An overhead bridge crane is a critical piece of material-handling equipment widely used in modern industrial environments. Whether in steel manufacturing, mechanical assembly, warehousing, or logistics operations, bridge cranes provide high efficiency, stability, and safety for lifting and transporting heavy loads. With many configurations, capacities, and installation options available, understanding the structure, major components, operating principles, crane types, and safety requirements is essential for choosing the right equipment.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to overhead cranes, offering a clear overview of crane types, uses, maintenance, safety training, and regulatory considerations.
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Different industries and facilities require different lifting systems. Below are the most common types of overhead crane（overhead crane types）, with each category offering unique advantages depending on the working environment and lifting needs.
A single girder overhead crane uses one main beam to support the hoist.
This type is known for its cost-effectiveness, lightweight design, quick installation, and suitability for light to medium-duty lifting.
It is one of the most widely used bridge crane options in warehouses, workshops, and manufacturing plants.
With two main girders, this crane provides higher stability, greater strength, and increased lifting height.
It is the preferred choice for heavy-duty industries such as metallurgy, machinery manufacturing, and large-scale construction projects.
Double girder cranes typically support larger spans and offer more customization options, such as maintenance walkways, auxiliary hoists, and specialized lifting devices.
Top-running cranes operate on rails mounted above runway beams, allowing for maximum lifting height and the highest load capacity.
They are ideal for buildings requiring unobstructed hook travel, large spans, and heavy, continuous lifting tasks.
Also called under-running cranes, these cranes travel along the bottom flange of runway beams.
They are excellent solutions for facilities with limited space or insufficient structural support for top-running systems.
Underhung cranes are commonly used in assembly lines, light fabrication workshops, and areas requiring flexible movement.
A gantry crane functions similarly to a bridge crane but is supported by legs that run along ground tracks instead of elevated runways.
It is ideal for outdoor applications, including precast yards, large fabrication workshops, shipyards, logistics terminals, and container handling.
This simple lifting system uses a single, straight, or curved beam and is designed for point-to-point material movement.
Monorail cranes are widely used in assembly lines, electroplating workshops, and continuous production processes.
An overhead crane consists of several interconnected mechanical and electrical systems designed to move loads safely and precisely.
Common overhead crane components include:
Bridge girders – structural beams that support the trolley
End trucks / end carriages – enable crane movement along runway beams
Trolley and hoist – essential for vertical lifting and cross-travel
Hoisting mechanism（overhead crane hoist parts） – motor, gearbox, brake, drum, wire rope or chain
Runway beams & supporting structures – determine crane travel area
Control systems – pendant control, remote control, or cabin operation
Electrical system – power supply, aviation plugs, conductor bars, and wiring
Safety protections – overload limiter, limit switches, anti-collision sensors, emergency stop
A bridge crane performs lifting operations through coordinated movements:
Hoisting up/down by the hoist
Cross-travel by the trolley
Long-travel by the entire bridge running on the runways
These three motions allow full coverage of rectangular working areas, enabling efficient three-dimensional material handling.
Overhead cranes are widely used across many industries due to their flexibility, efficiency, and safety.
Used for loading, unloading, storing, and transferring heavy materials such as steel coils, molds, pallets, and mechanical components.
Precision lifting is required during equipment assembly, making single girder cranes, monorails, and underhung cranes ideal for production lines.
Facilities handling shipping, receiving, and logistics distribution rely on overhead cranes for fast and accurate load movement.
Used to lift engines, gearboxes, pumps, and large components during equipment inspections or repair work.
Industries such as steel plants, mines, energy production, and chemical processing rely heavily on high-capacity double girder cranes and gantry cranes.
Selecting the right crane depends on several technical, structural, and operational factors.
Load capacity
Lifting height
Span and working area
Duty cycle (operation frequency)
Type of material and handling method
Column spacing
Ceiling height
Available runway space
Indoor or outdoor environment
Different structures determine whether a facility should choose a top-running, underhung, single girder, or double girder system.
Production lines, maintenance workshops, and heavy-duty industrial zones all require different crane configurations.
