Editorial Technical Reference

Overhead Crane

This page explains how Overhead Crane is classified within Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A material handling machine that moves loads horizontally and vertically along a fixed overhead runway system.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Overhead Crane

Definition
An overhead crane is a type of industrial lifting equipment consisting of parallel runways with a traveling bridge spanning the gap. The bridge carries a hoist which moves along the bridge to lift, lower, and transport heavy materials within a defined rectangular area. These cranes are typically installed in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and assembly facilities where they provide efficient material handling over large work areas without occupying floor space. The crane structure is primarily fabricated from structural steel and alloy steel, ensuring strength and durability. Key parameters include lifting capacity (5–50 metric tons), span length (10–35 meters), lifting height (6–30 meters), and travel speeds for bridge (20–80 m/min), trolley (10–40 m/min), and hoist (2–20 m/min). The duty class, based on load spectrum and operating hours, ranges from A5 to A8 per ISO 4301. The crane operates on a 380V electrical supply (IEC 60038) and uses a 24V DC control voltage (IEC 61140). Ingress protection is typically IP54–IP55 (IEC 60529). Operating temperature range is -20°C to 40°C; outside this range requires special design. Crane weight varies from 10 to 80 tons, and maximum wheel load is 100–400 kN, critical for runway design. These values are reference ranges; actual specifications must be confirmed with the legal manufacturer for specific models and applications. Standards listed serve as procurement references and do not imply certification. Overhead cranes are essential for moving heavy loads efficiently and safely in industrial environments.
Working Principle
Overhead cranes operate using electric motors to drive three main movements: bridge travel along the runway beams, trolley travel across the bridge, and hoist lifting/lowering. The crane receives power through conductor bars or festoon systems. Operators control the crane via pendant stations or radio remote controls, coordinating the three axes of movement to precisely position loads. Safety systems include overload protection, limit switches, and emergency stop functions. The hoist mechanism uses a drum and wire rope or chain to lift loads, with braking systems to hold loads in position. The bridge and trolley movements are powered by separate motors with gearboxes, allowing independent control. The crane's structural integrity is maintained through regular inspections and maintenance of rails, wheels, and electrical components. Proper operation requires trained personnel to follow safety protocols and load charts.
Common Materials
Structural Steel, Alloy Steel
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Lifting CapacityRequired5–50 metric tonsMaximum safe working load the crane can liftISO 4301
Span LengthRequired10–35 metersDistance between runway beams
Lifting HeightRequired6–30 metersMaximum vertical travel distance of the hoist
Bridge Travel SpeedRequired20–80 meters/minuteMaximum speed of bridge movement along runways
Trolley Travel SpeedRequired10–40 meters/minuteMaximum speed of trolley movement across bridge
Hoisting SpeedRequired2–20 meters/minuteMaximum speed of load lifting and lowering
Duty ClassRequiredA5–A8 FEM/ISO classificationClassification based on load spectrum and operating hoursISO 4301
Power SupplyRequired380 voltsElectrical supply voltage and phaseIEC 60038
Operating Temperature-20–40 °COutside range requires special design
Ingress ProtectionIP54–IP55Higher IP for dusty/humid environmentsIEC 60529
Control Voltage24 V DCSafe extra-low voltageIEC 61140
Crane Weight10–80 tDepends on capacity and span
Max Wheel Load100–400 kNCritical for runway design

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Bridge Girder
    Main horizontal beam that spans between runways and supports the trolley
    Material: Structural steel with box or I-beam construction
  • End Trucks
    Support structures at each end of the bridge that contain wheels for runway travel
    Material: Steel fabrication with hardened steel wheels
  • Hoist Unit
    Lifting mechanism consisting of motor, gearbox, drum, and wire rope or chain
    Material: Steel housing with alloy steel gears and components
  • Trolley
    Carriage that moves along the bridge girder and carries the hoist
    Material: Steel frame with wheels and drive mechanism
  • Runway Beams Part
    Parallel beams mounted to building structure that support the crane's travel
    Material: Structural steel I-beams or box sections
  • Control System
    Operator interface for controlling crane movements, including pendant or remote control
    Material: Electronic components in protective housing
  • Power Feed System
    System that delivers electrical power to the moving crane, typically conductor bars or festoon
    Material: Copper conductors with insulating materials
  • Safety Devices
    Includes limit switches, overload protection, emergency stops, and warning systems
    Material: Various electronic and mechanical components
  • Cabin
    Operator's cab for controlling the crane from an elevated position
    Material: Steel frame with safety glass and insulation
  • Magnet System
    Electromagnetic lifting attachment for handling ferrous materials
    Material: Copper windings with steel core and housing
  • Braking Systems
    Hold the load in position when the hoist motor stops.

