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Crane system: Top running crane system and Under running crane system

26 Sep, 2016

Crane system

Top running crane system and under running crane system, which do crane system do you prefer? Dongqi crane system offers you optimal material handling solution good quality, price and safety.

Dongqi Crane is an equipment supplier and service company specializing in overhead bridge cranes and hoists. Our runway and bridge crane systems are built to your specifications and installed nationwide.

Don't know if you need a top running or under hung overhead crane? Curious about the difference in single and double girder overhead cranes? Our team of professionals is here to assist you in determining the ideal Crane system for your specific application.

Dongqi Crane has a team of installation and service technicians so you can feel confident that you will be supported before, during, and after the sale.

Our high quality overhead cranes and crane runways include:

Under running crane system

  • Single Girder Manual Overhead Crane System: This is the least expensive bridge crane available. The overhead crane is propelled by either pushing the hoist's load chain with a basic push type bridge or with the use of a hand chain on a hand geared overhead crane. Loads are easy to position, and move at the pace of the operator.
  • Single Girder Motorized Bridge Crane SystemThe single girder overhead crane system most common capacities are 1-10 ton. This bridge crane is available with variable and 2 speed controls.
  • Enclosed Track Workstation Crane SystemsThese systems are light weight making them ideal for manual applications. Dongqi workstation cranes are available up to 2 ton capacity with spans up to 34' and can be either ceiling mounted or free standing.
  • Free Standing Crane System: This runway has the best overall hook coverage and expands most easily out of all the crane runways. It typically has a capacity of 1/2 to 15 tons. It can be pneumatic, hand chain, push type or motorized to suit any application or plant setting. This crane system works with motorized or manual single girder overhead cranes.
  • Ceiling Mounted Crane System: This Crane systems transfers cargo from bay to bay efficiently and safely. It is either hand-geared, push/pull, or air/electric powered. The model has a bridge and trolley end design.

Top running crane system 

  • Single Girder Manual Crane System: Handles loads up to 45 feet and 5 tons though push/pull models are not recommended for handling anything more than 2 tons. The hand chain models generally handle a capacity up to 15 tons.
  • Single Girder, Motor Driven System: This model has a reduced torque start and electronic dual speed operation. It has spans that can exceed 85 feet and is available in 1 - 20 ton capacities .
  • Double Girder Crane SystemThis double girder overhead crane has almost unlimited capabilities. It can be built to have 2 hoists on one trolley. This is the most heavy duty model available and can handle the wider spans and heavier loads that the smaller cranes cannot.
  • Work Station Crane system : This overhead crane is ideal for rented or leased properties. It is easily relocated due to its modular design. This crane runway handles 1 to 5 ton capacities, the runway is 50 feet, and it spans up to 39 feet. This crane runway is compatible with a double girder crane or both single girder, motor driven bridge cranes. 
  • Knee Braced: This model easily adjusts in height and length for relocating or accommodating various applications. Handles 1 to 25 ton loads. This overhead crane runway corresponds with the double girder overhead crane or both the manual and motorized top running, single girder overhead cranes.

Knee Brace Crane Runway

  • Header Braced: This model can handle multiple overhead cranes and is completely free standing. Handles loads from 1 to 25 tons. They are self-supporting and ideal for places where floor space is limited. It is compatible with motorized or manual single girder overhead cranes or a double girder overhead crane.
  • Semi-Free Standing: This is the least expensive of the free standing crane runways. Typically works with 1 to 50 ton loads but can have a higher capacity if needed. Available in unlimited lengths and has excellent headroom. This model accommodates multiple cranes such as manual or motorized single girder overhead cranes or the heavy duty double girder overhead crane.

Enclosed Rail

  • Free Standing Crane System: This is a lightweight, modular designed crane handling a capacity of up to 2 tons. It is made for simple jobs and is easy to use.
  • Ceiling Mounted Crane System: This model allows for quick maneuverability of loads, simple access and set-up, and handles loads of 150 lbs - 4000 lbs. This model is either motor driven or a push type system.
  • For more information regarding these bridge cranes or crane runway systems, contact us. We are also a material handling equipment supplier of jib cranes, monorails, fall protection equipment, and hoists.

