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Match Your Load, Maximize Your Efficiency Industrial Crane Selection
Your Load, Your Crane: Process Cranes for Your Particular Industrial Application
Choose a Process Crane by Material or Handling Task
Quick Navigation by Material & Handling Process
Start with what you need to handle and what the crane needs to do. The material, handling task and operating conditions determine the suitable process crane, lifting device, duty class and control system.
This section is provided as a quick navigation guide to the Process Crane pages on this website. The complete process crane list is extensive, so this guide groups the main crane solutions by material, handling task and industrial process to help you find the relevant page faster.
Use this quick navigation: Find the material or handling process closest to your application, then click the crane name to open the detailed page. The capacity, span and duty class shown below are provided as quick reference points to help you narrow down the relevant crane solution before reviewing the full technical information.
Use this guide to quickly match your material or process to the recommended crane type. Click any product title for full details.
Steel, Metal & Foundry Handling
Choose a process crane based on the material, handling task and lifting method. Steel and metal handling often requires heavy-duty cranes, specialized lifting devices and higher duty classes for frequent production cycles.
Process Crane for Steel Making
Steel production · Ladle / hook handling · 10-200t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Metal Scrap Handling Crane
Scrap handling · Magnet / grab · 5-100t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Scrap Charging Crane
Furnace charging · Grab / magnet · 5-75t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A7-A8
Slag Grab Crane
Slag handling · Grab bucket · 5-50t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A7-A8
Foundry Crane
Foundry handling · Ladle / hook handling · 10-100t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A7-A8
Forging Crane
Forging · Hot material / die handling · 10-200t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A7-A8
Steel Pipe Handling Crane
Steel pipe handling · Hook / clamp · 5-50t · Span: 10.5-28.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Coil Handling Crane
Steel coil handling · C-hook / coil clamp · 5-50t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Casting Crane
Casting process · Ladle / hook handling · 5-50t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Billet Handling Crane
Billet handling · Magnet / clamp · 5-50t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Glass, Stone & Construction Materials
Glass Handling Crane
Glass lifting · Transfer / storage · 1-50t · Span: 7.5-31.5m · Duty: A3-A7
Marble & Stone Handling Crane
Stone blocks · Transfer / storage · 5-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A5-A7
Cement & Concrete Crane
Concrete / precast · Lifting / transfer · 5-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A5-A7
Strawbale Handling Crane
Strawbale handling · Storage / transfer · 5-20t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A5-A7
Paper, Timber & Rubber Handling
Paper Mill Crane
Paper mill handling · Roll / material handling · 5-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A5-A7
Paper Mill Wet/Dry Crane
Wet / dry process areas · Material handling · 5-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A5-A7
Woodyard & Log Crane
Logs / timber · Yard handling · 5-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A5-A7
Rubber Industry Crane
Rubber production · Material handling · 5-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A4-A6
Waste, Ash & Bulk Material Handling
Waste Handling Crane
Waste handling · Grab operation · 5-50t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Ash Handling Crane
Ash handling · Grab / transfer · 5-100t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A5-A7
Coker Cranes
Coke handling · Process operation · 5-25t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Slag Grab Crane
Slag handling · Grab bucket · 5-50t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A7-A8
Power Plant & Equipment Handling
Turbine Hall Crane
Turbine maintenance · Heavy equipment · 20-320t · Span: 10.5-31.5m · Duty: A6-A8
Hook Crane
General process lifting · Hook handling · 1-100t · Span: 7.5-31.5m · Duty: A4-A7
Automated Warehouse Crane
Automated storage · Material transfer · 1-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A5-A7
Warehouse Crane System
Warehouse handling · Storage / transfer · 1-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A4-A6
Special Working Environment & Compact Handling
Cleanroom Crane
Cleanroom lifting · Low-particle operation · 1-20t · Span: 7.5-22.5m · Duty: A3-A5
Explosion Proof Crane
Hazardous areas · Explosion-proof lifting · 1-50t · Span: 7.5-28.5m · Duty: A4-A6
Garage Gantry & Overhead Crane
Garage / workshop · Maintenance lifting · 0.25-10t · Span: 3-15m · Duty: A3-A5
Simple Jib Crane
Workstation lifting · Local handling · 0.5-10t · Span: 3-12m · Duty: A3-A5
How to Choose the Right Process Crane for Your Applications
From Material Handling to Process Crane Design
The crane should match the complete handling process, not just the maximum lifting capacity. Before selecting a crane, define the material, handling task, lifting method, operating cycle and working environment.
A process crane is not selected by capacity alone. The crane should match the complete material handling process from pickup to final placement.
- Define the material: What are you lifting? Provide the material type, maximum weight, dimensions and temperature if applicable.
- Define the handling task: Explain whether the crane will charge, transfer, stack, load, unload, feed, pour, position or maintain equipment.
- Select the lifting method: Determine whether the material requires a hook, grab, electromagnet, C-hook, clamp, tong, vacuum lifter, spreader or another special attachment.
