An overhead crane system can be a big benefit to a plant: it improves production and material handling methods, and specific cranes handle different environments in an efficient manner. This guide explains the five main kinds of overhead crane, how to tell them apart and how to choose between them, because the kind of overhead crane training and certification an operator needs can depend on the kind of crane required for the job.
Overhead cranes can differ so significantly in the names of specs and forms. Selecting the right kind of crane for in-house lifting is important to maximizing productivity, increased workflow, and receiving outstanding results for the business.
The different kinds of overhead cranes will include:
- Bridge Cranes
- Gantry Cranes
- Monorail Cranes
- Jib Cranes
- Workstation Cranes
Kinds of Overhead Cranes
An overhead crane vessel makes a vital difference in the material handling process from above. Overhead cranes reduce potential accidents in the workplace. Elimination of needing to manually hall loads in workshops, factories, and more.
The fundamentals of utilizing a crane are to increase progress at safer and faster paste without having to overwork employees. Working smarter not harder requires proper ergonomic training for employees in the workplace environment. Here are several different kinds of cranes from which to choose.
Bridge Cranes
The most common model of overhead cranes that can be found on the market are bridge cranes. A bridge crane has a runway that works with 2 beams of the existing building structure. Bridge cranes come in two forms single and dual beam. Nonetheless, a double beam enables you to lift a load higher than a single beam crane. A single beam is more simplistic, being easy to set up, and more affordable than a double beam. A single beam is related to a single girder and a double beam is related to a double girder.
Gantry Cranes
With overhead gantry cranes being hung on a support beam support legs can be mounted on the surface or underground. Gantry cranes are proper for outside employment because they don’t require the beams to be attached to the building structure. Gantry crane are perfect for lifting in a shipyard. A Gantry crane would be the right kind of system in a shipyard.
Monorail Cranes
A monorail cranes utilize a trolley that uses an I-beam to move the hoist. A conventional monorail crane provides the load to move back and forward within a straight line. Rails can be customized to accommodate the crane. Monorail cranes are suitable for better production and manufacture lines.
Jib Cranes
Jib cranes don't need to use a runway system. A jib crane mounts onto a wall along with an attached boom stretching overhead the lifting zone. These kinds of overhead cranes move in a circular motion way. It is designed to move in 180 to 360 angles. Perfect for maximizing space because of its small radius.
Workstation Cranes
Workstation cranes usually have a helpful design for small spaces that are tight. A workstation crane is lightweight and can lift up to two tons of material and is perfect for repetitive duties. They are economically known to be effortless work.
The Five Kinds of Overhead Cranes Side by Side
The quickest way to tell these cranes apart is to look at what holds the crane up and how far the load has to travel. The table below sums up the five kinds described above.
| Kind of crane | What holds it up | How the load travels | Where it fits best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge crane | A runway that works with two beams of the existing building structure | Along the runway and across the bridge, in single or double beam (girder) form | Indoor bays in workshops and factories; the most common model on the market |
| Gantry crane | Its own support legs, mounted on the surface or underground | Along the travel of the legs, with the hoist crossing the span | Outside employment and shipyards, where beams cannot be attached to the building |
| Monorail crane | A single I-beam with a trolley that carries the hoist | Back and forward in a straight line, on rails that can be customized | Production and manufacturing lines that repeat the same move |
| Jib crane | A wall mount, with a boom stretching over the lifting zone | In a circular motion, through 180 to 360 degrees | A single work area or corner, where space has to be used well |
| Workstation crane | A light structure over one work station | Short, repeated lifts inside the station | Tight spaces and repetitive duties, up to two tons |
How to Choose Between the Different Kinds of Overhead Cranes
Walk the area with the lift in mind and answer these questions before you settle on a kind of crane.
- Can the building carry the crane? A bridge crane needs a runway that works with the beams of the existing structure. Where that is not possible, a gantry crane brings its own legs instead.
- Is the work inside or outside? Gantry cranes are proper for outside employment because they do not require the beams to be attached to the building structure.
- Does the load follow one fixed path? A monorail moves the load back and forward in a straight line, which suits a production line better than a crane that has to cover a whole bay.
- Is the lifting in one spot only? A jib crane swings through a circle from a wall mount and takes up very little room.
- Is the lifting light and repetitive? A workstation crane is lightweight and made for repeated duties in a small space.
- Single or double beam? A double beam lets you lift a load higher; a single beam is more simplistic, easier to set up and more affordable.
Bridge Crane or Gantry Crane?
Both move a load along a span above the work area, and the difference is only what holds that span up. A bridge crane borrows the building, running on a runway fixed to the structure. A gantry crane stands on its own legs, so it can work in the open air, or in a building whose steel cannot take a runway.
Is an Overhead Crane the Same Thing as a Bridge Crane?
Not quite. Overhead crane is the family name for any crane that handles the load from above, and a bridge crane is one member of that family, along with gantry, monorail, jib and workstation cranes. That is worth knowing when you read the rules, because OSHA and ASME group them together as overhead and gantry cranes.
Does the Kind of Crane Change the Training?
It changes the hands-on part. Our bridge and gantry crane training puts classroom instruction together with hands-on operation on the cranes your crew actually runs, and finishes with a written exam and a practical operator evaluation. The classroom work is much the same whichever crane you have; what changes is the controls the operator uses, the inspection points on that machine, and what the practical evaluation asks the operator to do.
- The course is built on OSHA 1910.179, OSHA 1926.1400 where it applies, and ASME B30.2, B30.11, B30.16 and B30.17.
- Reading the load chart and the data plate, daily and periodic inspections, hand signals, rigging basics and controlling load swing apply to every kind of overhead crane.
- An operator is evaluated on the equipment they will run, so a crew with several kinds of cranes needs each kind included in the hands-on session.
- Plan on a refresher and re-evaluation every three years, and sooner if an operator moves to a different crane, is involved in an incident or near miss, or is seen operating unsafely.
The full course outline, the standards covered and what each operator receives are set out on our bridge and gantry crane training page, the crane types and service areas are on our services page, and you can contact us for a quote on your own cranes.
Common Questions About the Kinds of Overhead Cranes
Which kinds of cranes does the operator course cover?
New and experienced operators of overhead bridge cranes, gantry and semi-gantry cranes, jib cranes, wall cranes and hoists, plus the riggers and signal persons who work with them.
Is a licence needed to run an overhead crane?
OSHA does not issue a licence for in-plant bridge and gantry cranes. It requires the employer to train each operator, evaluate them on the equipment, designate them as qualified and keep the records.
Can the training be done at our plant, on our own cranes?
Yes. Most classes are held on site on the customer's own cranes and loads, on a shift that suits production, and classes also run at our own locations.
Overhead Crane Training School
For more information contact our overhead crane training school here toll-free at (888) 501-1355. We provide top crane service in the overhead crane industry contact us today and get a free quote.
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