How to choose the right overhead crane,gantry crane and jib crane?Choosing the right crane can be overwhelming and confusing. There are a lot of factors to consider, but we can make that process a little easier by providing critical information that will help you to make the right choice—and the best possible investment.
How to choose the right overhead crane?This type of crane is exactly what it sounds like — a bridge between two side rails in an “H” configuration. The crane bridge slides between the side rails. And in most cases, overhead bridge cranes are roof-mounted or freestanding and can have several bridges.
The benefits of using an overhead gantry crane are that it covers a much larger area than a jib crane. overhead bridge cranes are usually designed to cover an an entire manufacturing workspace, and are also extremely useful for loading and unloading trucks.
Overhead cranes come in single, double and box girder designs which depend on your lifting capacity or application. Typically, single girder designs support lifting capacities up to approximately 20 tons with spans of 60 ft. Anything above would be supported by a double or box girder.
Choosing the right solution is critical as there are multiple configurations that need to suit your needs. This is why a majority of them are custom tailored per application.
The maximum weight of your application should not exceed the lifting capacity of your crane.
The span or width of your crane system is critical in determining the size of the crane needed. Will it be the width of your building or a work station? An example would be that typically, overhead cranesoperate from the ceiling of your building and gantry cranes on the floor in a specific work area.
The operational frequency that your crane will be used will define the crane classification required for your application. Each classification is clearly defined using the CMAA service classes by the Material Handling Industry of America.
Typically, overhead crane systems are supported by runway structures that are attached to the building to reduce the amount of space needed for the structure. An alternative method is a free standing runway to support your structure.
How to choose the right gantry crane?An increasingly popular alternative to the overhead traveling bridge crane, the gantry crane is widely used as an outdoor solution. The main distinction between the two types of bridge cranes is that the freestanding gantry crane has two rigid steel legs that allow it to be used outdoors.
Gantry cranes are usually available in spans up to 150 feet with a capacity of 150 tons, and are often used in rail and shipyards. Surprisingly enough, they sometimes cost less than a bridge crane of similar size.
Certain “trackless” gantries are also wheel-operated, and can move about freely without the use of end trucks.
Durability and capacity. A typical gantry crane is used for heavy duty usage. Dongqi gantry crane adopts quality parts and components to ensure the safety of gantry crane and your operation personnel. The capacity of Dongqi gantry crane ranges from 1 ton -500 ton, etc.
Powered & non-powered.Powered gantry crane can help reduce operator fatigue and increase material handling efficiency and capabilities whereas the non-powered gantry cranes are a very cost-effective material handling solutions. Dongqi is able to provide both powered and non-powered gantry cranes.
Operational efficiency. Select the gantry cranes which can be easily used in your facility while improving productivity.
Ease of use and ergonomics. Gantry crane should reduce the repetitive strain for operators and at the same time to ensure safety and comfortableness of the operator.
How to choose the right jib crane?The most common type of crane, stationary and mobile jib cranes (the ones used construction projects) can pivot perpendicular to a stationary axis. The 180 to 360 degree rotation is most useful in construction projects and as individual workstations in welding or fabrication.
Jib cranes really run the gamut in terms of specifications and pricing. The one pictured is more common, and may have a capacity of a ton or so, but larger construction cranes can support up to 100 tons or more. In all cases, jib cranes are usually less expensive than bridge or gantry cranes, and can be used to very precisely spot lighter loads.
Jibs are very versatile, but the obvious drawback is that they don’t have a wide coverage area.
Area of rotation: Freestanding and mast style jib cranes offer 360-degree rotation; wall-mounted cranes offer 200-degree rotation.
Underboom height: Distance from floor to underside of jib crane’s boom. Also factor in hoist size and lifting height needed.
Overall jib crane height: Factor in any attachments, such as electrical entry, so the crane will be free from overhead obstructions.
Actual working span needed: The working (or hook) distance is roughly the length of the boom, less ½ trolley length at each end.
Power requirements: Will you need power for your jib crane’s motor drive, its trolley, its hoist…or all three? Will the power be electric or air? Bottom or top entry? Indoor or outdoor use?
Installation: The engineers can review your application and together with our engineering staff, make expert recommendations.
Choosing the right crane for your application and facility will ultimately save you money in the future .At the same time,it can dramatically improve operations, streamline production, and increase worker safety.
