When you’re preparing to install an overhead crane in your facility, you must find the proper design to fit your needs. With considerations like hoist strength, structure, and limitations to keep in mind, it can be difficult to know which is right for you. At T&M Cranes, we can help you compare single- and double-girder crane designs to find which is best for your needs. Read our guide below to learn more.
Single-girder
Structure
A single-girder crane is built using a single girder that moves along two parallel braces. The trolley is typically installed to move along the bottom of the girder, which allows for more headroom above. You can install your single-girder crane closer to the ceiling because you don’t have to worry about the trolley clipping support beams.
Hoist strength
Upon initial review of a single-girder design compared to a double-girder crane design, you might feel like the single-girder provides more hoist strength. Lateral bracing gives a single-girder crane added strength without having to upgrade the structure of your crane. However, you can easily upgrade the structure of your crane to add greater payload capacity.
Benefits
A single-girder crane offers lower acquisition costs out of the gate than other options. Your setup requires fewer components and won’t cost as much initially to have it installed. It also won’t take up as much space in your facility as a double-girder crane setup.
Limitations
The design of a single-girder crane with the trolley installed on the underside limits the height you can hoist your bail. If you have areas where you’re trying to get a load that is close to the roof of your facility, you’re limited as the trolley sits about 36 inches below the top of the girder itself.
Double-girder
Structure
A double-girder crane uses two girders that are connected to lateral braces with a trolley in the middle. The trolley spans the gap between the two girders and hoists loads between them. In contrast to the single-girder design, the trolley is situated on top of the girders, which allows the crane to lift loads higher.
Hoist strength
Your basic double-girder crane design is more rigid than other configurations as it’s more durable with natural reinforcement. Your crane will have an identified capacity, but it will ultimately be your source for lifting heavy-duty loads that other options can’t provide.
Benefits
You can get an extra 18 to 36 inches of clearance with a double-girder crane because the trolley is situated on top of the girders. Your crane will also provide greater payload capacity over longer distances than a single-girder crane because of its reinforced design. Furthermore, the design of a double-girder crane is excellent for regular use both indoors and outdoors in a variety of applications that include mining, railyards, and ports.
Limitations
If you’re worried about the cost of your crane, a double-girder crane might not be the solution you’re looking for. The complex structure and components that come with this crane make it more expensive upfront than other options. Additionally, you lose headroom in your facility as the trolley runs on the topside of the girders.
Contact us to learn more
If you’d like to learn more about the differences between single-girder and double-girder crane designs, get in touch with us at T&M Cranes. We’re experts in cranes, including installation and maintenance. You can get ahold of our team 24/7 by calling 1-800-552-6720. If you’d like to send us your questions before calling, please don’t hesitate to use our online contact form.
