The overhead crane is manufactured in four primary configurations and includes a wide range of different features. They are used in several industries and include the bridge, workstation, gantry and jib cranes. The preferred crane relates to the required lifting height, duty class and weight capacity.
Here is an overview of the different types of overhead cranes:
Jib
The jib crane is built partially horizontally and relies on a boom or jib to help support a movable hoist. The actual jib is securely mounted to a floor pillar or a solid wall. This is a popular type of crane for factory use. Plus, it can come in a more compact version, and mounted on specialist vehicles, such as those used in the military. A major benefit of using the jib configuration is the ability to easily rotate the crane 360° to give great versatility in lifting and loading.
Gantry
The gantry crane is a more practical option for the factory that needs to lift and transport the smaller loads. The style of this crane can vary. Common configurations include those with an I-beam design, while others are built with enclosed tracks. The gantry crane is highly versatile and is easily designed to match the needs and specifications of the work environment. They include both stationary and movable components. The stationary is a stable platform for loading and movable is for unloading. Plus, there is the option to include a lower capacity or wire rope chain hoist.
Bridge
The bridge crane is built to work with several parallel runways. These runways rely on a movable bridge that helps to span the gap. The component that lifts the heavy load is known as the hoist and moves across the bridge.
Workstation
The workstation crane is a robust and strong lifting option with the choice of a freestanding or ceiling-mounted unit. The crane is built with multiple bolt-on rails or connections to make it really easy to adapt the installation to match the needs. Plus, it is a useful choice for the work environment that lifts heavy loads or repetitive movements.
The various types of overhead cranes operate in different ways, so it is helpful to know the capabilities of each to make it easy to install the right heavy-duty gear to match the specific requirements. A well-chosen crane has the ability to significantly improve the efficiency of lifting and moving heavy objects in a warehouse or factory environment.
