Cranes offer incredible lifting capacity which greatly exceeds what would be possible by manual lifting alone.
However, as time has moved on, lots of crane types have been developed to meet the needs of a broad range of lifting requirements.
Two of the most common crane types include overhead cranes and mobile cranes. As a business, there is a decision to be made about whether an overhead or a mobile crane will best fit your needs in terms of safety, efficiency and overall practicality.
Before making your crane purchase, here is an overview of the differences between overhead and mobile cranes to guide you.
Overhead Cranes
Often referred to as bridge cranes, overhead cranes are installed on overhead tracks or runways within a building.
Examples of cranes that can operate overhead include gantry cranes, jib cranes, double girder cranes and single girder cranes.
Unlike mobile cranes, overhead cranes are fixed into position. They make excellent use of what is often wasted space within the ceiling area of a building.
Due to their strong construction, overhead cranes offer exceptional lifting capabilities making their use popular within manufacturing environments where there is a need to lift heavy components across the facility.
Opting for an overhead crane not only allows the application to benefit from increased lifting capabilities but also precise control over how the load moves which can greatly improve safety.
However, one consideration is that overhead cranes are typically more costly to install and maintain compared with mobile cranes.
Mobile Cranes
As the name suggests, mobile cranes are those which can travel on the move on wheels. Mobile cranes can also offer the ability for the crane to be deconstructed, transported and then constructed again in a new location.
Ideal for providing enhanced lifting capabilities at different job sites, mobile cranes can be geared towards different terrains and operational requirements. This makes mobile cranes a popular tool for construction sites, infrastructure projects, the oil and gas industry, logistics and utilities work.
Mobile cranes tend to offer reduced load capacities compared with overhead cranes, and their stability does need careful consideration, especially on uneven terrain. In addition, the weather can also impact the ability to operate a mobile crane safely.
Where mobile cranes definitely shine is their ability to offer flexibility for different locations, all while being cheaper to acquire than overhead cranes.
Summary
Both overhead cranes and mobile cranes provide increased lifting capacity. The choice of which product will best suit your business really depends on the scope of the job, including whether you need the flexibility to move around with a mobile crane, or if you require the utmost level of lifting power with an overhead crane. Your available space and budget will also need to be factored in.
Need Help Selecting The Right Crane For Your Lifting Application?
A fantastic aspect of cranes is that these days, there are endless types to choose from. This means that as a business, a lack of space, job specifics or even budget constraints can all be accounted for.
At Metreel, we help businesses from across the UK and beyond to find the best material handling solutions for their needs, including choosing between overhead and mobile cranes.
To receive tailored advice, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or fill out our contact form.