building must be taken into account.
  • Monorail overhead cranes can only move left and right in a parallel direction, not forwards and backwards.
  • Cannot be used when the required lifting capacity is greater than 10 tons;
  • Cannot be used when the working class is greater than M4.

FEM Standard Overhead Crane

A FEM standard yellow overhead crane with DGCRANE branding, situated in a large industrial construction area with metal structures and heavy machinery below

FEM Standard overhead crane successfully installed at customer's plant in Tanzania

The most outstanding feature of FEM standard overhead cranes is that the drive mechanism adopts a three-in-one reducer (hardened gear reducer, inverter brake motor), so the structure is also more compact. It is precisely because of this special design that the blind spot range of the overhead crane is smaller in the front and back, so that it can utilize the production area to a greater extent. The brake pads inside the three-in-one gear motor are maintenance-free for life, which can save the maintenance cost in the later stage.

  • Capacity: 1-20ton
  • Span length: 9.5-24m
  • Lifting height: 6m/9m/12m/18m or customized according to clients' site conditions
  • Work duty: A5
  • Rated voltage: 220V/380V/400V/415V/660V, 50-60Hz, 3ph AC
  • Crane control mode: Pendant control / Remote control

European type overhead cranes are widely used in material handling occasions such as workshops and warehouses in machinery manufacturing, petroleum, petrochemical, ports, railways, civil aviation, electricity, food, paper making, building materials, electronics, and other industries. They are especially suitable for material handling that requires precise positioning, precision assembly of large parts and other occasions.

Reasons for choosing FEM standard overhead crane Reasons not to choose the FEM standard overhead crane
  • When the headroom of the plant is limited and you want to maximize the use of the space available.
  • Lighter weight, less wheel pressure, and limited load capacity of the crane beam load-bearing system
  • Because of its special design, less maintenance is required.
  • Low noise level, suitable for workshops that require a quiet environment.
  • More expensive, the smaller the tonnage the bigger the difference.

EOT Cranes：Electric Overhead Travelling Crane

Distinguished from manually powered overhead cranes, it is the most widely used type of overhead crane. There is some overlap with bridge cranes in some classifications. There will be a special page for you to expand on eot crane.

https://www.dgcrane.com/eot-cranes/

Overhead Crane Selection Guide Summary - Suggest Bookmark

A yellow single girder overhead crane labeled DGCRANE with a capacity of 10 tons, installed within an industrial facility with skylights and structural steel beams

Single Girder Overhead Crane

  • Suitable for lifting capacity up to 20t.
  • Simple structure, easy to install, easy to transport.
  • Flexible operation, can be ground operated (follow the hoist to move or move independently), can be remote-controlled, operation program options.
  • Wide range of applications for small loads and equipment installation and maintenance.
A vibrant yellow NLH type double girder overhead crane with DGCRANE branding, mounted in a well-lit industrial setting with a metal sheet roof and tall windows

Double Girder Overhead Crane

  • Lifting capacity of 20t and above.
  • Can be matched with different spreaders to suit different material gripping needs, a wide range of applications.
  • In addition to the general operating environment, it can also be used in higher working levels and in harsh environments, such as steel mills, or explosion-proof environments.
  • Durable, high fatigue strength of the main load-bearing components, longer service life.
  • Sufficient dynamic stiffness and structural stability, when equipped with a driver's cab, is more favorable to the safety and health of the operator.
A bright yellow low headroom single girder overhead crane, with 5 TON prominently displayed, hanging from a red steel structure in a warehouse with white insulated paneling

Underhung Cranes

  • Suitable for lifting capacity up to 10t.
  • Suitable for use when there is no running beam system in the structure of the plant, but the roof is load-bearing and a load-bearing rail can be installed underneath the roof for the traveling of large vehicles.
A workstation overhead crane system with blue steel support columns and a yellow beam, featuring a hoist, in a clean and organized industrial environment

Workstation Overhead Crane

  • Suitable for lifting capacities up to 2t.
  • Free and flexible lifting solutions for small tonnages, small spans and light work levels.
  • Mainly used in various assembly line operations.
A red monorail overhead crane system with a yellow hoist and hook

