- May 08, 2025
- News
Yuantai Customized Bridge Cranes
Discover Yuantai's customized bridge cranes, designed for efficiency in industrial applications. Improve your operations with solutions tailored to your lifting needs. Explore our offerings today.
Yuantai Crane Co., Ltd. is a Chinese crane and hoist manufacturer with decades of experience designing and building industrial lifting equipment. Its product range includes single-girder and double-girder overhead (bridge) cranes, fully customized to meet each facility's requirements. Typical lifting capacities span from a few tons up to several hundred tons: for example, Yuantai offers single-girder cranes from 1–32ton and double-girder cranes from 5–550ton. All designs comply with international standards (FEM, ISO, etc.) and carry ISO9001/CE certifications. Key specifications – such as span, lift height, and service class – are tailored to the customer's environment and application.
Types of Overhead (Bridge) Cranes
Bridge cranes are broadly categorized by their structural design and installation method. Yuantai's lineup includes the common single-girder and double-girder bridge cranes, as well as underhung (under-running) cranes and special configurations. Single-girder cranes have one main beam (girder) carrying the hoist, while double-girder cranes use two girders for the hoist and trolley. The choice affects capacity, span, and hook height.
Single-Girder Overhead Cranes
Single-girder overhead cranes use a single bridge beam supported at each end by end trucks that run on runway rails. They are typically fitted with an underhung trolley and hoist, which moves on the bottom flange of the girder. Yuantai's single-girder cranes are compact and cost-efficient for light-to-medium duty. Because they use less steel and require lighter runway structures, single-girder cranes have lower installation cost and weight. They are ideal where headroom or floor space is limited. For example, Yuantai's models include electric-hoist single-girder cranes with capacities from 1 to 20ton, and light-duty "HD" single-girder cranes (1–20ton) built to European FEM standards. The LDP series (low-headroom design) also uses a single girder for applications with restricted height.
Single-girder cranes generally have a practical limit around 15–20ton capacity. For routine light-to-moderate use (duty class A3 or A4, per ISO4301), they are very effective. However, they offer less available hook height and span than double-girder cranes. Advantages of single-girder cranes include: lower material and freight cost (lighter weight), simpler structure, faster installation, and good hook approach (the trolley can travel closer to the girder ends). They are popular in small factories, warehouses, and maintenance shops. Yuantai even supplies manual single-girder cranes (with manual chain hoists) for off-grid shops and storage (lifting capacity 0.25–10t), as well as freestanding workstation cranes (bridge spans 1–12m, capacity 0.01–2t) for lightweight assembly tasks.
Double-Girder Overhead Cranes
Double-girder cranes use two bridge beams supported on end trucks, with the hoist and trolley typically running on rails mounted on top of the girders. This design provides much greater strength and height. Yuantai's double-girder cranes cover capacities from 5t up to 550t, making them suitable for heavy-duty, long-span installations. The double-girder arrangement adds the depth of both girders to the hoist mounting, often providing an extra lift height compared to a single girder. Yuantai offers many double-girder variants, including general-purpose bridge cranes, coil-handling cranes, ladle cranes for steel mills, electromagnetic plate cranes, and grab bucket cranes.
Double-girder cranes are appropriate for continuous and severe duty. They are engineered for large spans and frequent operation. For example, the Yuantai QDX double-girder crane (FEM design) handles 5–100t over 7.5–31.5m spans. In double-girder form, cranes can include heavy-duty features like maintenance walkways, cabs, or extra drive motors to increase speed and redundancy. As a result, advantages of double-girder cranes are: virtually unlimited span and capacity, maximum hook height, and support for heavy or continuous use. They are ideal for steel plants, foundries, shipyards, and ports, where lifting heavy loads is routine. Yuantai's double-girder models often include enhanced rail support and higher insulation class for the motors, meeting stringent industrial standards.
Drawbacks of double-girder cranes include higher cost and weight. They require stronger runway structures or support columns due to their heavier deadweight. Their increased material and complexity also raise freight and installation expense. Single-girder cranes are generally cheaper and sufficient for many light to medium applications. Yuantai's engineers advise using double-girder cranes primarily when the job demands beyond single-girder limits – for example, when capacity exceeds about 15–20t or spans exceed ~20m.