Under running crane system vs. Top running overhead crane system 

Under running crane system

Under running crane, also called under slungcrane or underhung crane or under running overhead crane, which is designed for flexibility and functionality. Because the under running crane system is usually lighter than top running overhead crane system, so a underhung overhead crane can be hung in the building structure directly without support. Compared with top running overhead crane, under running crane is more suitable for factory that height is limited.

under running crane- Dongqi under running overhead crane

Under running crane- Dongqi under running overhead crane

An under running crane, or under-running overhead crane rides on the lower flange of the beam, comparing with a top running overhead crane. An under running crane outcomes the top running crane in that the under running crane experiences fewer tracking problems than a top-running crane due to the under running crane is bolted to the I-beam, which is secured to the building structure. Whereas, it also limits the overhead crane crane’s movement and lessens the chances of rail misalignment.
But when an under running crane system does require realignment, the required downtime may be greater than for a top-running crane system, due to suspension and rigging required for alignment of an underhung system. In contrast, while top-running crane systems require more frequent rail alignment checks and more frequent rail alignment, they are easier service.

Under running cranes is usually designed in single girder configuration for lighter service and lower-capacity lifting applications. When it is designed in double girder, it also can handle loads with higher capacity, but it will be impractical and expensive.

A single girder under running crane usually select the under running electric hoist and trolley as the lifting mechanism to moves across the bottom flange of the bridge beam. A double girder under running crane can run its electric hoist and electric trolley along on the top or the bottom of the bridge beams.

under running crane - Dongqi under running overhead crane

Under running crane - Dongqi under running overhead crane

Due to the under running crane is supported by the existing ceiling trusses or the roof structure, it will helps to maximize the floor space of your facility. under running cranes provides excellent side approach and makes the most of your facility’s width and height for being supported by roof or ceiling structures. under running crane is the first choice for facilities with limited vertical clearance or headroom to install a top-running overhead crane system.

Under running cranes also can be used in the facility without existing supporting structures which can support the crane runway. In the condition, it will be designed in a free-standing configuration with the support or mounting columns.

Compared with the top running overhead crane, the under running crane has less hook height and lift height due to the bridge and electric hoist hang underneath the runways.As for installation and service of an under running crane system, the procedure can be complex and may cause to longer downtime. Because the under running crane is suspended from the runways, longer time will be taken to check the alignment or service the wheels of the overhead crane, but it is easier to maintain the alignment and cause fewer tracking problems because the I-beam design is secured to building structure—limiting movement.

Under running crane quick info

  • Lifting capacity: 1/4-ton to 15-tons
  • Lifting span: Under 65 feet
  • Crane service: Light to medium duty
  • Crane applications: Assembly, fabrication shops, maintenance buildings, and manufacturing facilities.
  • Supported by existing ceiling trusses or roof structure, the overhead crane can make the most of the floor space of your facility. Reduces costs when the existing support columns can be used.
  • End hook approach is increased because the bridge beam and hoist are underneath runway beams.

Features of under running crane

  • Ceiling supported runway system for under running cranes will maximize usable floor space.
  • Most commonly used in light to medium duty cycle applications.
  • Can have longer crane spans with 2, 3 or even 4 runway beams to support the under running crane system.
  • Under running cranes are most commonly used in assembly plants, fabrication shops, maintenance areas and manufacturing facilities.
  • The underhung is designed to lift 10 tons or less (some particular overhead crane up to 25 tons available) materials.