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Overhead Crane.

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: N/A (mechanical system)
other spec: Max wind speed: 20 m/s (operational), 40 m/s (survival); Humidity: ≤95% non-condensing; Duty cycle: C1-C6 per FEM 9.511
temperature: -20°C to +40°C (standard), -40°C to +60°C (specialized)
Media Compatibility
✓ Steel beams and plates ✓ Machinery components ✓ Containerized goods
Unsuitable: Explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones 0/1) without explosion-proof certification
Sizing Data Required
  • Maximum load capacity (tons)
  • Span length between runways (meters)
  • Lifting height/hoist travel (meters)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Wire rope degradation
Cause: Fatigue from repeated bending over sheaves, corrosion from environmental exposure, or improper spooling causing kinks and abrasion.
Brake system failure
Cause: Wear of brake linings/pads, contamination of braking surfaces with oil/grease, or misadjustment leading to insufficient braking torque or drag.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Unusual grinding or squealing noises during hoisting or trolley movement
  • Excessive sway or drift of the load when stopping, indicating brake slippage or mechanical play
Engineering Tips
  • Implement regular non-destructive testing (NDT) of critical components like wire ropes, hooks, and structural welds to detect internal flaws before catastrophic failure.
  • Establish and enforce strict load testing and calibration schedules for limit switches, overload protection devices, and braking systems to ensure safety functions operate within design specifications.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO 8686-1:2012 - Cranes - Design principles for loads and load combinations ANSI/ASME B30.2-2021 - Overhead and Gantry Cranes (Top Running Bridge, Single or Multiple Girder, Top Running Trolley Hoist) DIN EN 15011:2011 - Cranes - Bridge and gantry cranes

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Wheel alignment: +/- 0.5mm per meter of span
  • Hook block vertical alignment: +/- 1 degree from plumb under rated load
Quality Inspection
  • Load Test - 125% of rated capacity for structural integrity
  • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) - Magnetic Particle Inspection of critical welds and components

Manufacturers of Overhead Crane

11 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Dafang Crane
Henan, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
DGCRANE
Henan, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Eurocrane (China) Co., Ltd.
Jiangsu, CN
Also makes: Jib Crane, Remote Control, Trolley and 3 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Handan China Railway Bridge Machinery Co. Ltd.
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Henan Kuangshan Crane Co., Ltd.
Henan, CN
Also makes: Spreader, Gear Reducer, Gantry Crane and 2 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Henan Seven Industry
Henan, CN
Also makes: Gantry Crane, Portal Crane, Jib Crane and 5 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Henan Yuantai Crane Machinery Import&Export Co., Ltd.
Henan, CN
Also makes: Jib Crane, Gantry Crane, Bridge Crane and 4 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Huasui Crane
Henan, CN
Also makes: Gantry Crane, Hoist Winch, Portal Crane and 2 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Kinocranes
Henan, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
KSCRANE
Henan, CN
Also makes: Jib Crane, Tower Crane, Carrier Chassis and 5 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Nante Crane
Zhejiang, CN
Also makes: Hoisting Mechanism, Tower Crane, Offshore Crane and 7 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
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Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical lifting capacity range for overhead cranes?

According to the directory data, the lifting capacity range is 5 to 50 metric tons. However, this is a reference range; the actual capacity for a specific crane model must be confirmed with the legal manufacturer, as it depends on the design and application.

What standards apply to overhead crane duty classification?

The duty class is classified based on load spectrum and operating hours, ranging from A5 to A8, as per ISO 4301. This standard provides a framework for selecting the appropriate crane class for the intended service. Always verify compliance with the manufacturer.

What are the typical travel speeds for an overhead crane?

The bridge travel speed is typically 20 to 80 meters per minute, trolley travel speed is 10 to 40 meters per minute, and hoisting speed is 2 to 20 meters per minute. These are reference values; actual speeds may vary and should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

What electrical supply is required for an overhead crane?

The standard power supply is 380 volts, as per IEC 60038, and the control voltage is 24V DC per IEC 61140. However, the actual electrical requirements may differ based on the installation location and local regulations; always verify with the manufacturer.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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