Underhung (Under-Running) Bridge Cranes
For facilities with limited headroom or intermittent low loads, Yuantai offers underhung (also called under-running) bridge cranes. In this configuration, the crane is supported entirely from a runway attached to the ceiling or roof trusses. The bridge (one or two girders) and hoist are suspended below the runway beams. This eliminates the need for floor-mounted runway columns, maximizing clear floor space for operations. Underhung cranes are usually single-girder for light service (up to ~10t). Yuantai's underhung bridges handle 1–10t over spans of 3–15m. They are ideal in clean manufacturing plants or storage areas where the building structure can carry the crane load. However, the available hook height is lower since the crane hangs from the ceiling, and service can be more complex because the equipment is harder to access for maintenance.
Yuantai also supplies specialized underhung designs when needed. For example, the LDP single-girder bridge crane is effectively an underhung setup but still maximizes headroom – it has only one girder which supports the hoist from below. Underhung cranes can even be made in a freestanding gantry style if no overhead structure is available (requiring their own columns). In general, underhung cranes suit lighter-duty, space-constrained installations.
Crane Solutions by Environment
A key strength of Yuantai's offerings is adapting crane design to the operating environment. Overhead cranes must often function in challenging conditions, so Yuantai provides modifications for outdoor use, corrosive atmospheres, high temperatures, explosion hazards, and even cleanrooms. Each category of environment has specific requirements to ensure safety and reliability.
- Standard Indoor (Factory/Warehouse): For normal indoor facilities, standard protective paint (often a durable enamel or epoxy) suffices, and electrical components are rated for typical workshops (e.g. IP54 or IP55 protection). Yuantai's indoor cranes come with enclosed cabs or cabless controls, and use energy-efficient motors and hoists for smooth operation. For example, their standard single-girder electric hoist cranes (1–20t) are widely used in factories, warehouses, stockyards and the like, with spans up to 31.5m. These cranes meet IEC/ISO safety norms (like limit switches, overload protection, and warning alarms) appropriate for controlled indoor use.
- Outdoor (All-Weather) Cranes: Cranes operating outdoors face rain, wind, UV exposure and thermal cycling. Yuantai equips outdoor cranes with high Ingress Protection (IP) rated components – commonly IP55, IP65 or even IP67 for harsh weather. For example, IP55 means the crane is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction. Motors and control panels are often weatherproofed (e.g. with sealed bearings and silicone rubber gaskets). The steel structure is coated with corrosion-resistant finishes. Yuantai complies with this by using thicker-walled girders and rust-inhibiting multilayer paints (such as zinc-rich primers and polyurethane topcoats) for its outdoor models.
- Corrosive/Chemical Environments: Facilities like chemical plants, saltwater ports, or waste treatment may contain caustic fumes and moisture that corrode steel. To protect equipment, Yuantai offers specialized coatings and materials. Typical solutions include high-build epoxy primers, polyurethane topcoats, or even galvanization (zinc-aluminum) on steel parts. For critical components (hooks, trolleys, wheels), non-sparking alloys like stainless steel, bronze or copper-plating can be used. Likewise, Yuantai can supply stainless steel wire ropes and fully-enclosed cable trays to prevent corrosion. In some cases, heat-resistant or chemical-resistant paints are applied. The goal is to meet or exceed standards like ISO 12944 for corrosion protection, ensuring long service life even in aggressive atmospheres.
- High-Temperature Environments: Foundries, steel mills, and glass plants involve elevated ambient heat and occasional splashes of molten material. Overhead cranes in these settings incorporate heat-resistant designs. For instance, Yuantai's ladle cranes (for molten-metal handling) use heat shields and refractory linings on critical parts. Motors and electricals are located away from direct heat or fitted with thermal barriers. High-temperature cabling and insulation (rated for 180°C or more) are standard. Yuantai's high-temperature cranes may also incorporate water-cooled brakes and fans, and their duty class (e.g. ISO class A4/A5) is chosen to account for the heat-induced stresses.
