Bridge Crane Selection Guide
Find the perfect overhead crane solution for your facility with our comprehensive selection guide
Engineered for excellence
Choosing the Right Crane for Your Operation
Selecting the appropriate bridge crane is critical for optimizing your material handling operations, ensuring worker safety, and maximizing your return on investment. This guide will help you understand the different types of overhead cranes available and identify which system best meets your specific application requirements, facility constraints, and operational demands.
Crane Types
Explore different crane configurations
Selection Factors
Key considerations for your choice
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side feature analysis
Decision Guide
Step-by-step selection process
Types
of Bridge Cranes
Top Running Single Girder Crane
The most economical overhead crane system featuring a single bridge girder with the hoist running on the bottom flange. The end trucks ride on rails mounted on top of the runway beams.
Best For:
Facilities with lower ceiling heights
Budget-conscious projects requiring reliable performance
Operations with moderate lifting frequency
Technical Specifications:
Capacity: Up to 20 tons
Duty Cycle: Class A-C
Lift Height: 20-40 ft typical
Key Advantages:
Reduced building height requirements
Simpler maintenance procedures
Faster installation timeframes
Adequate for most standard material handling tasks
Limitations:
Limited capacity for auxiliary equipment
Less suitable for heavy-duty cycle operations
Top Running Double Girder Crane
A heavy-duty crane system with two bridge girders supporting the hoist trolley, which rides on rails mounted on top of the girders. Provides maximum hook height and lifting capacity.
Best For:
High-capacity lifting requirements
Operations requiring maximum hook height
Facilities with frequent, intensive crane usage
Applications requiring multiple hoists or specialized equipment
Technical Specifications:
Capacity: 10-100+ tons
Duty Cycle: Class C-F
Lift Height: 40-100+ Ft
Key Advantages:
Superior load capacity and stability
Accommodates multiple hoists, walkways, and auxiliary equipment
Designed for continuous, heavy-duty operations
Enhanced structural rigidity and longevity
Better suited for precise positioning of heavy loads
Limitations:
Requires taller building clearance
More complex installation requirements
Under Running (Underhung) Single Girder Crane
A crane system where the bridge girder is suspended from and travels on the bottom flange of the runway beam. The entire crane hangs below the support structure.
Best For:
Lower capacity requirements
Maximizing floor space utilization
Retrofitting existing buildings
Applications requiring multiple cranes in the same bay
Technical Specifications:
Capacity: Up to 10 tons
Duty Cycle: Class A-B
Spans: Up to 70 ft
Key Advantages:
Multiple cranes can operate independently in same building
Easier to install in existing facilities
Lower building height requirements
Can be suspended from roof trusses or existing beams
Excellent for facilities with space constraints
Limitations:
Building structure must be adequately rated
Reduced hook height compared to top running systems
May have span limitations based on building structure
Gantry Crane
(Full or Semi)
A bridge crane supported by legs that travel on ground-level rails or wheels rather than elevated runway beams. Can be full gantry (both sides supported) or semi-gantry (one side elevated, one side at ground level).
Best For:
Facilities without adequate building structure for overhead cranes
Areas where building columns would interfere with operations
Portable or relocatable lifting solutions
Loading docks and shipping areas
Technical Specifications:
Capacity: 1-100 tons
Duty Cycle: Class A-D
Spans: Variable, 10-100 ft
Key Advantages:
Ideal for outdoor or open-air facilities
Can be relocated if operational needs change
Provides coverage in areas without building support
Semi-gantry design accommodates wall-mounted runway on one side
Flexible configuration options
Limitations:
Ground-level rails can interfere with traffic flow
May be subject to wind loads in outdoor applications
Typically higher initial cost than comparable bridge cranes
Workstation/
Jib Crane Systems
Lighter-duty crane systems designed for specific work cells or stations. Includes enclosed track workstation cranes and rotating jib cranes with limited coverage areas.
Best For:
Repetitive lifting tasks in defined areas
Ergonomic material handling solutions
Supplementing larger crane systems
Machine loading/unloading operations
Technical Specifications:
Capacity: Up to 2 tons
Duty Cycle: Class B-D
Coverage: 8-30 ft radius
Key Advantages:
Reduces operator fatigue with smooth, effortless operation
Quick installation with minimal facility modifications
Cost-effective for localized lifting needs
Multiple units can serve different workstations
Improves productivity in repetitive handling tasks
Limitations:
Lower capacity ratings
Not suitable for long-distance material transport
Engineered for excellence
Key Selection Factors
Load Capacity
Requirements
Determine your maximum lift weight including rigging and any load fluctuations. Always include a safety margin of 15–25% above your heaviest anticipated load.
Duty Cycle
Classification
CMAA classifications range from Class A (standby service) to Class F (continuous severe service). Your duty cycle determines structural requirements and component specifications.
Span and Coverage Area
Measure the required working area width and length. Consider column locations, obstructions, and whether full bay coverage is needed.
Hook Height
Requirements
Calculate the vertical lifting distance needed from floor to highest lift point. Account for load height, rigging, and hoist dimensions.
Building Structure
Assess existing building support capability, column locations, roof structure, and available clearance. This heavily influences crane type selection.
Speed Requirements
Determine necessary bridge travel, trolley cross-travel, and hoisting speeds based on production requirements and cycle time objectives.
Environmental
Conditions
Consider temperature extremes, corrosive atmosphere, humidity, outdoor exposure, and any special protective requirements.
Control Systems
Choose between pendant control, radio remote, or automated systems based on operational needs and safety considerations.
Budget Constraints
Balance initial capital investment with long-term operating costs, maintenance requirements, and expected service life.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Specification | Typical Capacity | Best Applications | Relative Cost | Installation Complexity |
| Top Running Single Girder | Up to 20 tons | General manufacturing, warehousing | $$ – $$$ | Low to Moderate |
| Top Running Double Girder | 10-100+ tons | Heavy manufacturing, steel mills, foundries | $$$ – $$$$ | Moderate to High |
| Under Running Single Girder | Up to 10 tons | Retrofits, multiple crane bays | $ – $$ | Low to Moderate |
| Gantry Crane | 1-100 tons | Outdoor yards, shipyards, container handling | $$$ – $$$$ | Moderate to High |
| Workstation/Jib | Up to 2 tons | Assembly stations, machine shops | $ – $$ | Low |
Step-by-Step Selection Process
Ready to Find Your Perfect Crane Solution?
Our experienced engineers are ready to help you select the ideal bridge crane system for your application. Contact us today for a free consultation and detailed quote.
