A girder is a fundamental component and indeed consideration of any overhead crane.
Providing the essential task of supporting the crane’s load and trolley as it moves back and forth, its design must be subject to careful attention.
In particular, an overhead crane can either have a single girder or a double girder. Both options offer different advantages, with the best choice depending on the load capacity, span and overall operational requirements.
If you are in search of an overhead crane for your business, then the experts here at Metreel would be more than happy to run through all the options with you.
In the meantime, here is an overview of single-girder overhead cranes and double-girder overhead cranes to guide you.
Single Girder Overhead Cranes
Single girder overhead cranes have one main bridge girder which is supported on two end trucks. The design of a single girder overhead crane provides a simple yet stable construction compared with double girder cranes.
Suitable for lifting light to moderate loads over short distances, girder cranes can offer a capacity of up to 20 tons. This makes single-girder cranes ideal for applications such as small manufacturing units, workshops and warehouses. Plus similar environments where there is a need to increase the lifting capacity beyond manual lifting load limits.
On the whole, single girder cranes are considered easy to install, and can also require less maintenance than their double girder counterparts. However, single girder cranes can offer a reduced amount of hook height which can be a limitation in environments with height restrictions.
Double Girder Overhead Cranes
Unlike a single girder crane, a double girder crane has two main bridge girders which are supported on two end trucks.
By increasing the number of girders, the crane becomes better able to handle heavier loads and also offers greater span and height. In general, double girder overhead cranes can support over 20 tons, and can also provide better stability of excessive loads.
With a more complex design, double girder overhead cranes can be more intricate as well as expensive to install. Their maintenance requirements can also be more than a single girder crane, owing to the increased amount of components.
However, an advantage of a double girder overhead crane is that they can allow for a more efficient use of space. This is due to the increased hook height as the hoist is positioned between or on top of the girders.
Overall, double girder overhead cranes are suited to heavy-duty applications including large warehouses or heavy manufacturing, along with industries where there is a requirement for frequent lifting of excessive loads.
Shop Overhead Cranes For Your Business At Metreel
Based in Derbyshire, Metreel is a leading UK supplier of overhead cranes.
If you are in interested in increasing output, efficiency and safety for your business then you’re in exactly the right place!
On our website, you’ll find our overhead cranes brochure along with our material handling products.
To place an order for an overhead crane, or ask our crane experts for advice about your requirements please fill out our contact form or give our team a call on 0115 932 7010.