Many businesses and industries use cranes because they quickly and safely let teams lift and move heavy, awkwardly shaped items. Although each type of system is built to achieve the same goal (easy material handling), they go about them differently. Because of the varying and strict demands of different industries, different types of cranes are built and used. Knowing the specifics of each system allows individuals to get the best systems for specific environments and applications. Below, we want to highlight the main differences between the two most popular crane types: overhead crane & gantry crane.
Overhead cranes, commonly called bridge cranes, look like movable bridges. A bridge crane is supported by its frame by being attached to the interior structure of a building. For extra protection, the system is mounted on girders that carefully support the structure of the building (walls & ceilings). Because an overhead crane is considered a permanent installation in a warehouse or factory, it is known to be able to lift hefty loads without fail.
A gantry crane is flexible compared to an overhead/bridge crane. They are self-sufficient in that their own structure/frame supports them. In many cases, not all wheels are mounted on the gantry crane to make it more versatile. They can also be mounted to a track system for extra security and safety. These systems cannot lift the same weight as an overhead crane, but a gantry crane is easy to assemble and can quickly move outside.
The main difference between these two types of cranes is strength versus portability. The only way to make an intelligent choice is to know your applications and environment first. For more information on making the right choice, you should not hesitate to give our team a call.