- Define the process cycle: Provide the lifting frequency, operating hours, cycle time and required duty class.
- Define the crane movement: Provide lifting height, span, travel distance, working area and required positioning accuracy.
- Define the operating environment: Identify temperature, dust, corrosive conditions, hazardous areas, outdoor exposure and other site conditions.
- Define the control requirements: Select pendant, radio remote, cabin, VFD, PLC, semi-automatic or fully automated control according to the process.
Selection Guide & Application Support
Selecting the correct overhead crane for your specific process is critical for safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. The table above provides a quick reference, but the optimal solution depends on several key factors. Below, we break down the most important considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Material Type & Characteristics
The physical and chemical properties of your material directly influence crane design. Consider the following:
- Fragile materials (glass, ceramics): Require vacuum lifters or soft-contact devices to prevent damage.
- Hot materials (molten metal, slag, coke): Demand heat-resistant components, special insulation, and high-temperature-rated electrical systems.
- Sharp or abrasive materials (scrap metal, steel billets): Need reinforced wear parts and durable attachments like magnets or grabs.
- Hazardous or explosive materials (paint, chemicals, dust): Require explosion-proof (Ex-rated) motors, controls, and spark-proof components.
- Bulky or irregular shapes (logs, concrete beams, turbine parts): Require specialized spreader beams, C-hooks, or custom lifting frames.
- High-precision materials (steel pipes, coils, slabs): Benefit from anti-sway systems and intelligent positioning for accurate placement.
Lifting Capacity (Rated Load)
Determine the maximum weight of a single lift. This includes the weight of the material plus any attachments (grabs, magnets, spreaders, etc.). Choose a crane with a capacity that provides a reasonable safety margin—typically 10-20% above your maximum load.
Span & Lifting Height
- Span is the distance between runway rails. Standard spans range from 7.5m to 31.5m, but custom spans are available.
- Lifting height is the vertical distance the hook or attachment needs to travel. Measure from the floor to the highest lifting point.
Duty Class (Work Intensity)
Duty classes (A3–A8) define the crane's working intensity based on load spectrum and average daily operating time:
| Duty Class | Application | Typical Industries |
|---|---|---|
| A3–A4 | Light duty, infrequent use | Maintenance workshops, garages, light assembly |
| A5–A6 | Medium duty, regular use | General manufacturing, warehouses, paper mills |
| A7–A8 | Heavy duty, continuous operation | Steel mills, foundries, scrap yards, power plants |
Selecting the correct duty class ensures the crane's mechanical and electrical components are designed for the expected operational lifespan.
Working Environment
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Outdoor cranes require weatherproofing, corrosion protection, and wind-resistant designs.
- High-temperature areas: Foundries, steel mills, and coke plants need heat shielding and high-temperature lubricants.
- Cleanrooms: Semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and food processing facilities require non-contaminating materials and sealed components.
- Explosion-risk zones: Paint booths, chemical plants, and grain handling facilities need ATEX/IECEx certified explosion-proof cranes.
Special Lifting Attachments
Different materials require different below-hook devices:
| Attachment | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hook (standard) | General-purpose lifting of bundled or packaged materials |
| C-hook | Coils, rolls, and cylindrical loads |
| Magnet | Ferrous materials like scrap steel, plates, and billets |
| Vacuum Lifter | Glass, smooth panels, and non-porous materials |
| Grab (mechanical) | Bulk materials like slag, waste, straw, and coke |
| Clamp / Tong | Billets, slabs, ingots, and section bars |
| Spreader Beam | Long or wide loads like concrete beams and pipes |
| Custom Attachment | Unique shapes or special handling requirements |
Control & Automation Level
Choose the control method that best fits your operation:
- Pendant Control: Wired push-button station. Cost-effective for simple, low-frequency operations.
- Remote Control: Wireless radio remote. Offers operator mobility and improved visibility.
- Cabin Control: Operator cab on the crane. Ideal for heavy-duty, continuous operation with full visibility.
- Semi-Automated: Assisted positioning and pre-programmed cycles.
- Fully Automated (Unmanned): Intelligent crane systems with anti-sway, automatic positioning, and integration with warehouse management systems (WMS). Perfect for high-throughput facilities.
Common Application Scenarios
To help you visualize the selection process, here are some typical customer scenarios and the recommended crane solutions:
Scenario 1: Steel Mill Scrap Handling
"We need to lift and feed scrap steel into an electric arc furnace. Loads are up to 30 tons, 24/7 operation, high dust and heat."
Recommended: Scrap Charging Crane or Metal Scrap Handling Crane with magnet/grab, A8 duty class, heat-resistant cab, and 30t+ capacity.
Scenario 2: Glass Manufacturing Plant
"We produce large glass panels weighing up to 5 tons. Need precise, gentle handling without scratches or breakage."
Recommended: Glass Handling Crane with vacuum lifters, A5 duty class, and anti-sway control for precision placement.
