There are several types of cranes hoists that are commonly used in industry, they are overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes and monorail hoists. Let’s describe the types of cranes mentioned above.
Crane Hoist Types:
1. Overhead Travelling Crane.
Overhead travelling cranes consist of hoist & trolley, girders, end carriages, rails, runway beams, electrical, panels and control systems. If using one main girder, it is called single girder overhead travelling crane and if it uses two girders, it is called double girder overhead travelling crane. Often called as a bridge crane, this equipment is the type of crane most used in workshops, warehouses, power plants and factories. Overhead travelling crane is designed by utilizing building construction and it can run along runway rails which installed above the structures or columns of the building. This type of crane can be designed to service and covering almost the entire area below which can be reached by the hoist that moves along the girder.
What if we want to install an overhead travelling crane on a building whose construction was not designed to be able to withstand the weight to be lifted and with the weight of the crane itself? What’s the solution? We can do it by strengthening the existing columns, by adding additional columns to the building which is connected with the support of steel profile so that the construction becomes stronger and a runway beam can be installed on it. If this is not possible, then we can build a new structure that is separate from the construction of the building called the free-standing structure. This structure is designed to be able to withstand the maximum load that will occur so that overhead travelling cranes can run on it.
2. Gantry Crane.
Gantry / Semi Gantry Crane is a crane stands on the gantry’s leg. The girder construction is connected to the gantry leg which is equipped with end carriages so it can run on rails without additional structures such as runway beams and columns. As well as overhead cranes, this type of cranes can be designed using double girder or single girder. Gantry cranes are widely used for outdoor areas because it does not require additional structures. In some buildings where the construction is not strong enough to be installed overhead travelling cranes, as an alternative choice we can use gantry cranes inside the building.
3. Jib Crane.
For small areas and the load is not too heavy then we can use a jib crane. Jib cranes can be installed on the floor or by utilizing building columns. By using a jib crane we can transport material in a half circle (180 degrees) or a full circle (360 degrees). In some standard applications, this type of crane can be a relatively cheaper solution compared to the other types.
4. Monorail Hoist.
Monorail can move in two directions, up/down and move along the monorail beam. A monorail is very effective to use if it is designed according to the factory layout. Monorail beams can be adjusted to the area and turn in radius using a special trolley that can rotate following the monorail track. This allows us to create an endless path or a continuous monorail system.
That is a little description of hoist crane types commonly used in industry. Of course, each type of crane has advantages and disadvantages that needs to be adjusted to your needs in the field.
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