An overhead crane, sometimes called a bridge crane or an overhead bridge crane, is an important part of many industrial plants, production facilities, transportation hubs and distribution and warehouse facilities.
This type of crane is so named because of both its location and its structure. It will have two parallel components or runways, or it may be a single or double girder top running system with a connecting bridge that spans or bridges between.
There will be a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right overhead bridge crane for a specific industry and application. Taking the time to consider both the location of the crane and the specific needs for the building and the capacity required will be essential in choosing the best model and design for the job.
Handling Needs
Choosing the right size and capacity of overhead crane shouldn’t just be about what is currently needed today in the building. Think about how the size of crane selected will impact your ability to handle different types of loads or larger capacity in the lift and movement.
One of the most costly mistakes is to choose a capacity of an overhead crane that is just enough to handle the workload at this time. This not only restricts the ability to handle more, but it also means the need for costly replacement as the business grows.
Manual or Motorized Control
Depending on the capacity of the overhead bridge crane, either a manual or a motorized type of control can be an efficient option. Manual operated overhead cranes typically operate with a chain drive that is easy to use by simply pulling on one or the other side of the chain. Movement speed is easily controlled by the operator and accurate placement of loads is much easier than with a motorized system.
The manual system is also less costly and without a motor and electronic controls, there is far less risk of downtime due to system failure or component problems. Typically, the manual drive types of cranes will be 15 tons or more.
Underhung or Top Running
Generally, top running cranes are used for the largest types of loads. It will run independently of other crane systems, which needs to be considered. On the other hand, the underhung crane can be integrated with other similar crane systems, an important consideration in large facilities with multiple cranes in operation.
Additionally, and this will also be a factor, the weight of the underhung cranes because of the design is lighter than a top running crane. This will be a consideration based on the building and support, particularly when multiple cranes are in use in the same bay or area.