Advantages of underhung overhead crane

  • Easily manipulate even in wide bay, minimizing the depth of bridge beam, and leaving the lighter lifting equipment. Therefore, plenty of space can be saved, as well as lots of capitals will be cut down.
  • Independent operation that don’t influence the overall or other running.
  • It can lift or transport materials along with a fixed road, which offer large convenient for production procession.
  • Maximum use the space of building.
  • Using the existing ceiling girder to increase the safety of crane track.
  • Best deal with the situation that headroom is low and maximum the distance from ground to the hook.
  • All-around guidance on installation and maintenance.
  • Advanced technology and reasonable design.
  • Profound appearance and strong steel structure.
  • Thoughtful service and competitive price.

Under running crane pictures

under running crane -  FEM under running crane

Under running crane - FEM under running crane

under running crane - Chinese traditional under running crane

Under running crane - Chinese traditional under running crane

Top running crane system

Usually, a top-running bridge crane system,also called top running overhead crane is much heavier than under hung crane equipment. For top running crane systems, the end trucks are supported on crane rails, which are attached to the top of the crane runway.Chinese top running crane for sale, good quality and price from Dongqi Hoist and Crane, the top crane manufacturer and supplier in China. Dongqi Hoist and Crane is able to provide you types of cranes, such as bridge crane, gantry crane, jib crane, and electric hoist, etc.

Features of top running bridge overhead crane

  • A top running crane is the overhead crane placed the end trucks or track system on the top of the runway beam, making the bridge and hoist run along on the top of runway system. Top running cranes can be configured in a single girder crane or double girder overhead crane design. A single girder bridge crane generally installs an underhung electric trolley and hoist, while a double girder crane design usually uses a top running electric hoist trolley and hoist.
  • top running cranes have unlimited capacity. Top running overhead cranes can transfer small capacity loads or very large capacity loads, with capacities of 0.25 ton to 500 tons. Usually, the overhead top running crane are supported by the supporting structure or runway support columns which can stand the extremely heavy loads.
  • Due to the crane trolley or hoist riding to the top of runway design, this types of overhead crane can added lift height for facility with limited headroom. A top running double girder bridge crane provides the greatest lifting height because the electric hoist and trolley run on top of the two bridges or girders.
  • Top running overhead crane offers higher lifting height, double girder top running overhead crane offers the greatest lifting height
  • Top running overhead crane offers higher capacity, and wider span for suspended load factor is ruled out which makes the overhead crane installation and maintenance in the future much easier and less time-consuming than an underhung crane.
  • However, on the other hand, the track or rail system of the top running overhead crane needs more inspections on alignment than an under running overhead crane does through its working life. But do not worry, the crane service and alignment is easy to conduct and requires little downtime than an under running crane.

Top running cranes are the most effective lifting solution as you have the best coverage within your facility. Offered in both single, double and box girder designs, there are enough options to suit your application.
Top running overhead bridge cranes are designed to travel on top of a runway system that is either supported by engineered columns or building columns.
Double girder designs typically provide you a better hook height than single girder designs as the hoist is mounted on top of the bridge rather than underneath.

Types of top running crane

top running crane is generally grouped in single girder, double girder, box girder top running cranes, which are selected according to your application conditions. Top running overhead bridge cranes are designed to travel on top of a runway system that is either supported by engineered columns or building columns. Double girder designs typically provide you a better hook height than single girder designs as the hoist is mounted on top of the bridge rather than underneath. Contact us for your custom top running crane now.

Single Girder top running crane   &  Double Girder top running crane

Single Girder top running crane   &  Double Girder top running crane

Single girder top running cranes

Single girder top running crane has the features:

  • Providing you excellent value for your custom application,
  • Single girder designs make the top running crane be cost effective without compromising performance.
  • Over the lifetime of the top running crane, you will save on new support structures as it has reduced wheel loads, which enables your This allows you to add more lifting capabilities to your runway structurewithout upgrading.