- Explosion-Proof (Hazardous) Areas: In atmospheres with flammable gases, vapors or dust, cranes must be explosion-proof. Yuantai offers explosion-proof single-girder and double-girder cranes conforming to relevant standards. All motors, electrical boxes and wiring are flameproof (flame-containment construction "Ex d" according to GB3836.2 or IECEx) so that any ignition remains contained. For example, their QB series explosion-proof double-girder cranes meet Chinese standard GB3836.2‑2000 for flameproof enclosures and JB/T5897‑1991 for explosion-proof bridge cranes. These cranes carry markings like Exd II BT4 or CT4, indicating they are safe for Class IIB/IIC gas atmospheres. Operating temperature is managed to class T4 (≤135°C). Yuantai explosion-proof cranes are typically rated for service class A3–A5 (heavy service). Such cranes are essential in petrochemical plants, oil terminals, or painting operations.
- Cleanroom and Controlled Environments: In semiconductor, pharmaceutical or electronics manufacturing, overhead cranes must minimize contamination. These specialized cranes use smooth, sealed components and often stainless steel construction. Bearings and gears are sealed and pre-lubricated to reduce particulate emission. Yuantai can supply cleanroom cranes that comply with ISO 14644 classifications (by design, not by air filtration). For instance, they may use powder-coated or stainless-painted surfaces and fully enclosed hoists. Cleanroom cranes often feature anti-static coatings. The result is a crane system that moves materials efficiently while keeping dust and pollutants to a minimum.
Across all environments, Yuantai ensures compliance with safety and protection standards. For outdoor or damp conditions, electrical enclosures typically achieve at least IP54–IP66 protection. For corrosive atmospheres, multi-layer epoxy coatings and corrosion-resistant finishes are applied. In high heat, fire-resistant wiring and insulation prevent breakdown. In short, Yuantai tailors each crane with the engineering and materials needed for its intended operating environment.
Applications and Industry Uses
Yuantai's bridge cranes serve a wide range of industries. Common applications include material handling in manufacturing, logistics, and heavy industry. The flexibility of their products allows use in sectors such as:
- General Manufacturing and Assembly: Factories producing machinery, vehicles, or equipment often use overhead cranes to move components along assembly lines or between workstations. For example, the automotive industry routinely relies on bridge cranes for engine or chassis assembly. Yuantai notes that cranes are "mainly used in the depot workshop of the vehicle factory" for assembly tasks. Single-girder cranes (1–20t) are popular here, offering precise handling in confined production halls. Larger machining or forging operations may use double-girder cranes to lift heavy dies and molds. Overhead cranes in manufacturing improve workflow by automating heavy lifts, and features like precise pendant control or variable-speed drives enhance accuracy in assembly.
- Logistics, Warehousing, and Container Handling: Material logistics facilities use cranes to load/unload goods and position heavy inventory. Bridge cranes can span warehouse aisles, replacing forklifts for very heavy loads. Specifically, in ports and freight yards, specialized container cranes lift laden shipping containers. Yuantai provides container hoist cranes designed to safely and efficiently handle containers. In general warehousing, monorail or bridge cranes lift pallets, coils or equipment onto racks. Yuantai's products for logistics include both indoor gantry cranes (for shipyards or container terminals) and overhead cranes for distribution centers (e.g. double-girder cranes to lift heavy goods).
- Steel and Metallurgical Industry: Steel mills and metal fabrication plants impose some of the toughest demands on cranes. Here cranes may carry molten metal (ladle cranes), steel slabs (overhead magnetic cranes), scrap (electro-magnetic cranes), or coils (coil-handling cranes). Yuantai offers many heavy-duty cranes for steelmaking. Our ladle overhead bridge cranes and coil cranes are built to handle hot, rough loads. Features often include heavy-duty hooks, extended service class, and dust/explosion-proof electric components. For example, double-girder electromagnet cranes are used to move thick steel plates between furnaces and rolling mills.
- Shipbuilding and Ports: Shipyards employ some of the largest bridge cranes in the world to lift massive hull sections, engine blocks, and heavy equipment. These cranes often have very long spans (dozens of meters) and capacities from tens to hundreds of tons. While gantry cranes are also used, indoor assembly halls use overhead cranes with spans often exceeding building width. Yuantai's double-girder cranes (e.g. 5–550t range) can be customized with extra-long beams and multiple hoists for shipyard use. For example, a shipyard might use a 50–100t double-girder crane with a shuttle trolley for moving blocks along the dock. These cranes incorporate high-capacity hoists, tandem lifts, and sometimes C-hooks for coil or plate handling. The key is strength and reliability in a corrosive marine environment, so Yuantai applies extra corrosion protection (marine-grade paint) for harbor-based cranes.