Monorail Overhead Crane

  • Suitable for lifting capacities up to 10t.
  • According to the process flow of the production plant, the route or direction of the crane track is arranged, which can be a circular route.
  • Suitable for small tonnage, fixed production line place.
  • Can be equipped with different hoisting equipment such as wire rope hoists and chain hoists.
A FEM standard yellow overhead crane with DGCRANE branding, situated in a large industrial construction area with metal structures and heavy machinery below

FEM Standard Overhead Crane

  • More compact structure, low headroom height, small blind spot size of the hook, covering a larger operating range of the plant.
  • Light weight, small wheel pressure, low load bearing requirement for steel structure of plant, can effectively reduce the cost of plant construction.
  • Frequency conversion speed control of the whole vehicle can realize stepless speed control, wider speed range, speed control ratio of 1:10.
  • Black box (safety monitoring system) can be added.

If you have any questions about selection, you can contact your dedicated customer service Zora.

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!

WhatsApp: +86 158 3611 5029
Email: zorazhao@dgcrane.com

Overhead Crane Prices

For the overhead crane pricing, since overhead cranes are customized products based on specific factory specifics, we can't give you the exact price directly, but we can still provide a price reference range. Gives you an idea of what percentage of the overhead crane cost is in your purchasing program.

Single Girder Overhead Crane Price List (Reference)

Products Span/m Lifting Height/m Power Supply Voltage Price/USD
1 ton overhead crane 7.5-28.5 6-30 220-480/3/50 $1,830-5,100
2 ton overhead crane 7.5-28.5 6-30 220-480/3/50 $2,000-5,900
3 ton overhead crane 7.5-37.5 6-30 220-480/3/50 $2,130-15,760
5 ton overhead crane 7.5-37.5 6-30 220-480/3/50 $3,130-16,760
10 ton overhead crane 7.5-37.5 6-30 220-480/3/50 $3,890-20,000
16 ton overhead crane 7.5-37.5 6-30 220-480/3/50 $4,180-23,400
20 ton overhead crane 7.5-37.5 6-30 220-480/3/50 $7,100-28,600
Note: Updated on November 2023, Industrial Machinery products are subject to market changes and are for reference only.

Double Girder Overhead Crane Price

The price of double girder overhead cranes is more complicated to quote because of the variety of configuration combinations, but you can be able to have a price reference based on these real examples of quotes below.

A vibrant yellow NLH type double girder overhead crane with DGCRANE branding, mounted in a well-lit industrial setting with a metal sheet roof and tall windows
  • Type: NLH type double girder overhead crane
  • Price: 44,286.00 USD (EXW)
  • Capacity: 25ton
  • Span length: 18.5m
  • Lifting height: 10m
  • Work duty: A5
  • Crane control mode: Pendantcontrol + Remote control
  • Project country: Tanzania
  • Quotation Date: 2022-4-27
A QD type double girder overhead crane painted in yellow with DGCRANE branding, extending across the interior of a large industrial building with workers and equipment below
  • Type: QD type double girder overhead crane
  • Price: 83,000.00 USD (EXW)
  • Capacity: 32ton
  • Span length: 22m
  • Lifting height: 14m
  • Work duty: A6
  • Crane control mode: Driver’s cab control + Remote control
  • Project country: Philippine
  • Quotation Date: 2021-4-23
An operational double girder overhead casting crane in a steel mill, with visible hot metal and industrial machinery
  • Type: QDY type double girder overhead crane
  • Price: 91,325.00 USD (EXW)
  • Capacity: 35ton
  • Span length: 28.5m
  • Lifting height: 20m
  • Work duty: A7
  • Crane control mode: Driver’s cab control + Remote control
  • Project country: Russian
  • Quotation Date: 2020-9-6
A large yellow QD type double girder overhead crane with a hanging orange hook, spanning the width of an industrial warehouse with natural light coming through skylights in the roof
  • Type: QD type double girder overhead crane
  • Price: 106,357.00 USD (EXW)
  • Capacity: 50/10ton
  • Span length: 22.5m
  • Lifting height: 20
  • Work duty: A6
  • Crane control mode: Driver’s cab control + Remote control
  • Project country: China
  • Quotation Date: 2021-10-6

In addition to the price of the product itself, you also have freight and installation and inspection prices need to know, more you can refer to - Unlocking the Secrets of Overhead Crane Pricing: 10 Minutes to Be a Savvy Buyer, this article explains in detail for you to purchase the various aspects of the approximate cost, I hope you Have more information about Overhead Crane Pricing!