Benifits of single girder top running cranes

  • Lifting capacity: 1/4-ton to 20 tons
  • Girder span: Under 65 feet
  • Service class: Light to medium duty
  • Applications: light assembly line, warehousing facilities, regular maintenance and repair centers, Light manufacturing, fabrication and machine shops, and others, etc.
  • Low deadweight.
  • More overhead room space
  • Faster electric hoist and trolley speed
  • Lower production cost / lower overall price for less production material required 

Double girder top running crane

Double girder top running crane has the following features:

  • Double girder is designed for applications with load capacities typically over 25 tons for heavy material handling.
  • Double girder top running cranes are used when you need a complete lifting solution.
  • Top running Double girder cranes give a better height of lift compared to a single girder crane as the hook travels between the beams.

Benifits of double girder top running cranes

  • Crane girder span: Over 65 feet
  • Crane service class: Medium to heavy duty
  • Applications: Metal mill and steel mills, steel coil handling, large fabrication and stamping facilities, foundries, boilers plant, paper mills, casting plants, and other types of large-scale tool and die facilities, etc.
  • Provides best hook and lifting height because electric hoist and trolley can run on top of the two bridge girders
  • Provides the most overhead floor space
  • High speed

Top running crane of Dongqi Hoist and Crane

  • Double girder top running crane with hook

    Double girder top running crane with hook


    Double girder top running crane with hook parameters
    Bridge Crane Capacity: 15-100t
    Span Length: 10.5~31.5m
    Lifting Height: 6~18m
    Working Class: A4

  • LH type double girder hoist top running trolley crane

    LH type double girder hoist top running trolley crane


    Bridge Crane Capacity: 15
    Span Length: 10.5~31.5m
    Lifting Height: 6~18m
    Working Class: A4

  • QB type explosion proof top running crane

    QB type explosion proof top running crane


    QB type explosion proof top running crane parameters
    Bridge Crane Capacity: 5~75t
    Span Length: 10.5~31.5m
    Lifting Height: 6~18m
    Working Class: A4
    Explosion-proof Grade:ExdⅡBT4、ExdⅡCT4

  • QD type double girder top running crane with hook

    QD type double girder top running crane with hook


    QD type double girder top running crane with hook parameters
    Bridge Crane Capacity: 5-320t
    Span Length: 10.5~31.5m
    Lifting Height: 6~18m
    Working Class: A5, A6
    Ambient Temperature: -20~40℃

  • QDY type foundry top running crane

    QDY type foundry top running crane


    QDY type foundry top running crane crane parameters
    Bridge Crane Capacity: 5~30t
    Span Length: 10.5~31.5m
    Lifting Height: 6~35m
    Crane Dive:IP54 or IP44,level F insulation
    Working Class: A5 A6

  • Top running crane with carrier-beam

    top running crane with carrier-beam

    top running crane crane with carrier-beam parameters
    Bridge Crane Capacity: 1~350t
    Span Length: 6~45m
    Lifting Height: 3~60m
    Lifting Speed: 7.8-15.5m/min
    Crane Speed: 20-30m/min

How to select: Top running or under running crane system

Learn more about the different factors that may determine whether you install a top running or under running overhead crane system.Top running crane or underhung crane, which do you select for your application? Since overhead crane consultation, designing, and quotation, it is important to decide to select the top running overhead crane system design or under running overhead crane system design for your application. In the following, the factors that may decide you install a top running crane or an underhung crane, will be presented for your reference.

  • Can the existing support structure of your building or facility be utilized or will a new support structure be built according crane design?
  • Are there existing runways where the overhead crane can be installed on?
  • What is the capacity of the loads lifted in the future? What type of overhead room is available? High, unobstructed ceilings, or limited headroom due to existing bridge cranes, ductwork, light fixtures, etc.?
  • How high will your loads needed to be lifted up?
  • Hook approach - how much of the bridge eot crane’s bridge will the electric hoist trolley need to utilize? Do you need to make picks or lifts near the edges or sides of the building?
  • How important is free and clear floor space?

Top running crane system and under hung crane system, which do crane system do you prefer? Dongqi crane system offers you optimal material handling solution good quality, price and safety. Which crane system do you need for your application? Contact us or Leave a message below to get your individualized crane system design now. 

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