- Cleanroom, Pharmaceutical, and Electronics: In industries requiring ultra-clean conditions, overhead cranes must be designed to minimize particles. Yuantai supplies cleanroom cranes with fully sealed motors and smooth-welded frames. For instance, hoists can be stainless-steel enclosed and gearboxes use specialized low-outgassing oil. These cranes facilitate the movement of heavy cleanroom products without compromising air cleanliness.
- Other Industries: Additional sectors include power generation (moving turbines and generators), petrochemical (lifting reactors and pipes in refineries), paper & forest products (handling heavy rolls), and waste-to-energy plants. Anywhere heavy material is moved, Yuantai's bridge cranes can be fitted (for example, adding magnets for scrap handling). Cranes' functions across applications include lifting, moving, loading/unloading, and positioning objects in a safe and efficient manner, which ground cranes (e.g., forklifts) sometimes fail to match in terms of speed and repeatability.
Design Standards and Customization
Yuantai's bridge cranes are engineered according to international and industry standards. The design adheres to FEM (European Materials Handling Federation) and ISO standards to ensure suitable duty classification and safety. For example, ISO 4301-1 classifies cranes A1–A8 based on workload, and FEM 9.511/FEM 1.001 define hoist and trolley duty classes by load spectrum and operating time. Yuantai uses these classifications when sizing components. OSHA requires new cranes (post‑1971) to comply with ANSI B30.2 safety codes. Yuantai follows such codes, incorporating safety features (end stops, limit switches, overload protection, and clear labeling of Safe Working Load).
Each crane is custom-configured. You just need provide details (required capacity, span, lift height, frequency of use, etc.), and Yuantai's engineers can select the right structural section, motors, and control systems. For heavy-duty or continuous applications, components (wire ropes, bearings) are upsized to Class C or E (according to ISO 4309 or DIN 15020) to allow longer fatigue life. For electrical systems, Yuantai uses energy-efficient inverters and PLC-based controls that meet CE requirements. We hold ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, meaning every crane is subject to rigorous design review and testing. Our factory also maintains ISO 14001 (environmental) and ISO 45001 (occupational safety) certification.
Key technical features that vary with application include:
- Bridge girder style: Rolled I-beams or box girders of steel (Q235/Q345) designed for minimal deflection, per FEM1.001 guidelines.
- Wheel/rail interface: Hardened wheel treads and rails, sized per CMAA load charts.
- Brakes and motors: Usually AC motors with Class F insulation and mechanical or electromagnetic brakes; explosion-proof versions use flameproof (Ex d) motors.
- Hoists and Trolleys: Wire rope or chain hoists (electric) made to FEM Class 2m–5m or ASME H2–H4 duty, depending on load spectrum.
- Controls: Pendant, wireless remote or cabin control, meeting OSHA/CENELEC standards for emergency stop and safety.
- Safety devices: Anti-collision, overload sensors, and as-needed load monitoring to conform with ANSI/CMAA or EN standards.
These design choices are all based on the intended use case. Yuantai's technical team conducts a feasibility study and provides detailed design drawings for approval.
Summary
Yuantai's customized bridge cranes cover a broad spectrum of lifting solutions. By varying the crane type (single vs. double girder, top-running vs. underhung), adapting to environmental factors (outdoor, high-temp, corrosive, explosive, cleanroom, etc.), and meeting the needs of different applications (manufacturing, logistics, steel, shipbuilding, etc.), Yuantai provides fully tailored crane systems. The designs comply with global standard and carry certifications like ISO 9001 and CE.
Comparison – Single vs. Double Girder
| Feature | Single Girder | Double Girder |
|---|---|---|
| Typical capacity range | ~0.5–15t | ~5–550t |
| Max recommended span | Up to ~20m | Unlimited (40m or more) |
| Hook approach | Better (trolley below bridge) | More limited (trolley on top of bridge) |
| Headroom usage | Fits low ceilings (hoist below beam) | Maximum lift height (hoist above beams) |
| Cost and weight | Lower (lighter structure) | Higher (more steel & supports) |
| Best for | Light/medium duty, limited space | Heavy-duty, long spans, high lift |
| Typical applications | Warehousing, light manufacturing | Steel, shipbuilding, large assembly |