They may not match your needs, as a customized expert of bridge cranes who has been engaged for 10+ years, you are welcome to contact me anytime!

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FAQs

What are the steps involved in the installation of a overhead crane?

Overhead crane installation is a service that is generally offered by suppliers, either by sending an engineer on site or by providing some online installation tutorials. We have created a single girder overhead crane installation tutorial (infographic/PDF) to help you quickly understand the steps.

Who are the international overhead crane suppliers?
  • Konecranes: Konecranes is a well-known Finnish manufacturer of lifting equipment, offering various types of cranes and material handling solutions. They serve various industries worldwide, including manufacturing, ports and logistics, mining, and more.
  • Demag Cranes: Demag Cranes, headquartered in Germany, is a globally recognized crane manufacturer. They produce various types of cranes, including bridge cranes and gantry cranes.
  • Terex: Terex is a diversified American engineering and heavy machinery manufacturer, offering a range of lifting equipment, including bridge cranes.
  • Cranes-UK: Cranes-UK is a UK-based supplier specializing in the sale, rental, and maintenance of various types of cranes, including bridge cranes. They provide both new and used equipment.
  • STAHL CraneSystems: STAHL CraneSystems, based in Germany, is a crane equipment manufacturer that focuses on applications in explosive environments, providing high-quality explosion-proof cranes.
  • Street Crane: Street Crane is a UK-based crane equipment manufacturer, offering various types of bridge cranes. They cater to multiple industries, including manufacturing, construction, and ports.
  • ABUS: ABUS is a German company that manufactures bridge cranes, gantry cranes, and hoists, providing various solutions, including custom designs.

These are just a few of the internationally renowned bridge crane suppliers. Depending on your specific requirements, location, and budget, you can select an appropriate supplier to meet your lifting equipment needs. Be sure to work with suppliers to understand their products, services, and support to ensure they meet your project's requirements.

What are the main regions for overhead crane manufacturers in China?
  • Jiangsu Province: Jiangsu Province holds a prominent position in China's crane manufacturing industry. Cities such as Suzhou, Nanjing, Changzhou and Xuzhou are home to numerous crane manufacturers and suppliers covering a wide range of crane types.
  • Henan Province: Xinxiang City in Henan Province is one of the important crane manufacturing bases in China. These areas are home to several well-known manufacturers of overhead cranes, supplying crane equipment to both the domestic and international markets.
  • Chongqing: Chongqing has a large number of crane manufacturers in the southwest region. Crane products manufactured here are widely used in ports, mines and construction.
  • Guangdong Province: Crane manufacturers are also found in the cities of Zhuhai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong Province. They produce various types of overhead cranes and material handling equipment to meet the needs of different industries.
  • Shandong Province: The cities of Qingdao, Jinan and Weifang in Shandong Province have a number of crane manufacturers. These companies produce overhead cranes and gantry cranes for the domestic and international markets.
  • Liaoning Province: Dalian and Shenyang in Liaoning Province are the crane manufacturing bases in the northeast region, providing many types of cranes and related equipment.
  • Hunan Province: Changsha, Hunan Province also has a number of crane manufacturers who produce bridge cranes, gantry cranes and tower cranes.

These regions play an important role in China's crane manufacturing industry, offering a diverse range of crane products and solutions. DGCRANE, as a trader specializing in the foreign trade export of bridge cranes for 10+ years, is located in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, which gathers natural geographic advantages and also accumulates rich experience in exporting, so if you have a need for bridge cranes, contact your exclusive customer service now!

Contact Details

DGCRANE is committed to providing the professional Overhead crane products and relavent service. Exported to Over 100 Countries, 5000+ Customers Choose Us, Worth to be Trusted.

sales@dgcrane.com

+86-373-3876188

+86-373-3876088

Floor 30,Gongyuan INT'I Building, Jinsui Road, Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China

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