On the stage of modern industrial production, single beam cranes play an indispensable role. It provides efficient and reliable material handling solutions for industrial production, logistics warehousing, construction and other fields with its simple and practical design, and is one of the important cornerstones for the efficient operation of modern industry.
Single beam crane is a type of bridge type lifting equipment, whose core feature is to use only one main beam as the main load-bearing structure. This main beam spans over the work area and is supported on the factory track at both ends by end beams. A horizontally movable electric hoist is installed below the main beam to achieve the lifting and horizontal handling of goods.
Its rated lifting capacity is usually between 0.5-20 tons, with a span range of 3-22.5 meters, and the working level is mostly A3-A5. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO 4301) defines it as a “lightweight lifting device that achieves load spatial displacement through a single main beam”.
The structure of a single beam crane is relatively simple, which makes its manufacturing and maintenance costs relatively low, the installation cycle short, and it can be quickly put into use. At the same time, its compact external dimensions and low requirements for building clearance height make it particularly suitable for factories and warehouses with limited space, effectively utilizing factory space resources.
The main beam is the core load-bearing component, which can be divided into I-beam, box beam, and truss beam. I-shaped steel beams are suitable for light load and small span scenarios; Box girder has high torsional stiffness and strong bearing capacity, suitable for medium load and large-span scenarios; The truss beam has a light weight and a large span, making it suitable for special scenarios, but the manufacturing cost is relatively high.
The end beam is located at both ends of the main beam, with built-in driving and driven wheels. Its main function is to support the main beam and connect it to the track, providing power for the longitudinal movement of the crane and ensuring its stability during operation.
The lifting mechanism is the part that directly executes the lifting and lowering of goods, mainly composed of electric hoists, integrated with motors, reducers, drum devices, wire ropes/chains, and hook components. The braking system ensures automatic locking in the event of a power outage, preventing the cargo from accidentally falling.
The large vehicle operating mechanism drives the entire crane to move longitudinally along the factory track, including the driving motor, reduction device, walking wheel set, and buffer device.
The small car operating mechanism drives the electric hoist to move laterally along the main beam track, achieving precise positioning.
The electrical system, like the “nervous system” of a crane, mainly includes control devices, protection devices, power supply systems, and safety monitoring devices. The control device includes a button station, remote control, or cab console, etc; The protective devices include overload protection, limit switches, emergency stops, etc; The power supply system is generally 380V three-phase AC power; Safety monitoring includes load limiters, collision prevention systems, etc.
The single beam crane completes material handling tasks through the coordinated coordination of three basic actions.
Lifting process: The operator starts the lifting motor of the electric hoist through the control system, and the motor drives the drum to rotate through the reducer, winding or releasing the steel wire rope, thereby driving the hook to achieve vertical lifting and lowering of the goods. The braking system ensures immediate braking when power is cut off or operation is stopped, preventing accidental dropping of goods.
Lateral movement: The electric hoist’s built-in small car running mechanism drives the hoist to move laterally along the track laid on the lower flange of the main beam, accurately positioning the goods directly above or to the side of the target position.
Vertical movement: The large vehicle operating mechanism drives the entire crane to move longitudinally along the tracks laid on both sides of the factory building, expanding the operating range.
Suspended single beam crane: The main beam is suspended below the roof track, saving ground space and allowing for flexible installation. It is suitable for places with light loads and limited space.
Supported single beam crane: supported on concrete or steel structure columns by end beams, with high stability and strong bearing capacity, suitable for standard factory buildings and conventional industrial environments.
Half door single beam crane: operates with a single-sided support leg and ground track, suitable for places with walls or obstacles on one side.
Electric single beam crane: using electric motors to drive various operating mechanisms, with high work efficiency and effortless operation, suitable for most industrial occasions.
Manual single beam crane: relying on manual operation, with a simple structure and low cost, suitable for temporary operations with light and low-frequency use.
Explosion proof single beam crane: equipped with explosion-proof motors and electrical components, suitable for flammable and explosive environments such as petroleum and chemical industries.
Single beam cranes are widely used in many fields due to their flexibility and economy.
Manufacturing industry: hoisting machine tool components, molds, and semi-finished products in mechanical manufacturing workshops; Used for lifting large components such as engines and transmissions in automotive assembly; Electronic equipment production line, used for handling and positioning large equipment.
