Cranes are mechanical instruments used for carrying out a heavy-duty operation. It is applied when heavy, large objects are needed to be shifted from one place to the other. Its applications are mostly at construction sites; however, it can be used for other purposes like scrap yards, junkyards, factories, and other such areas. A tower crane supplier offers its product with three major parts – wire, hoist, and sheaves.

As far as overhead cranes are concerned these can be of several types as per the need and usage. Given below are various types of cranes:

Bridge Cranes

A bridge crane is usually installed on metal beams that go along the room’s ceiling in the warehouse or factory. It requires:

• two strong side beams,
• a trolley that travels with it and holds the load and
• a hoist that is required to lowering and lifting the objects

These kinds of cranes can be further be partitioned into two types:

Top running bridge cranes:

These cranes are used on top of the beams. This demands a wholesome space above the beams for convenient movement of the crane. The crane installation must be carefully planned as the rooms need higher ceilings.

A top-running bridge crane is stronger and can lift massive objects. These cranes can be of single girder (can lift lighter up to 20 tons of weights) or double girders (can lift to 100 tons of weights).

Bottom running bridge cranes:

This bridge crane type runs beneath the beam. They minimize the available height a room has. You can even install it in an already built warehouse or factory. However, they are unable to carry extra heavy loads as they can lift 15 tons of weights.

Monorail cranes

These cranes are straightforward if you compare them to the bridge cranes. Unlike the bridge, monorail cranes operate on one rail mounted on the ceiling. They run through a forklift. You can use them from either a thin distance or by a car that shifts behind the forklift.

You can use a forklift for lifting objects such as cartons, boxes, and other similar objects. Monorail cranes are used in a small unit as well.

Jib cranes

Jib cranes are efficient and compact for smaller workplaces with little space. Its one end is fixed on something unmovable, such as a wall. They need hinges so that the crane can pivot within the room. The distance jib cranes cover is quite small; something about 20 feet. They are used for carrying lighter loads.

Gantry cranes

A gantry crane is an advanced version of a bridge crane. The tracks they run on are fixed on the floor and because of this, they can carry massive loads up to 350 tons. They are used mainly for unloading and loading cargo and hence ports and docks use this crane type.

Wall cranes

Like the above, these cranes are mounted on horizontal beams as well. They maintain an angle of 90 degrees to the floor while stationary. However, they can go down and up as when required and can be used to lift objects in a circular motion.