Single-girder bridge crane

First, an intuitive definition: A single-girder crane is a lightweight lifting device that uses a main girder as its core load-bearing structure. Paired with lifting components and travel mechanisms, it moves along pre-set overhead tracks to lift and transport goods. That “single beam with a movable hook” you see beneath workshop ceilings is most likely this type, with the electric single-girder crane being the most common variant.

Electric Single-Girder Crane Manufactured by Henan Mine

The structure of a single-girder crane isn’t overly complex, centered around three core components. Let’s break it down:
1. Main Girder: Typically an I-beam or box girder suspended above workshops or warehouses, acting as an “aerial transport runway.” It bears the entire weight of the cargo, demanding strict material and manufacturing standards to ensure sufficient strength and stability.
2. Electric Hoist: A crucial lifting component mounted on the main beam, capable of lateral movement. Equipped with a hook, it handles cargo lifting and lowering while adjusting speed via its built-in motor for precise positioning. Most modern electric hoists feature explosion-proof and low-noise designs to suit diverse operational environments.

3. Travel Mechanism: Divided into main travel and trolley travel. Trolley travel refers to the lateral movement of the electric hoist along the main beam, enabling horizontal transport. Main travel involves the entire crane moving longitudinally along pre-set workshop tracks. Combined with trolley travel, this creates “all-around transport coverage” within a fixed area. Whether moving goods from production lines to warehouses or lifting items from the ground to storage racks, precise execution is ensured.

In small-to-medium factories, warehouses, and maintenance workshops, single-girder cranes significantly outpace larger lifting equipment in popularity. Their core advantages precisely address the pain points of these environments:

1. Minimal space requirements: The compact main beam structure demands little headroom. Even in workshops with just 4.5 meters of clearance, low-headroom single-girder cranes can be installed without disrupting other operations.
2. Easy Installation and Removal: No complex construction processes are required. Standard models can be installed within 2-3 days provided site conditions meet specifications. For temporary use, subsequent dismantling is also straightforward and causes no damage to the site.
3. High cost-effectiveness: Both initial equipment procurement and ongoing operational/maintenance costs are significantly lower than large-scale lifting equipment. Energy consumption is also minimal—for example, a 5-ton single-girder crane consumes only 3-4 kWh per hour. Operating 8 hours daily incurs electricity costs of just over 20 yuan, making it highly accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises.

4. Simple and intuitive operation: Standard ground-level handle controls are provided, with optional wireless remote controls available. Clearly labeled buttons allow new operators to master basic functions after just 10 minutes of training, eliminating the need for dedicated professional crane operators.