Crane manufacturers & suppliers: Other Types of Overhead Cranes

Overhead bridge cranes are commonly used in diverse industries and applications. However, not all applications are best served by a bridge crane. Other overhead cranes offer different arrangements and setups for different applications. If you’re installing a new overhead crane or want to know more about how your existing one works, continue reading to learn more about the most common types of overhead cranes.

Crane manufacturers & suppliers–Bridge Cranes

As we’ve mentioned, bridge cranes are a very common type of overhead crane. These cranes are installed inside manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and other buildings as permanent structures. A system of runways is installed throughout the building to provide material handling coverage to various locations. Then, bridges and end trucks are connected to the runways. Finally, hoists and trolleys are installed, and the electrical system, if present, is wired up.

Bridge cranes can use single-girder bridges constructed with one beam or double-girder bridges constructed with two beams. Typically, single-girder bridge cranes are ideal for light- to medium-duty applications, like Yuantai’s enclosed track Workstation Bridge Cranes with 250-4,000 pounds of lifting capacity. Double-girder bridge cranes are typically used in applications that require capacities of 15 tons or greater, or when longer bridge spans or greater hook heights are needed.

Crane manufacturers & suppliers–Gantry Cranes

An overhead gantry crane is essentially a fixed bridge attached to two columns with wheels. Rather than traveling along runways, a gantry crane operates directly on the ground. Some extreme-capacity gantries, such as those used for container handling at ports, may have a two-beam bridge on top of columns that travel on a track. As with overhead bridge cranes, a hoist and trolley system lifts, lowers, and moves the load.

At Yuantai, we offer four different gantry crane styles with options including adjustable heights, track mounting, power drives, and more.

Crane manufacturers & suppliers–Monorail Cranes

Much like a monorail train system, a monorail crane carries a load throughout a facility on a single suspended track. The monorail track is attached to the ceiling or a freestanding support structure. Depending on the length of the monorail crane setup, it may have multiple hoist and trolley systems, allowing operators to move multiple loads along the track.

Monorail cranes are well-suited for applications that require loads to be moved along a straight line. Many facilities that use monorail cranes do so above their assembly lines. However, monorail cranes can also incorporate curves and switches to access workstations in separate locations. Monorail cranes can even operate over a closed loop if needed.

Crane manufacturers & suppliers–Jib Cranes

A jib crane resembles an upside-down “L.” The most essential jib crane part is the individual beam, known as the boom, that supports the hoist and trolley to lift and move loads. The boom also supports any electrical components, air hoses, or other attachments. The boom can rotate 180 degrees or 360 degrees, allowing the crane operator to move loads along a semicircular or full circular path as needed.

Yuantai offers jib cranes with capacities up to 15 tons. These systems are ideal for applications that require operators to move loads over short distances. If your facility needs a highly reliable crane system and you don’t need to move loads over large distances, a jib crane might be the right option.

View Our System Selector and contact us to Learn More

Yuantai produces high-quality material handling overhead cranes and equipment for companies throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The welders at Yuantai are certified by the American Welding Society (AWS), so you can rest assured you’re getting reliable, top-grade products that can make your facility’s operations more streamlined and efficient. With Yuantai manufacturing facilities on both coasts, you can quickly receive the equipment you need.

Are you unsure which kind of overhead crane you need? Try using our System Selector to find the best option for your needs. Choose the options and features you need, such as travel type and capacity, and the System Selector will identify which of our crane systems offer the best solution. Feel free to use it multiple times until you find a configuration that works best for you.

If you prefer to browse our availability of parts and components, optional accessories, and complete crane systems, you can explore our complete product line. For further help, fill out our contact form, and one of our representatives will reach out to you. Let Yuantai be your source of quality, reliable material handling equipment and parts.