What is an overhead crane?
An overhead crane, also known as a bridge crane, is an essential lifting solution in modern industries, designed to safely and efficiently move heavy loads within a designated work area. Thanks to their robust construction and versatility, overhead cranes boost both productivity and workplace safety. In this article, you'll learn what an overhead crane is, what components it consists of, the benefits it offers your organisation, and why Mennens is the trusted partner for advice, inspection, and maintenance.
Key Insights
- An overhead crane consists of several main components and travels along a runway structure.
- Overhead cranes increase efficiency by making virtually every spot within the runway's reach accessible. They also reduce manual lifting and load handling to a minimum.
- Mennens offers EKH-certified inspections, maintenance, and specialist advice to ensure optimal use of overhead cranes in your working environment.
What is an Overhead Crane?
An overhead crane is an electrically powered lifting device that moves heavy loads safely and efficiently within a defined work area. It runs along a fixed runway structure, making nearly every location within reach of that structure accessible.
Overhead cranes are widely used in production halls, warehouses, and workshops where objects need to be moved regularly. The crane minimises manual lifting and reduces the number of handling steps required to transport loads. As a result, it boosts efficiency and lowers the risk of work-related injuries.
The Main Components of an Overhead Crane
The key components of an overhead crane include:
- Crane girder(s): The horizontal beam(s) along which the hoist travels.
- End trucks: The wheels and drive system that allow the crane to move along the runway.
- Hoists or winches: The lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the load.
- Trolley/trolleys: The movable component that carries the hoist along the crane girder.
- Control cabinet: The crane's electrical control system.
- Pendant or remote control: The panel used by the operator to control the crane.
Want to know more about the technical details? Take a look at the essential components of an overhead crane.
Different Types of Crane Girders
An overhead crane can be designed with one or two girders.
- Single-girder overhead crane: One crane girder, suitable for lighter loads and smaller spans.
- Double-girder overhead crane: Two crane girders, ideal for heavier loads and larger spans. A double-girder crane offers greater stability, making it perfect for higher lifting heights as well.
The crane's girders can also be made from different steel profiles.
- H-profile: A commonly used profile shape for crane girders, suitable for spans up to a maximum of 19 metres.
- Box profile: Used for very heavy loads or larger spans.
The choice between a single-girder or double-girder crane and the type of profile depends on several factors. In addition to the load weight and span, considerations include the operating environment, available lifting height, specific applications, and individual requirements.
How Does an Overhead Crane Work?
An overhead crane moves forwards and backwards along the runway structure. The hoist or winch travels sideways along the crane girder(s), making virtually any position within the work area reachable.
The runway structure itself is not part of the crane, but it must be strong enough to support the crane's weight along with the maximum lifting load.
Want to request an overhead crane straight away? Use our overhead crane configurator.
Benefits of Overhead Cranes for Your Organisation
Overhead cranes offer clear advantages for companies committed to safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Increased productivity: Quickly and easily move heavy loads.
- Improved safety: Less manual lifting and fewer handling steps when moving a load, reducing the risk of injury.
- Optimal use of space: Full coverage of the work area.
- Sustainable solution: Long service life and low maintenance costs when properly managed.
- Flexibility: Suitable for a wide range of applications and sectors.
"A well-chosen overhead crane is the foundation of a safe and efficient workplace. By minimising manual lifting and optimising logistical processes, companies achieve immediate gains in productivity and a reduction in incidents."
Mennens: Your Partner for Safe and Certified Overhead Cranes
Mennens has been a specialist in steel cables, lifting equipment, and fall protection since 1888.
As an EKH-certified inspection company, Mennens offers a wide range of services:
- Inventorying and inspecting lifting equipment
- Inspecting and testing in accordance with the latest standards
- Repairs and any required testing
- Hands-on training for safe use
With personal communication and decisive service, Mennens supports companies in creating a safe, efficient, and sustainable working environment.
Want to know more?
Contact your nearest Mennens branch.
