Overhead Cranes for Limited Space and Low Headroom Applications

Whether your facility lacks overhead space or there are multiple overhead obstructions to contend with, installing an overhead crane can be cumbersome. However, there are economic solutions for applications requiring overhead lifting in a facility where headroom is limited.

Under-running bridge cranes are ideal for applications requiring overhead lifts in a factory with low headroom or limited factory space. Under-running cranes are designed for flexibility and functionality. While top-running cranes are designed to lift massive loads, under-running cranes provide an ergonomic design that offers versatility and usability. That’s because under-running bridge cranes travel beneath the runway, which allows you to maximize the distance from the ground to the hook.

Under-running cranes use end trucks that travel on the bottom flange of the crane runway and can be suspended directly from the overhead building structure without the need for interfering support columns. An under-hung crane system is generally much lighter than a top-running system, and a long under-running system can easily operate using multiple runways—even in very wide bays. This helps to both minimize the depth of the bridge girder and decrease the weight of the operating equipment, resulting in lower equipment costs and lighter design requirements for the building or support structure.

If your application requires the use of an overhead bridge crane system, but you’re concerned about low headroom, too much weight on your support structure, or maximizing your lift distance, an under-running, enclosed track workstation bridge crane may be the perfect solution for your needs. Let’s look at some advantages of a top-running workstation bridge crane, along with some potential disadvantages—depending on your application.

Workstation Bridge Cranes for Limited Space

Most enclosed track workstation bridge cranes are designed for lighter loads than top-running bridge cranes. A workstation bridge crane with an enclosed track is usually rated for loads up to 4,000 pounds, so if your application requires very heavy lifting, it may not be the system for you. However, many applications in manufacturing and other industrial sectors don’t necessarily require a lift system with that type of lift power. And, with additional capacity comes added pressure on your structure or support system, which can be very costly, and perhaps even completely implausible in a tight factory.

Workstation bridge cranes can be freestanding with supports or ceiling mounted. The enclosed track allows the trolley to move smoothly, making it easier to operate and control than other systems. The track’s V-shaped profile also prevents dirt and accumulation from forming inside the tracks and maintains end truck and trolley-wheel alignment. The trussed enclosed track permits increased spans, which means fewer supports are needed for runway space. That also helps to keep overhead space clear.

Under-running workstation bridge cranes are easier to install, expand, and relocate. They can operate beneath overhead obstacles and even larger overhead cranes if equipment is more of a concern than factory space. Another major advantage to using under-running workstation bridge cranes is their unique ability to operate side-by-side without interfering with one another or the overall operation. In fact, multiple under-running crane runways can be installed adjacent to one another and operate simultaneously. They also have the ability to pass each other on independent runways, providing extra flexibility and coverage. Top-running crane systems can’t accomplish the same multiple-service set-up unless they are supported with auxiliary columns or gantry legs.  Auxiliary columns and gantry legs both interfere with operations and cause floor obstructions that can lower productivity and efficiency.

If you’re in need of an overhead lift system to meet your material handling needs but your factory can’t support a top-running bridge crane and your application does not require very heavy lifting (over 4000 pounds), an under-running, enclosed track workstation bridge crane may be the best solution for your operation. With multiple options like telescoping bridges, tractor drives, double-girder nested trolleys, and cantilevered runways, workstation bridge cranes are easily customizable to your needs and will help you to make the most of your factory space.

Jib Cranes for Small Spaces

Jib cranes shine when they are installed in an individual workstation. Whether you’re maintaining an engine, moving materials between conveyor belts, or trying to move any heavy equipment within a small workspace, the jib crane is one of the best material handling solutions.

Jib cranes typically rotate 360 degrees and are most commonly used during production. But, there are many ways that a jib crane can help a business. The feature that makes the jib crane most unique is the versatility within an individual workstation. Jib cranes can perform a variety of both delicate and heavy-duty tasks. The reason they work nicely for an individual area is that they are relatively small, but they still have a high level of maneuverability. Since a jib can be mounted to either the floor or the wall of a factory, they are very useful when space is tight.

Jibs are perfect for industrial warehouses, steel mills, boat yards, and other applications. Almost all models of our jib crane provide 360-degree rotation of items up to 5 tons. Wall-mounted jib cranes are limited to 180 degrees of rotation because of the mounting method. Wall-mounted jib cranes offer impressive lifting capacities, and their compact structure can be used for a variety of material handling and production tasks in unusual places.

Read the list below for the different types and capacities of jib cranes that we offer. The standard models have a maximum capacity of 5 tons, but we also offer engineered jibs that can lift up to 15 tons. If you have a custom order for crane specifications, our Technical Sales Support Specialists will be happy to help you with your needs.

Jib Crane Types & Capacities for Limited Space

Freestanding

• 360-degree rotation
• Floor-mounted installation
• Spans: Eight to 40 feet
• Under Boom Height: Eight to 30 feet
• Capacity: Up to 15 tons

Mast Jib

• 360-degree rotation
• Requires connection to both floor and overhead building steel
  • Requires consultation with an architect before installation
• Spans: Eight to 30 feet
• Under Boom Height: Eight to 30 feet
• Capacity: Up to 5 tons

Wall Mounted

• 180-degree Rotation
• Spans: 30′-40′
• Capacity: Up to 5 tons

Wall Traveling

• Single and multiple-speed configurations are available
• Custom design by application

Articulating Jib Cranes

• Can reach around corners
• 360-degree rotation on both arms
• 180-degree rotation for the inner arm on wall-mounted models
• Spans: Up to 16 feet
• Capacity: 150 to 1,000 pounds