There is quite a large number of options available when it comes to overhead cranes. Many of these options are designed to meet the needs of a specific application or operation.
One of the most important options that you will have to consider when choosing the right crane for your application is whether you want the end trucks to travel on the bottom flange with a under hung overhead crane system, or on top of the crane runway with a top running bridge crane. In order to make this choice, you will need to understand the distinct benefits and shortcomings of each and the ways that they differ from one another.
An under hung crane is designed with functionality and flexibility in mind. The primary function of a top running bridge crane is to lift colossal loads. Both designs provide great usability and versatility.
A Closer Look at these Systems
The top running bridge crane is typically much heavier than the under hung system. Rails attached to the top of the runway support the end trucks. The end trucks of the under hung system work on the runway beams’ lower flange.
An under hung crane can operate side-by-side without interference. Multiple runways can be installed adjacently in wide bays in order to work at the same time and also pass one another on separate runways. The top running bridge crane system can accomplish the same multi-service setup when supported with gantry legs or auxiliary columns.
Heavy Loads Call for Top Running Systems
A top running system is great for applications that require heavy loads to be lifted and transported. If you need to lift loads that weigh in excess of twenty tons, it just makes good sense to choose a top running crane system.
Top running bridge cranes are designed to help with heavy loads rather than increase flexibility and use. Therefore, if you are not going to be lifting and moving such heavy loads, you will be better to choose an under running, or under hung, system.
When headroom is an important factor, a top running bridge crane can be incredibly beneficial. Since this type of crane system travels above the overhead runway, there in an abundance of headroom. With the double girder system, you can open up even more headroom when working in facilities where this is a top priority.