Comprehensive Guide to Factory Crane: Types, Components, and Applications

Factory cranes are essential equipment in industrial production, warehousing, and heavy logistics, responsible for lifting, positioning, and transporting materials. Understanding the types, core components, and practical applications of a factory crane is crucial for selecting efficient, safe, and long-lasting solutions.

This guide addresses key industrial concerns, including:

• How to choose the right crane type based on facility layout and load requirements
• How core components affect performance, maintenance, and safety
• Recommended configurations for different industrial applications

What Is a Factory Crane

A factory crane is specifically designed for industrial factories or warehouse environments. Unlike port cranes or construction cranes, factory cranes are characterized by:

• High-frequency operation
• Precise lifting and positioning
• Long-term stability
• Adaptability to complex industrial conditions, such as building span, runway rails, and floor load capacity

Understanding a factory crane involves more than knowing it “can lift loads.” Critical considerations include:

1. Whether the equipment design matches operational conditions
2. Whether component selection ensures performance and reliability
3. Safety and maintenance requirements over time

Types of Factory Crane

Overhead Crane

Overview: Overhead cranes are commonly installed on factory roof rails and are available as single or double girder designs.

Selection Criteria:

• Single girder cranes suit light to medium loads (≤10t) and limited spans
• Double girder cranes are ideal for heavy loads (≥10t) and wide spans (≥20m)

Applications:

• Small to medium parts handling in manufacturing facilities
• Assembly lines or repetitive operation stations

Considerations:

• Roof load-bearing capacity and crane height must meet specifications
• Single girder cranes have limited span; heavy loads may cause beam deflection

Gantry Crane

Overview: Gantry cranes have a door-like structure and can be used indoors or outdoors with mobility.

Selection Criteria:

• High load and wide span requirements
• Cross-facility or outdoor heavy lifting
• Floor foundation or rail load capacity must be evaluated

Applications:

• Steel, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery assembly
• Outdoor logistics yards

Considerations:

• Frequent movement requires well-designed wheels and leg structures
• Outdoor applications need windproof and corrosion-resistant features

Jib Crane

Overview: Jib cranes use a cantilever or arm structure, covering a limited working area.

Selection Criteria:

• Localized lifting needs (≤5t)
• Single workstation or compact space

Applications:

• Parts assembly lines
• Precision machining workshops

Considerations:

• Arm length and support type determine reach and load capacity
• Suitable for lightweight, repetitive operations

Wall-Mounted & Semi-Gantry Cranes

Overview: These cranes save floor space and are suitable for specific work conditions.

Selection Criteria:

• Limited floor space
• Partially fixed workstations
• Low to medium load (≤10t)

Applications:

• Storage areas or localized assembly stations
• Light material handling

Considerations:

• Wall or support structure must meet load-bearing requirements
• Regular inspection of fixed points is essential

Core Components of a Factory Crane

Structural Components

Includes: Main girder, gantry frame, supporting legs

Impact on performance:

• Main girder span and cross-section affect load stability
• Gantry frame and legs bear dynamic loads, affecting safety
• High-strength steel and proper welding increase service life

Selection Advice:

• High-frequency or heavy-duty operation requires reinforced girders and rigid gantry frames
• Mobile cranes require optimized leg and wheel systems

Lifting and Mechanical Components

Includes: Hoisting motor, wire rope/chain, gear reducer

Impact on performance:

• Hoisting speed, load stability, and operational precision
• Wire rope or chain durability affects service life
• Gear reducer smooths transmission and reduces structural fatigue

Selection Advice:

• High-tonnage applications require high-torque motors and long-life wire ropes
• Frequent start-stop operations benefit from flexible reducers or variable frequency drives

Electrical and Control Components

Includes: Motor drives, variable frequency drives (VFDs), control panels

Impact on performance:

• Precise positioning
• Smooth starts and stops, reducing mechanical shock
• Energy efficiency and maintenance convenience

Selection Advice:

• High-precision assembly or production lines prefer PLC-controlled VFD systems
• Simple material handling may use basic contactor-based control

Safety and Protection Components

Includes: Brakes, limit switches, overload protection, emergency stop

Function:

• Prevent overloading, collision, or over-travel
• Improve operational safety
• Extend crane service life

Selection Advice:

• Heavy-load or wide-span cranes require full limit and emergency braking systems
• Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for long-term reliability

Industrial Applications of Factory Cranes

Manufacturing Facilities

Challenges: Handling heavy parts, frequent lifting, high precision requirements
Solution: Cranes with rigid main beams, stable hoisting, and precise control
Recommendation: Single girder overhead cranes for light-medium loads; double girder overhead or gantry cranes for heavy assembly

Warehousing and Logistics

Challenges: Diverse goods, frequent storage and retrieval, limited space
Solution: Compact, flexible cranes such as gantry or semi-gantry
Recommendation: Optimize runway layout to improve operational efficiency and reduce redundant handling

Heavy Industry

Challenges: Steel, machinery, and automotive plants require high load capacity and continuous operation
Solution: Durable gantry cranes with high load ratings and low maintenance requirements
Recommendation: Evaluate floor load capacity and leg-wheel system; schedule regular lubrication and component inspection

Specialized Conditions

Applications: Nuclear power, chemical, and shipbuilding with high safety standards
Solution: Full safety component integration (brakes, limit switches, overload protection)
Recommendation: Custom structural and control systems to ensure reliability and protection

Key Factors When Choosing a Factory Crane

1. Load and Span: Ensure safety factor ≥1.25
2. Duty Class / Usage Frequency: Heavy-duty components for frequent operations
3. Space and Mobility: Fixed, mobile, or outdoor operations
4. Safety and Maintenance: Complete safety components and accessible spare parts

Conclusion

Selecting the right factory crane requires evaluating type, components, and operational conditions, not just lifting capacity. A comprehensive understanding ensures safe, reliable, and efficient long-term operation.

For precise factory crane recommendations, share your project details such as load, span, and site conditions with Yonghao Crane. Email: yonghaoqizhong@163.com