This guide has been verified by our Engineering Compliance Team to align with current OSHA 1910.179 and ASME B30.2 standards. It was last reviewed for technical accuracy on October 28, 2019.
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In this article, we detail the difference between cranes and hoists, what the components are and how they work. Understanding the basics will help you better communicate with your crane builder and ensure that you order a system that best suits your application needs. Ready to get started? Consult our Crane Designer today!
What is an overhead crane?
A crane is a complex machine that lifts, lowers and moves heavy or bulky loads[1]. Cranes are equipped with components that provide the crane’s multi-directional mobility. A combination of the hoist, trolley and bridge motions provide full coverage of your factory floor.
Customization: How do you choose the right crane components?
From the overall crane package down to the individual components, the equipment you select should be compatible with your unique building layout. To make the most of custom features and options, it’s helpful to understand the terms of measurement behind individual crane parts[2].
Span: The distance between the center point of the runway beams tells you the span, or the width, of the entire crane.
Trolley Gauge: In a double girder crane, the trolley gauge dimension is the distance from the center of one trolley rail to the center of the other trolley rail.
Headroom: The measured distance between the saddle of the hook and the bottom of the trolley wheels when the hook is raised to its upper limit is called the headroom. Low headroom hoists, like the SX low headroom hoist, provide maximum space efficiency when there is limited lifting distance. The headroom is also referred to as the C dimension.
R&M Materials Handling offers a broad portfolio of hoists and crane components with an extensive line of customizable features and components relied upon by crane technicians the world over. Use our distributor locator to find a local resource or contact us today to speak with one of our crane experts.
At R&M Materials Handling, Inc., our content is created to support end users and distributors with practical insights rooted in real-world applications. Each article is developed by the R&M Materials Handling team and shaped by the expertise of our engineers, product specialists and customer support professionals. Our goal is to answer common industry questions, share best practices and help readers get the most out of their lifting and materials handling systems.
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