Buyer Guide for Overhead Crane: How to Buy an Overhead Crane

How to buy an overhead crane for your particular use at cost-effective price? Check what to consider & how to confirm your bridge crane specifications?

An overheadcrane is a massive investment, and the choice to buy one has long-term effects. As crucial as making the decision itself is thoroughly evaluating the requirements a bridgecrane must meet. You'll stay on the right track if you follow these advice.

Confirm the purpose of the overhead crane

Is the electric overhead crane designed for a regular industrial material handling or perhaps particularly designed with unique features for special loads handling, like storing paper rolls? Your operations' nature should constantly be taken into account. There are many different types of overhead cranes available, and alternative features can be incorporated to suit a variety of applications and industries.

List the fundamental requirements.

The fundamental requirements, such as capacity, duty class, span, and lift height, ought to be confirmed clearly. The surrounding environmental factors, such as,the temperature, must also be considered. Facilities might be visited in order to assess the working environment and its specific requirements if necessary.

Determine whether any more additionalfeatures are necessary.

We offer a huge range of extra features for bridge cranes such as,radio remote control, Variable lifting speeds, or Sway Control and Target Positioning, etc. These characteristics can improve a crane's productivity and performance.

An overhead crane is a basic material handling lifting equipmentthat eliminates the need for humans to lift and move objects manually. An electric crane hoistusedto lift the load, a girder or beam, and a trolley to move along the girder are the basic components of an overhead crane.

Manufacturing floors frequently offer little room for workers. overhead crane systems, installed on the top of facilities are ideal for workshops or facilities that have limitedfloors space . With support columns , it willtake littlevaluable floor space. With ceiling mounted design, overhead cranes can freely completely avoid any occupying of floor space.

Consultation with a knowledgeable architect or engineer is the first step in determining whether an overhead crane is the best option for your business. Professionals are the best experts to decide whether a building structure can support the crane system. In order to ensure that the bridge crane is engineered optimally and that a well-engineered turnkey solution is sought after, it is crucial that all purchasers engage openly with the crane manufacturer and freely give them with all relevant information.

We'll now talk about the numerous factors that can helpa buyer to make wise investments and purchase the suitable material handling overhead crane.

Type of overhead cranes

Different kinds of electric overhead cranes can lift a variety of loads. Some of the most common overhead crane types are listed below.

• Single-girder electrically operated/ semi-electric/ hand-operated overhead cranes.
• Double-girder electrically operated/ semi-electric/ hand-operated overhead cranes.
• Gantry crane including single or double-girder cranes gantry cranes & semi-gantry cranes.
• Special cranes. Custom overhead crane with special below hook devices, such as, magnets, grab bucket, c coil, sheet lifter, c hook, etc.

Single girder overhead crane
500 kg-20 ton overhead crane top running

Double girder overhead crane
3 ton -320 ton overhead crane top running

Underhung overhead cranes
500kg-10 ton overhead crane underhung design

The first two types of overhead craneare usually employed in indoor applications, but the third type ofgantry crane, is typically usedin outdoor applications.Single girder cranes are used for lighter loads handling with capacity up to 20 ton, and double girder cranes are used for heavier loads handling with capacity up to 100 ton with standard design and with builtin design, the capacity can be up to 320 ton.

Location

An overheadcrane may be found indoors and outdoors, . It's crucial that the buyer appropriately specifies this. Specifying this is crucial since an outdoor overhead crane must be constructed taking wind pressures into account. If the buyer provided more information than just "outside," such as the location's climate, the designer would be able to design the crane with the greatest efficiency. In addition to the wind loads, epoxy painting may be required on the crane if it operates in a coastal region rather than conventional synthetic enamel paint. This might also apply to indoor duty cranes working in an alkaline or acidic environment.

Safe working load with proper below hook devices

The maximum weight that could be lifted by the crane hook is known as the safe working load. If a magnet, "C" hook, grab, ladle, or any other equipment is going to be used with the crane, its dead weight needs to be added to the weight of loadsso that the safe working load of the crane may be calculated. Never include safety features that go beyond what was previously stipulated, as this would overengineer the crane and increase expenses. Futher information on How to calculate the lifting capacity of your overhead crane? 

Class of duty

Overhead bridge crane can be classified into different working duty. The price would increase in direct proportion to the level of duty. Crane mechanisms vary depending on their use as well. While the overheadcrane is always accessible, it should be kept in mind that no overheadcrane ever runs continuously at its rated load and speed. The use of the electriccrane, as well as its frequency and pattern of use, largely determine the class of duty. The buyer should ideally offer a load spectrum.

This would be too hard, so the class of duty should be determined after thoroughly describing the crane's application to the manufacturer. Maximum consideration should be given to this factor because the choice of the class of duty would not only influence the crane's cost but also have an impact on all other factors mentioned above.

Speeds

The usage and application of the crane directly affect the choice of speeds. Increased speeds (in situations where they are not necessary) would result in higher power ratings for the motors, raising the cost of the crane as well as its owningand operation expenses.

Control system

There are numerous control options available, including fixed cabin controls, mobile cabin controls, radio remote controls, and more. Again, the application determines the proper choice.

Hook approaches and end approaches

No overhead crane allows the hook to be in line with the column or extend all the way to the end of the workshop. In other words, it is impossible to prevent some built-up area loss. In order to maximize the use of the built-up space, the optimum approachwould be to minimize this loss. The overhead crane must be designed optimallywhich will largelydepend on the duty class selected. We emphasize once more the requirement for the buyer and the manufacturer to properly comprehend the application and using requirements because the crane working dutyis entirely dependent upon the application. More information on What Is Crane Coverage & Hook Coverage of Your Overhead Cranes?

