Editorial Technical Reference

Trolley

This page explains how Trolley 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 movable carriage that travels along the horizontal jib of a tower crane to position loads.

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

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Trolley

Definition
The trolley is a critical component of a tower crane's horizontal movement system. It consists of a carriage assembly equipped with wheels or rollers that move along rails on the crane's jib. The trolley carries the hoisting mechanism (hook block, wire rope, and sometimes the hoist motor) and enables precise horizontal positioning of loads across the crane's working radius. Its movement is controlled by a separate trolley drive system, typically using electric motors and gearboxes. The trolley is typically made of high-strength steel or alloy steel, with material grades such as Q235–Q345 (per GB/T 700) for structural parts. Key parameters include rated load capacity (1–50 t, per ISO 4301-1), trolley travel speed (10–60 m/min), trolley weight (0.5–5 t), rail gauge (0.5–3 m), wheel diameter (100–500 mm), motor power (1.5–15 kW), power supply (380–690 V AC, per IEC 60038), operating temperature (-20–50 °C, with cold-resistant steel required below -20 °C), IP rating (IP54–IP65, per IEC 60529), and noise level (≤80 dB(A), per ISO 4871). These values are reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application. The trolley's design must match the crane's jib rail spacing and load requirements. For procurement, confirm the exact specifications with the legal manufacturer or supplier, and verify compliance with applicable standards. The trolley operates within defined load and speed limits; exceeding these can cause structural failure or loss of control. Regular inspection of wheels, rails, and drive components is essential to detect wear or damage. Maintenance signals include unusual noise, vibration, or deviation from normal travel speed. Failure boundaries include overload, rail misalignment, or brake failure, which can lead to dropped loads or crane instability.
Working Principle
The trolley is driven by an electric motor connected to a gearbox and drive wheels. The motor receives signals from the crane operator's controls, causing the drive wheels to rotate and move the trolley along the jib rails. Braking systems (mechanical or electrical) are used to stop and hold the trolley at the desired position. Some systems use rack-and-pinion drives, while others use friction drives with rubber-tired wheels. The drive system must provide sufficient traction and braking force to handle the rated load and travel speed. The operator's input is translated into precise movement, allowing accurate load placement. The trolley's movement is limited by the jib length and safety stops at the ends. The control system may include limit switches and anti-collision devices to prevent over-travel. The working principle is based on converting electrical energy into mechanical motion, with the motor and gearbox providing the necessary torque and speed reduction. The braking system ensures safe stopping and holding, especially when the crane is not in operation or during emergency stops.
Common Materials
High-strength steel, Alloy steel
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Rated Load Capacity1–50 tMaximum load at rated radiusISO 4301-1
Trolley Travel Speed10–60 m/minAffects cycle time
Trolley Weight0.5–5 tInfluences crane dead load
Rail Gauge0.5–3 mMust match jib rail spacing
Wheel Diameter100–500 mmDetermines rail contact stress
Motor Power1.5–15 kWFor travel drive
Power Supply380–690 V ACThree-phaseIEC 60038
Operating Temperature-20–50 °CBelow -20°C requires cold-resistant steel
IP RatingIP54–IP65For electrical enclosuresIEC 60529
Noise Level≤80 dB(A)At operator positionISO 4871
Material GradeQ235–Q345Structural steelGB/T 700

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
  • Trolley Frame
    Main structural support that houses all other trolley components
    Material: High-strength steel
  • Drive Wheels
    Powered wheels that provide motion along the jib rails
    Material: Alloy steel with rubber treads
  • Guide Wheels Part
    Non-powered wheels that keep trolley aligned on rails
    Material: Alloy steel
  • Trolley Drive Motor
    Electric motor that provides power for trolley movement
    Material: Copper, steel, aluminum
  • Gearbox
    Reduces motor speed and increases torque for trolley movement
    Material: Cast iron, steel gears
  • Brake System
    Mechanical or electrical system to stop and hold trolley position
    Material: Steel, friction materials
  • Trolley Hook Block
    Attachment point for hoist ropes and load hook
    Material: Forged steel
  • Rack-and-Pinion Drives Optional
    Positive-drive alternative to friction wheels on some trolleys.

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Trolley.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: N/A (mechanical system, not pressure-based)
other spec: Max load capacity: 5-25 tons (typical), Travel speed: 0-30 m/min, Wind resistance: Up to 20 m/s operational
temperature: -20°C to +50°C (standard operating range)
Media Compatibility
✓ Construction materials (steel beams, concrete panels) ✓ Modular building components ✓ Industrial equipment modules
Unsuitable: Corrosive chemical environments without protective coatings
Sizing Data Required
  • Maximum load weight (tons)
  • Required travel distance along jib (meters)
  • Operating duty cycle (hours/day, lifts/hour)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Wheel bearing seizure
Cause: Lack of lubrication leading to metal-on-metal contact, overheating, and eventual binding due to contamination ingress or improper maintenance intervals.
Structural weld fatigue cracking
Cause: Cyclic loading from repeated heavy loads or impacts causing stress concentration at weld joints, exacerbated by poor weld quality or design.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Audible grinding or squealing from wheels during movement
  • Visible wobble or misalignment of the trolley frame during use
Engineering Tips
  • Implement a scheduled lubrication program for wheel bearings using manufacturer-recommended grease, and regularly clean debris from wheel tracks.
  • Conduct periodic non-destructive testing (e.g., visual or dye penetrant inspection) on critical welds and reinforce high-stress areas with gussets if needed.

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
ANSI/ASME B30.2 - Overhead and Gantry Cranes DIN 15155 - Hand-operated industrial trucks

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Wheel alignment: +/- 1.5 mm
  • Load capacity deviation: +/- 5% of rated capacity
Quality Inspection
  • Load test to 125% of rated capacity
  • Non-destructive testing of welds (visual and ultrasonic)

Manufacturers of Trolley

3 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, Overhead Crane, Remote Control and 3 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of a trolley on a tower crane?

The trolley moves along the horizontal jib to position loads horizontally. It carries the hoisting mechanism and allows precise placement of loads within the crane's working radius.

What materials are commonly used for trolley construction?

Trolleys are typically made of high-strength steel or alloy steel. Structural steel grades such as Q235–Q345 (per GB/T 700) are often used, but the exact material must be confirmed with the manufacturer.

What are typical travel speeds for a trolley?

Typical trolley travel speeds range from 10 to 60 m/min, depending on the crane model and application. The actual speed should be verified for the specific trolley.

How is the trolley driven and controlled?

The trolley is driven by an electric motor connected to a gearbox and drive wheels. The operator controls the motor via signals, and braking systems (mechanical or electrical) stop and hold the trolley. Some systems use rack-and-pinion or friction drives.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification
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