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Overhead cranes - everything you need to know

Overhead cranes are not as well known as, say, similar cranes, but this does not mean that they are any less useful. Below we describe how they function.

What are cranes?

Overhead cranes are similar to cranes, i.e. they are mainly used for lifting and moving things. They usually consist of a so-called platform which travels on special tracks, and the hoist, which in turn travels along the support. This performs the most important function, as it is to it that the materials to be transported are attached. Overhead cranes are mainly used in the manufacturing and transport industries as well as in handling and assembly. 

Types of cranes

Overhead crane against the warehouse roof

There are many types of cranes depending on which category we use. However, let's focus on those differentiated by their type of construction. We distinguish between:

  • overhead travelling cranes (track-mounted and suspended),
  • cantilever cranes,
  • gantry cranes,
  • semi-gantry cranes,
  • column cranes.

The bridge crane has already been briefly described above. It is an overhead crane that has a platform on which a hoist moves. It works best, for example, in warehouses. The cantilever crane is very similar, only different in shape. A gantry crane has special supports that support the track on which it moves, while a half-gantry crane has both a single track and a flyover. Gantry cranes may also have an operator's cabin. Column cranes, on the other hand, are usually supported by a single, vertical column.

Overhead cranes vs. cranes

Both overhead cranes and cranes serve essentially the same purpose - to move heavy materials from one place to another. For this reason, they share similarities in design, such as hoists. Overhead cranes, however, are limited by, for example, the length of the travel path or platform. For the same reason, they perform well where cranes would be difficult to use, i.e. in small spaces such as production halls.

Q&A:

1. what are cranes?

Overhead cranes are lifting devices that move on special tracks. They are mainly used for handling materials in warehouses and production halls

2. What are the types of cranes?

Overhead cranes are differentiated according to a number of different factors. Those separated by design are overhead travelling cranes, gantry cranes, half gantry cranes, cantilever cranes and column cranes. They differ primarily in the way they are moved and operated.  

3. What are the differences between cranes and overhead cranes?

Overhead cranes are best suited to areas where it would be difficult to move an ordinary crane. However, their scope is limited due to their design.  

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