What Are the Basic Types of Overhead Cranes?

Overhead cranes play a vital role in today’s industries, making it easier to lift and move materials accurately in many settings, like manufacturing plants, warehouses, and heavy industries. Using overhead cranes helps facilities make better use of space, improve workflow, and enhance safety. In this article, we’ll look at the main types of overhead cranes, what makes each one unique, and where they work best.

Overview of Overhead Cranes

An overhead crane is a type of lifting device with a hoist that moves along a bridge spanning the width of the facility. Unlike mobile or tower cranes, overhead cranes are fixed in one location, supported by ceiling beams, a standalone frame, or a combination of the two. Overhead cranes come in various configurations and are distinguished primarily by the number of girders and mounting options.

Yuantai is an experienced manufacturer, we offer a diverse portfolio of overhead cranes, including single and double girder models, ceiling-mounted and freestanding workstation cranes(KBK), and specialized types like explosion-proof and ladle cranes.

Basic Types of Overhead Cranes

Understanding the primary types of overhead cranes helps companies select the right crane for their specific operational needs. Each type offers unique benefits depending on lifting requirements, facility structure, and operational environment.

a. Single Girder Overhead Crane

A single girder overhead crane consists of a single beam, with the hoist mounted below it, typically running on the underside of the girder. This crane type is usually more economical than double girder models, with a simpler design and reduced structural requirements.

• Applications: Single girder cranes are ideal for light to moderate lifting tasks, commonly used in manufacturing, warehouses, and workshops.
• Lifting Capacity: Typically ranges from 1 to 20 tons, making it suitable for most general material handling.
• Advantages: Lower cost, easier installation, and reduced structural demands. It also provides ample lifting height for moderate weight handling.

Yuantai Single Girder Overhead Cranes: Yuantai’s single girder cranes are available in different models, including freestanding options and ceiling-mounted versions, offering customization in lifting height, span, and control options.

b. Double Girder Overhead Crane

Double girder cranes feature two parallel beams supporting the hoist. This design increases the lifting height and load capacity, making it ideal for applications that require higher strength and greater vertical clearance.

• Applications: Heavy-duty lifting in industrial settings like steel production, heavy equipment assembly, and manufacturing plants.
• Lifting Capacity: Up to several hundred tons, depending on structural support and the hoist's design.
• Advantages: Higher load capacity, improved lifting height, and more stability for heavy loads. However, they require a more substantial support structure and are generally costlier.

Yuantai Double Girder Overhead Cranes: Yuantai’s double girder cranes offer high lifting capacities and robust designs, making them suitable for the most demanding industrial applications. Customizations include various hoist configurations, span lengths, and safety features.

c. Ceiling-Mounted (Suspension) Overhead Crane

Ceiling-mounted cranes are suspended from the ceiling, eliminating the need for floor-based supports. This crane type is beneficial for facilities with limited floor space or unique layouts, such as assembly lines and loading areas.

• Applications: Common in assembly lines, aerospace, and industries requiring uninterrupted floor space.
• Lifting Capacity: Typically moderate, depending on ceiling support strength and crane design.
• Advantages: Allows for optimal use of floor space, highly flexible in layout, and can be installed to follow specific paths across the facility.

Yuantai Ceiling-Mounted Cranes: Yuantai offers ceiling-mounted cranes designed for space optimization. These cranes are adaptable to complex layouts and provide efficient material handling without compromising valuable floor space.

d. Freestanding Workstation Overhead Crane

Freestanding workstation cranes are standalone structures, allowing for flexible installation in various facility layouts. They are often modular and customizable, making them ideal for facilities that require adaptable lifting solutions.

• Applications: Widely used in small-scale manufacturing, workshops, and maintenance operations.
• Lifting Capacity: Generally low to moderate, with maximum capacities around 2 tons.
• Advantages: Highly modular, easy to relocate or expand, and adaptable to unique workstation layouts. Offers a dedicated lifting solution for specific tasks without structural modification.

