What Are Bridge Cranes Used For?
Bridge cranes are an efficient and higher-performing alternative to floor-based load moving tools like forklifts. They are available in many different capacities to suit your material handling needs.
The main travelling structure of the bridge crane consists of two end trucks and one or two bridged girders varying by equipment type. These girders house the wheels that support the hoist for lifting the loads.
Lifting
Bridge cranes lift loads from above with a hoist and trolley. The hoist can be powered by electricity or with compressed air (pneumatic). The load is connected to the trolley by a hook, which is lifted by the crane and lowered onto the ground or another workstation. To control the hoist and trolley, a control system like a pendant or remote radio console is used. These controls could be suspended from the crane or on a sliding track system that allows the operator to move independently of the load.
Horizontal Lifting
Once the load is placed, the crane can move it horizontally across the bridge girder. This may be to complete assembly, transportation, or warehousing. Bridge cranes can also be equipped with a variety of below-the-hook lifting tools, such as spreader bars or c-hooks. These can be powered by an electric motor or manually operated using the crane’s controls.
The capacity of the load will determine which type of overhead crane to use. Single girder cranes are best for smaller, lighter loads. Double girder and box girder cranes are available for heavier applications.
Moving
The ability to move heavy loads horizontally, a feature that allows users to move materials within the lifting area of their facility, sets bridge cranes apart from other load moving tools like forklifts. These types of tools require floor space to operate and must be refuelled or connected to alternative energy sources like batteries. Bridge cranes do not need to operate on floors, instead they can travel on rails embedded in, or laid on top of, runway beams.
There are several different types of bridge cranes depending on how they are designed and how they work. Some have electric trolleys while others are hand-powered. The type of hoist used in a bridge crane can vary as well. These options help customers select the right material handling solution to meet their needs.
Loading
Bridge cranes provide an effective solution for load moving applications in crowded production spaces. Because they are suspended from runways that are attached to walls or ceiling, bridge cranes can lift loads over the entire work area, unlike mobile floor-based load moving tools like forklifts.
They can also be used to position heavy bulky materials for transportation to planes, trains and trucks as well as load them into holds of ships. This is the primary use for over head cranes and is much more efficient than lifting and positioning loads with a forklift or other ground-based loading tools.