Beyond the purchase price, buyers should consider:
Installation cost
Energy consumption
Long-term maintenance
Spare parts replacement
Expected service life
A qualified bridge crane manufacturer offers:
Certified products
Engineering and custom design
On-site installation
Technical support
Spare parts availability
Safe operation is mandatory in every industry. Key practices include:
Following rated load capacity
Using appropriate slings and rigging
Ensuring communication via standard overhead crane hand signals
Conducting daily inspections
Keeping personnel away from suspended loads
Avoiding sudden movements and side pulling
Operators should be trained on:
Crane structure & function
Pre-operation inspection
Load calculation
Operation procedures
Emergency stop & response
Safety signals and communication
Many countries require a formal overhead crane licence for legal operation.
A professional maintenance plan includes:
Daily visual checks
Regular lubrication
Monthly functional tests
Annual load testing
Compliance with manufacturer service schedules
Depending on the region, cranes may need certifications such as:
CE / EN
ISO
OSHA
FEM
CMAA
Proper overhead crane certification ensures that the equipment meets international safety standards and is legally approved for use.
Selecting the right overhead bridge crane is more than choosing a lifting machine—it is a decision that affects your facility’s efficiency, long-term operating cost, and workplace safety. By understanding the main crane types, key components, working principles, and available safety features, you can evaluate which system truly meets your lifting needs and fits your building conditions.
When comparing different overhead crane types, consider not only load capacity and lifting height, but also duty cycle, future expansion, and compliance with local regulations. Proper installation, operator training, and ongoing maintenance are essential to ensure safe and reliable crane performance throughout its entire service life.
Whether you are purchasing a new crane, upgrading an existing system, or improving safety management, this guide provides the foundation you need to make informed, confident decisions. If you require more detailed specifications or customized lifting solutions, feel free to explore the related articles or consult with a professional crane manufacturer for further assistance.
An overhead bridge crane is a lifting system consisting of a bridge, hoist, trolley, and runways that allow the crane to move loads horizontally and vertically. The hoist lifts the load, the trolley moves along the bridge, and the entire bridge travels along the runway beams to cover a large working area. This makes it ideal for manufacturing, assembly, warehouse logistics, and heavy industrial applications.
A single girder crane uses one beam and is suitable for light to medium-duty applications with lower investment costs.
A double girder crane uses two beams and offers higher lifting capacity, greater stability, and more lifting height, making it ideal for heavy-duty or industrial applications.
A top running bridge crane provides higher capacity and maximum hook height because it runs on the top of runway beams.
An underhung bridge crane runs on the bottom of the beams and is perfect for facilities with limited building support or low headroom.
The choice depends on structural conditions and lifting needs.
With proper maintenance, an overhead crane can last 20–30 years or more. Lifespan depends on usage frequency, load conditions, environment, and maintenance practices. Heavy-duty cranes may require modernization or component upgrades after 10–15 years.
Most cranes require:
Daily inspections (operators check hooks, brakes, wire ropes, controls)
Monthly inspections (mechanical systems, structural integrity)
Annual inspections by certified technicians
High-duty cranes or harsh environment applications may require more frequent inspections. Regular maintenance helps extend equipment lifespan and prevents unexpected downtime.
Price varies depending on crane type, capacity, span, lifting height, duty cycle, and control system.
A basic single girder crane may cost a few thousand dollars, while a large double girder or gantry crane can range much higher. Additional factors such as installation, electrics, and safety devices contribute to total cost.
For accurate pricing, buyers should request a customized quotation from a bridge crane manufacturer.
With 34 years of manufacturing experience and 12 years of export expertise, we have built a dual advantage of professional qualifications and a global presence. Our business covers more than 100 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. We are certified under the ISO management system and hold CE product certifications. Our main product lines include six major series—electric hoists, electric winches, gantry cranes, bridge cranes, marine cranes, and portal cranes—comprising nearly 100 different models.
If you want to learn more, please contact us.
E-mail address: karida@weiyinglift.com
Website: www.wycrane.com