In the field of logistics and warehousing: modular handling is achieved in conjunction with the shelving system of a three-dimensional warehouse; At the freight terminal, used for loading and unloading operations of containers and large cargo; In the distribution center, it is used for stacking and transporting heavy goods.
Energy and infrastructure construction: used for equipment installation and maintenance operations in power plants and water treatment plants; In construction, it is used for lifting and installing prefabricated components.
Other industrial fields: in metallurgical foundries, used for handling steel ingots and castings (requiring special design); In the Paper mill, it is used for the handling and positioning of large roll paper; In food processing plants, it is used for the loading and unloading of raw materials and finished products.
Simple structure, economical and practical: The single beam design eliminates the complex structure of the double beam crane, with relatively low manufacturing and maintenance costs, and a short installation cycle.
High space utilization: With compact exterior dimensions and low requirements for building clearance height, it is particularly suitable for factories and warehouses with limited space. The suspended design can fully release ground space.
Flexible and convenient operation: Supports multiple control methods such as ground remote control and cab operation. Operators can follow the load movement, with good visibility and precise positioning, adapting to frequent operation needs.
Strong adaptability: Corresponding types can be selected according to different working conditions, modular design facilitates functional expansion and modification, and can meet most conventional material handling needs.
Operator requirements: must undergo professional training and hold a certificate to work, be familiar with equipment performance and safety operating procedures, concentrate during operation, and strictly prohibit illegal operations.
Daily inspection points: Check the wear condition of the steel wire rope (with wire breakage not exceeding 10%), the sensitivity and reliability of the brake, the track status and whether the fasteners are loose, and the effectiveness of the limit switch.
Prohibited operating conditions: Overloading use; Slant pulling and hanging (angle exceeding 30 °); Lifting objects of unknown weight or instability; Forcefully operate when safety devices fail.
Daily maintenance: Clean the surface and track of the equipment, check the oil level at each lubrication point, and record any abnormal operating conditions.
Regular maintenance: Add lubricating grease to each moving part every week, check the electrical connections and component status every month, and replace the gearbox lubricating oil every six months.
Professional testing: Conduct annual load tests, perform flaw detection on the main beam every 3 years, and conduct regular inspections in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Structural features: The single beam crane is a single main beam with a simple structure; The double beam crane consists of a double main beam and a bridge frame, with a complex structure.
Lifting capacity: Single beam cranes typically weigh 0.5-20 tons; Double beam cranes can reach 5-500 tons or even larger.
Span: Single beam crane generally ≤ 15 meters (economic span); The double beam crane can reach over 30 meters.
Job level: A3-A5 (medium to light) for single beam cranes; The double beam crane is A5-A7 (heavy-duty).
Cost: Single beam crane is relatively low, easy to install and maintain; The double beam crane is relatively high and requires professional installation.
Stability: Single beam cranes are relatively low; Double beam cranes are higher and have strong resistance to eccentric loads.
Application scenario: Single beam crane is suitable for small and medium-sized workshops and warehouses; Double beam cranes are suitable for large factories and heavy industries.
Determine the rated lifting capacity based on the maximum lifting load, taking into account the dynamic load factor (usually 1.1-1.3).
Determine the span based on the actual column spacing of the factory building, and verify the deflection of the main beam (should be ≤ L/700).
Determine the lifting height based on process requirements and factory clearance.
Select the work level based on the frequency of use and load status.
Temperature range: The standard model is suitable for -20 ℃~+40 ℃, and customization is required for special environments.
Protection level: Conventional IP54, higher protection is required in humid or dusty environments.
Explosion proof requirements: Explosion proof type should be selected for flammable and explosive environments.
Corrosive environment: requires special surface treatment and anti-corrosion design.
As one of the most widely used lifting equipment in industrial production, single beam cranes play an irreplaceable role in manufacturing, logistics and warehousing, construction and other fields due to their simple structure, economic practicality, and flexible operation. Understanding the structural principles of single beam cranes, mastering their operating standards, and performing daily maintenance can not only fully utilize equipment efficiency and improve production efficiency, but also ensure operational safety and extend equipment service life.
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