An overhead bridge crane, classified as a type of overhead crane or industrial crane, is a material handling machine used for lifting, lowering, and transporting a load horizontally. Typically, this machine involves a hook-and-line mechanism moving along a horizontal beam that further moves on the supporting structure, a runway beam. Since overhead cranes are heavy-duty material handling equipment, bridge crane rental is widely used for multiple commercial services such as construction, warehousing, transportation, assembly, etc. Here, this article will help in understanding the basics of a bridge crane making it easier for one to rent the equipment.
Components of bridge crane
The bridge crane consists of three main parts, and these are as follows:
- Crane bridge
The Crane bridge is the main traveling structure of this material-handling machine. It typically consists of two end trucks and one or two bridged girders depending on the type of crane.
- Hoist
Mounted to the trolley, the hoist is the leading lifting equipment along with the hook or other lifting attachment of the crane.
- Trolley
It is the trolley that moves the hoist across the bay along bridge girders to transverse the distance.
Advantages of an overhead bridge crane
The most applied material handling equipment, bridge crane rental is the economical choice for one who wants to construct a commercial building. Below given are some key advantages that an individual can avail of by renting an overhead bridge crane:
- Adaptable
Since the bridge crane is flexible enough to operate on any plant floor surface, and these machines can be modified to accommodate changing needs, overhead bridge cranes provide high adaptability.
- Lower maintenance costs
Now that bridge cranes adopt advanced technologies and are offered in a wide variety of usage of capacity ratings, these machines need less maintenance compared to other material lifting equipment.
- Customizable
An individual looking forward to large-scale construction can have access to customized bridge crane rental. The hook attachments, riggings, and other material handling equipment can be used according to various loads.
- Efficiency and lower damage to loads
Bridge cranes are efficient enough to lift loads up and over obstacles seamlessly without moving back and forth through aisles. These material handling machines provide access to soft start features, various handling tools, and a wide selection of speed options, making it easier to handle the loads safely.
- Comfortableness and reduced labor cost
The bridge cranes are designed while considering the comfortableness of crane operators. As a result, the efficiency and safety in the working area are improved. Moreover, by rending the bridge crane, labor costs can be reduced as a single set of this material lifting machine can replace several forklifts and cover a larger work area.
Choosing the right bridge crane
The lifting capacity of the bridge cranes acts as an essential determinant in selecting the types of crane girders- single, double, or box girder. The single girder overhead can handle the maximum loads of 20 tons and both double girder and box girder bridge crane rentals are ideal for handling materials weighing more than 20 tons.
The following tips will help one choose the right bridge crane:
- Load Capacity
Make sure that the maximum weight of the loads at a construction site shouldn’t exceed the rated lifting capacity of the bridge crane.
- Crane span
The span or width of the bridge crane is another crucial factor to decide the size of the material-handling equipment
- Working Frequency
The operational frequency of the bridge crane will be typically used to classify the crane required for a specific application.
- Supporting Systems
The bridge crane can either be supported by runway structures that are attached to the workshop building or on a free-standing runway that is set up, particularly for the machine.
Conclusion
Renting a bridge crane is the best option for a commercial project such as constructing a building or road. However, choosing the right type of bridge crane (single-girder or double-girder) for different applications is the key to better efficiency and productivity. For instance, the most suitable material lifting equipment can be chosen based on the specific application and building dimensions if the building is to be constructed. Furthermore, make sure to inspect the bridge crane frequently for better application.