Yuantai Workstation Cranes: Yuantai’s workstation overhead cranes are available in various freestanding models, allowing for easy integration into specific work zones without extensive structural alterations.

e. Explosion-Proof Overhead Crane

Explosion-proof cranes are specially designed for hazardous environments with flammable or explosive materials. These cranes are built with safety-rated components to prevent sparks, overheating, and other hazards that could ignite surrounding materials.

• Applications: Essential in industries like petrochemical, mining, and other areas where hazardous gases or dusts are present.
• Lifting Capacity: Varies depending on design and industry-specific requirements.
• Advantages: Ensures safety in high-risk environments, complies with strict safety standards, and protects both personnel and assets.

Yuantai Explosion-Proof Cranes: Yuantai offers explosion-proof cranes that meet rigorous industry standards for hazardous environments, making them suitable for sensitive applications requiring enhanced safety measures.

f. Grab Overhead Crane

Grab cranes, also known as bucket cranes, are equipped with a grab bucket instead of a hook. These cranes are optimized for handling loose materials like sand, gravel, coal, and scrap metal.

• Applications: Common in recycling centers, waste management facilities, and bulk material handling.
• Lifting Capacity: Depends on material density and bucket capacity.
• Advantages: Facilitates efficient handling of loose materials, reduces manual labor, and speeds up loading/unloading.

Yuantai Grab Cranes: Yuantai’s grab cranes are designed for efficient bulk handling, with customizable grab buckets for different material densities and sizes.

g. Ladle Overhead Crane

Ladle cranes are designed specifically for lifting and transporting molten metal in foundries and steel mills. These cranes are robust and resistant to the high temperatures associated with molten metal handling.

• Applications: Primarily used in foundries, steel mills, and other metal processing facilities.
• Lifting Capacity: Typically high, as they handle heavy ladles filled with molten material.
• Advantages: Withstands extreme heat, highly durable, and essential for safe molten metal handling.

Yuantai Ladle Cranes: Yuantai’s ladle cranes are built for durability in high-temperature environments, featuring specialized designs for stable and secure handling of molten metals.

Comparison Table: Overhead Crane Types

Crane Type	Primary Application	Lifting Capacity	Advantages	Yuantai Model
Single Girder Overhead Crane	General material handling in warehouses	1-20 tons	Cost-effective, simpler installation	Single Girder
Double Girder Overhead Crane	Heavy-duty industries (steel, machinery)	Up to 300+ tons	High load, stable lifting height	Double Girder
Ceiling-Mounted Overhead Crane	Space-constrained facilities (assembly lines)	Moderate	Saves floor space, flexible pathing	Ceiling-Mounted
Freestanding Workstation Crane	Small-scale manufacturing, workshops	1-2 tons	Modular, easy to relocate or expand	Workstation Crane
Explosion-Proof Overhead Crane	Hazardous environments (petrochemical, mining)	Variable	Ensures safety, meets industry standards	Explosion-Proof
Grab Overhead Crane	Loose material handling (recycling, waste)	Variable	Efficient bulk material handling	Grab Crane
Ladle Overhead Crane	Molten metal transport (foundries, steel mills)	High	Heat resistant, durable	Ladle Crane

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Overhead Crane

1. Load Capacity Requirements: Choose a crane that supports your facility’s maximum weight requirements, considering factors like girder type, hoist capacity, and operational frequency.
2. Facility Layout: Ceiling-mounted or freestanding models can save space, while mobile workstation cranes may offer more flexibility in specific areas.
3. Environment: For hazardous areas, explosion-proof models are essential for safety.
4. Specialized Tasks: Applications that involve bulk materials, high temperatures, or hazardous substances may require specialized models like grab or ladle cranes.

Conclusion

Knowing the types of overhead cranes and what each can do helps facilities pick the best one to boost productivity, safety, and efficiency. Yuantai offers a range of options, from single and double girder cranes to specialized models like explosion-proof and ladle cranes, tailored to meet various industry needs. Whether it’s lifting molten metal, moving bulk materials, or working efficiently in tight spaces, overhead cranes play an essential role in today’s industries.