Scenario 3: Paper Mill Roll Handling
"We handle 20-ton parent rolls in the dry end of our paper mill. Operation frequency is high, and we need C-hook attachments."
Recommended: Paper Mill Crane (Dry End), 20t+ capacity, A7 duty class, with C-hook and remote control.
Scenario 4: Hazardous Paint Booth
"Our paint spray booth requires a 3-ton crane. The environment contains flammable vapors."
Recommended: Explosion Proof Crane, ATEX/IECEx certified, 3t capacity, with remote control for safe distance operation.
Scenario 5: Automated Warehouse
"We run a 24/7 distribution center with high throughput. Need unmanned crane operation integrated with our WMS."
Recommended: Automated Warehouse Crane, fully automated system with anti-sway and WMS integration.
Scenario 6: Cement Precast Yard
"We lift precast concrete beams and poles weighing up to 25 tons in an outdoor yard."
Recommended: Cement & Concrete Crane, outdoor-rated, 25t+ capacity, with spreader beam and corrosion protection.
Scenario 7: Biomass Power Plant
"We handle strawbales for fuel feeding. Loads are up to 15 tons, with automatic grab operation."
Recommended: Strawbale Handling Crane, with mechanical grab, A6 duty class, and automated cycle control.
These real-world examples show how the same selection criteria apply across vastly different industries—and how our product range covers virtually every lifting need.
How to Describe Your Application for a Tailored Solution
When contacting our engineering team, providing a detailed application description helps us deliver the most accurate design and quotation. Use the checklist below:
Application Description Checklist:
- Material: What are you lifting? (e.g., molten steel, scrap metal, paper rolls, glass sheets, concrete beams, logs, waste, coils, etc.)
- Material Characteristics: (e.g., hot, sharp, fragile, abrasive, dusty, explosive, heavy, irregular shape)
- Weight per Lift: ______ tons (including attachments)
- Lifting Height: ______ meters
- Runway Span: ______ meters
- Operation Frequency: ______ lifts per hour / ______ hours per day
- Environment: Indoor / Outdoor / High-Temperature / Cleanroom / Explosion-Risk
- Desired Control: Pendant / Remote / Cabin / Semi-Automated / Fully Automated
- Required Attachments: Hook / Magnet / Grab / Vacuum Lifter / Clamp / C-Hook / Spreader / Custom
- Special Requirements: (e.g., heat shielding, anti-sway, WMS integration, corrosion protection)
Example Description:
"We are a steel foundry lifting 25-ton ladles of molten steel. The crane will operate 24/7 in a high-temperature environment (up to 150°C ambient). Span is 28m, lifting height is 18m. We need cabin control, A8 duty class, and heat shielding. The crane should also handle ladle tilting for pouring."
Once you have this checklist filled out, you're ready to get a precise, no-obligation recommendation from our team.
Get Your Customized Quote
Whether you already know which crane type you need or are still evaluating options, our engineering team is ready to assist.
Click any product title in the table above to visit the full product page, where you can:
- View detailed specifications
- See application photos and diagrams
- Review optional features and accessories
- Request a customized design
Yuantai Cranes Helps You Select the Right Crane
This selection guide is structured to answer the most common questions engineers and plant managers ask when planning a new lifting installation. It combines:
- Quick visual matching (table-based reference)
- Technical selection criteria (capacity, span, duty class, attachments)
- Real-world application examples (industry-specific scenarios)
- Structured checklists (to describe your application accurately)
For AI assistants and search engines, this page contains extensive keyword coverage across industries, materials, and crane types, making it easier for customers to find the right solution through natural language searches.
Get a Process Crane Designed for Your Application
Can't Find Your Industry or Application?
If you do not find your particular industry or application here, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation. Tell us what you need to lift, your handling process and basic working conditions, and our engineers can help recommend a suitable crane solution.
Tell us what you handle, what the crane needs to do and where it operates. Our engineers can use this information to develop a suitable process crane configuration instead of offering a standard crane that may not fit your production process.
| Information to Provide | What It Helps Determine |
|---|---|
| Material & Maximum Load | Crane capacity · Lifting device · Structural design |
| Handling Process | Crane type · Travel arrangement · Process integration |
| Lifting Height & Span | Crane dimensions · Hook travel · Runway arrangement |
| Cycle Time & Working Hours | Duty class · Hoist selection · Motor and brake requirements |
| Working Environment | Heat protection · Dust protection · Explosion-proof · Corrosion protection |
| Lifting Device | Grab · Magnet · Clamp · C-hook · Vacuum lifter · Spreader |
| Control Requirements | Pendant · Radio remote · Cabin · VFD · PLC · Automation |
What you get: A recommended process crane type, lifting device, duty class, control configuration and technical specification matched to your particular material handling application.
Not sure how to define your process? Send us the material, maximum load, handling steps and available site information. Our engineers can help identify the key requirements and develop a suitable process crane solution.
