Types of Cranes Used in Factories - Chapter 2

Types of Cranes Used in Factories - Chapter 2
Crane is a type of lifting equipment used extensively across industries to transport and move heavy objects. There are a variety of types of cranes to choose from, each with unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the six main types of cranes: bridge cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes, portable gantry cranes, workstation bridge cranes, and electric hoists, as well as their respective advantages and suitability for different types of factory conditions.

Jib Cranes – The Best Type of Crane for Large Lifting Equipment

Jib cranes are a type of crane that are typically used in smaller industrial settings to lift and move loads. These cranes consist of a horizontal beam or jib supported by a vertical mast, allowing them to rotate and extend to reach objects in a specific area.

Advantages of Jib Cranes
One of the main advantages of jib cranes is their compact size. These cranes are typically smaller than other types of cranes, such as overhead cranes or gantry cranes, making them ideal for facilities with limited space. Additionally, jib cranes are relatively simple in design and easy to operate, making them a cost-effective choice for smaller jobs.

Another advantage of jib cranes is their versatility. These cranes can be mounted in a variety of locations, such as on a wall or a column, allowing them to be used in areas with limited floor space. Additionally, jib cranes can be customized with different types of hoists and trolleys, allowing them to handle a variety of loads.

Jib crane application conditions
Jibb cranes are suitable for a variety of industrial environments, especially those with limited space. They are often used in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and workshops for tasks such as lifting and moving materials and equipment.

Jib cranes are particularly suitable for facilities that need to move loads quickly and efficiently over short distances. Additionally, these cranes are ideal for high-ceiling facilities because they can be mounted on the ceiling or support columns to maximize floor space.

Conditions that are not suitable for jib cranes
While jib cranes are suitable for many industrial environments, they may not be ideal in some cases. For example, jib cranes may not be suitable for facilities that need to lift and move loads over long distances because they have a limited reach compared to other types of cranes.

Additionally, freestanding jib cranes may not be suitable for use in environments with soft ground structures because the crane's base must be securely fixed to prevent tipping.

Portable Gantry Cranes – The Most Flexible Type of Crane

Portable gantry cranes are cranes that can be easily moved and transported to different locations. These cranes consist of a horizontal beam supported by two vertical legs and wheels that usually use universal joints, which enable the load to be lifted and moved around the area in a flexible manner.

Advantages of Portable Gantry Cranes
One of the main advantages of portable gantry cranes is their flexibility. These cranes can be easily moved and set up in different locations, making them ideal for facilities that require frequent lifting and moving of loads in different areas. Furthermore, portable gantry cranes are relatively easy to assemble and disassemble, requiring minimal tools and equipment.

Another advantage of portable gantry cranes is their versatility. These cranes can be customized with different types of hoists and trolleys, allowing them to handle a variety of loads. Furthermore, portable gantry cranes are available in different sizes and load capacities, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

Suitable Conditions for Portable Gantry Cranes
Portable gantry cranes are suitable for a variety of industrial environments, especially those that require lifting and moving loads in different locations. They are commonly used on construction sites, shipyards, and workshops for tasks such as lifting and moving materials and equipment.

Portable gantry cranes are particularly useful for facilities with limited overhead clearance or where permanent overhead cranes are impractical. Additionally, these cranes are ideal for facilities that need to frequently change lifting and moving areas, as they can be easily moved to different locations as needed.

Conditions Where Portable Gantry Cranes Are Not Suitable
While portable gantry cranes are suitable for many industrial environments, there are some situations where they may not be ideal. For example, portable gantry cranes may not be suitable for facilities that need to lift and move loads over long distances, as they have a limited reach compared to other types of cranes.

Additionally, portable gantry cranes may not be suitable for facilities with extremely heavy loads or that require high altitudes, as the crane's weight capacity and height may be limited. Portable gantry cranes may also not be suitable for facilities with limited floor space, as the crane's outriggers would take up a lot of space.

Workstation Overhead Cranes – The Best Type of Crane for Small to Medium-Sized Facilities

Workstation Overhead Cranes are a type of overhead crane designed to be used in small areas, such as factories, workshops, and warehouses. These cranes are typically used to lift and move materials and equipment within a specific workstation or area.

Advantages of Workstation Overhead Cranes
One of the main advantages of workstation overhead cranes is their ability to maximize floor space. These cranes are designed to operate within a specific workstation or area, allowing them to move loads without taking up valuable floor space. This makes them ideal for facilities with limited space where using a larger overhead crane is impractical.

Another advantage of workstation overhead cranes is that they are easy to use. These cranes are typically operated by one worker using a remote control, allowing loads to be moved precisely and efficiently. Additionally, workstation overhead cranes are available in a variety of sizes and weights, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

When Workstation Overhead Cranes Are Suitable
Workstation overhead cranes are suitable for a variety of industrial environments, especially those where space is at a premium. They are often used in manufacturing facilities, assembly lines, and shop floors for tasks such as moving materials and equipment between workstations.

Workstation overhead cranes are particularly useful for facilities that need to move loads quickly and efficiently within a specific area. Additionally, these cranes are ideal for facilities that need to frequently change the layout of workstations because they can be easily moved and repositioned as needed.

Conditions Where Workstation Overhead Cranes Are Not Suitable
While workstation overhead cranes are suitable for many industrial settings, there are some situations where they may not be ideal. For example, these cranes may not be suitable for facilities that need to move loads great distances or to high altitudes, as their reach and height may be limited.

Additionally, workstation overhead cranes may not be suitable for facilities with extremely heavy loads, as the crane’s weight capacity may be limited. Workstation overhead cranes may also not be suitable for facilities with limited overhead clearance, as the crane may interfere with other equipment or structures.