Crane span of bridge crane

Lifting height of overhead crane

Crane runway and overhead travelling distance

Crane headroom

This is defined as the crane's highest point above the long travel rail top. The lower this dimension, the lower the building height could be. This, too, is determined by the class of duty, which is determined by the application. A lower building height would undoubtedly lower construction costs.

Hook headroom

This is the distance between the hook's highest elevation and the long travel rail top. This should be kept to a minimum in order to optimize column height and reduce building costs. For a given crane, the sum of dimensions six and seven would be constant. As a result, if the crane is to be installed in an existing shop, this sum could be distributed in order to maximize shed utilization. Further information on What is Overhead Crane's Lift Height, Headroom & C-dimension?

Crane lifting height and hook approach will affect your overhead crane working coverage

C Dimension

Crane headroom

Wheel loads

The higher the wheel load for a given crane, the heavier the crane and trolley. This has an immediate impact on the gantry girder, column design, and foundation. It is a common misconception that a heavier crane is stronger and safer. As long as the crane is designed to meet all of the relevant IS specifications, the weight of the crane and trolley should not be used to determine the crane's strength and safety. In fact, the buyer should choose the crane with the minimum wheel loads.

Down shop leads and LT rails

The power supply system used to power the crane is known as down shop leads. There are several systems that could be used. The safest system is shrouded busbars, which provide maximum safety while having no effect on end approaches. Bus bars must be chosen based on the connected load. If multiple cranes are to be operated, the connected loads of all such cranes must be taken into account when determining the busbar rating. As a result, the buyer must provide this information. The same is true for LT rail selection.

Owning and operating costs

A crane is always installed at a height of 6 m or higher above the floor level. As a result, a crane that requires little maintenance should be preferred. This goal can be met by providing leak-proof gearboxes, lifelong lubricated bearings, appropriately selected wire rope, and optimally selected electrics.

Other factors

• Provision for a full-length platform on both girders,
• hydraulic or spring buffers.
• Underbridge lighting installation.
• Closed, glazed, and air-conditioned cabin provision

It is crucial to thoroughly assess the requirement for all of the aforementioned additional features.

After the parameters are confirmed, suppliers must be chosen in order to get quotes.

Any workshop that needs to save valuable workspace while handling materials efficiently should give overhead cranes serious consideration. However, due to the variety of overhead crane alternatives available, careful evaluation and consultation should be made before making a purchase. The crane solution you choose must actually be the best fit for your company's requirements.

Selection parameters

Making the appropriate overhead crane choice is essential to simplifying operations and increasing output. Following are 12 parameters that consumers can use to select a well-designed and reasonably priced lifting overhead cranesolution:

• Correct determination of the necessary crane type.
• The location is chosen (indoors, outdoors, or both).
• The safe working load selectedis reasonably.
• the duty class is in accordance with the application.
• The speeds are suitable for the intended use.
• The control system complies with the requirements of the application.
• The hook and end approaches are kept to a minimum to maximize retail space utilization.
• The crane headroom is kept to a minimum to lower the shop height.
• The hook head room is minimal in order to raise the lift's height.
• Wheel loads are kept to a minimum, allowing for the smallest possible gantry girder and column sizes, which lowers building and foundation costs.
• It is necessary to determine the LT Rails and Down Shop Leads.
• The costs of crane buyingand operation are minimal.

Choosing the right vendor

• Experience including clientele, years in operation, the number of cranes now produced each year, and technical collaborations or tie-ups, if any.
• Existing design team and their background.
• Manufacturing facilities with handling capacity and skilled, knowledgeable artisans and managers.
• Subcontractors and their level of technical expertise.
• In-house load testing capability, including a test pit and calibrated test loads.
• Shot blasting and a separate paint booth should be included in the surface treatment and painting facility.
• Experienced, empowered, and independent Quality Assurance Team.
• Dedicated after-sales and servicing personnel.
• Quick and constant availability of spare parts.
• Adherence to industrial standards for safety and environmental friendliness.

There are numerous things to think about before buying an overhead crane in order to get the best overhead crane. Usually, the facility you buy has a positive impact on safety and production. In order to save money and get the best overhead crane for your application, you need definitely think about a few factors before purchasing an overhead crane. After talking about the things needs to consider before buying an overhead crane, the following buyer guide is presented for your reference.

• 1. Number of cranes : ___________
• 2. Type of crane : 3. Capacity : ___________ Kg or : ___________Lb
• 4. Span : ___________ M
• 5. Lifting height required : ___________ (Max. including pits or wells below the floor level)
• 6. Approximate length of the crane runway : ___________
• 7. Number of cranes on the runway : ___________
• 8. Name of company : __________________________________________
• 9. Person in charge : __________________________________________
• 10. Contact details : __________________________________________

Detailed Information OverheadCrane Buying Guide

I. Customer Information

II. Application Occasion

III. Bridge Crane Specification

Underhung crane -single girder crane design 

Top running overhead crane- single girder crane design 

Top running overhead crane -double girder crane design 

Crane drawing for you to confirm the overhead crane specifications

We are a modern manufacturer of European standard cranes. The business maintains its focus on the advancements in cutting-edge technology and European-style crane improvements. Based on the design of European standard cranes, each of our overhead cranes offers low headroom, light weight, exceptional free maintenance performance, continual working efficiency, advanced configuration, galvanized steel rope, disc brake for lifting safety, hardened reducer, PLC lifting limit switch, etc. These features make our overhead cranes cutting-edge in the Chinese crane industry.

According to the customer's industrial requirements and application conditions, electric overhead cranes can designed into top running cranes, under running cranes, double girder cranes, and single girder cranes. Get a free quotation on overhead crane today!

Article by Bella ，who has been in the hoist and crane field since 2016. Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.