A beam crane is a bridge-type lifting mechanism that moves along crane tracks installed on building floors or special supports. It consists of three main elements: a span bridge, end beams with running wheels, a manual or electric hoist (hoist), which lifts and moves loads. By design it can be suspended or supported. A support crane is considered more reliable and durable; moreover, with the same parameters (load capacity and bridge length), it is cheaper than a suspended one.
It is used in small and large manufacturing enterprises, warehouses, construction sites, workshops, service centers - anywhere where it is not possible (or necessary) to install a large bridge forklift. Used during loading and unloading operations, during installation, lifting and moving loads from 1 to 10 tons.
General device
A beam crane differs from an overhead crane in that it has only one main beam part. It consists of:
- lifting device;
- span beam - the trajectory of its movement;
- end beams.
The work cycle consists of several operations:
- lifting the load to a given height;
- its horizontal movement to the place of installation work or laying;
- unloading materials;
- returning to the starting position.
This design is convenient:
- compactness - it can be used in small spaces;
- ease of installation;
- ease of maintenance;
- sufficient load capacity;
- affordable price.
Beam crane design
Design features, advantages and limitations of support cranes.
Advantages of support cranes. The designs of single-girder overhead cranes have the following advantages: relatively low metal consumption and low dead weight. Thanks to the first of these advantages, single-girder overhead cranes cost significantly less than double-girder cranes.
At the same time, supporting single-girder overhead cranes can have an impressive lifting capacity - up to 50 tons and sometimes even more. Given the small dimensions inherent in these cranes, this provides them with a very wide range of applications. Therefore, overhead single-beam support cranes can be found in almost any indoor production facility: from a large workshop to a small auto repair shop.
A significant portion of these faucets are controlled from the floor using a pendant control. However, large-capacity single-girder cranes can be operated from a separate operator's cabin, for which a special landing platform is provided.
Structurally, single-girder overhead overhead cranes are a compromise between overhead and double-girder overhead cranes. This compromise, of course, makes it possible to largely use the advantages of both types of lifting machines. But it does not make it possible to avoid their shortcomings.
Disadvantages of support cranes. Thus, unlike overhead overhead cranes, single-girder support cranes cannot be equipped with consoles, and their working area is limited only by the space between the tracks. On the other hand, having only one beam does not leave enough space for a walk-through gallery on the surface of the crane. This complicates its operation, maintenance and repair.
Types of equipment
Today, the crane beam market offers two types of such equipment, which have minor differences:
- support crane beam;
- suspended crane beam.
In the first type of model, special rails are used to move the end beams along the crane runway, along which their running wheels move. The support crane can be controlled manually or electrically. They are typically used for warehouse handling or industrial workshops.
Construction of a support crane beam
In a suspended structure, crane tracks do not require additional supports; they are installed in the ceiling, which saves installation time. Suspended crane beams are moved using a control panel. They are convenient for servicing large materials and industrial equipment. Their main advantage is the expanded work space. In addition, with the same load capacity, they are much lighter.
Installation of a suspended crane beam
For large working areas, a successful design solution was the use of suspended two-span crane beams. They differ from standard ones only in the length of the bridge. By increasing its length, the service area is significantly expanded. To reduce the excess load on the bridge and prevent its deformation, another I-beam track is mounted to the floors as an additional supporting element.
The production of beam cranes at our plant is organized in accordance with current safety requirements. We offer the production of crane beams on special order to adapt to the conditions and specifics of your production. The company's products are certified and completely ready for installation and operation.
Our website contains detailed information, documentation, drawings and photos of any type of beam cranes we produce. We provide consulting assistance in selecting a crane and selecting additional equipment and characteristics taking into account operating conditions.
Crane devices with telescopic boom
When unloading covered cars at railway stations, it is most convenient to use beam cranes with a telescopic boom. They consist of:
- from a crane bridge;
- telescopic beam;
- support rollers;
- devices for extending the telescopic boom;
- hook, which is mounted on hinges capable of rotating in all planes.
Very compact jib cranes
To ensure that the extension of the boom does not disturb its support base, the drive with rollers is mounted on an intermediate beam. It is known that telescopic forklifts with inclined crane beams are indispensable in warehouses, railway stations, and ports. Telescopic crane beams, capable of changing the angle of inclination in the range of 0-30 degrees, have become especially popular.
Telescopic loaders are presented on the market in three modifications. They can simultaneously combine three beam cranes. Telescopic forklifts are equipped with a comfortable cabin and a safety system. Some models are capable of lifting loads to a height of up to 18 m. Telescopic loaders are multifunctional; they can be equipped with various attachments - buckets, loading platforms.
Does it make sense to purchase a used crane beam?
In general, purchasing used equipment in some cases allows you to seriously save on the costs of equipping or re-equipping production. This is why sometimes people decide to buy a used beam crane. But not all used equipment can be considered a successful acquisition. For example, a purchased old crane beam can become a source of serious problems.
Let's look at the root of the problem: why do people sell beam cranes in the first place? All the many reasons can be reduced to two main ones:
1) bankruptcy of the company with the sale of its property, and
2) an attempt to get rid of a low-quality (or, possibly, exhausted) crane beam.
And if in the first case there is a chance of acquiring very decent lifting equipment, then in the second case it is much more likely to get additional worries on your head.
How to determine the quality of a purchased used crane beam?
Regardless of the price and terms offered, the entire used overhead crane should be inspected very carefully. Everything should be carefully studied - from the bridge to the gear motor and power supply system.
The bridge beam must be level and straight in all planes, and there must be no serious damage or signs of repair. It is also necessary to assess the degree of wear of the shelves on which the hoist moved - it should not exceed 3 mm.
The next point will be to inspect the wheels of the cargo mechanism. Their condition clearly shows in what mode the crane was operated and for how long. Excessive wear indicates heavy duty work. And this, in turn, leads to the conclusion that the crane beam may have exhausted its resource. If the wheel flanges are worn on one side, this indicates a misalignment and the impossibility of using the loading device without replacing the wheels.
Another important component is the gearbox. If the gears of its drive are worn out, the teeth are ground off, then most likely the drive units will need to be replaced. It is imperative to check the gear motor and assess its condition and the possibility of replacement. It often happens that this engine model has long been discontinued, and the new one is incompatible with other components and the gearbox will have to be replaced completely.
The dangers of operating a worn-out tap
In some cases, a visual inspection may not reveal all defects. For example, crane beams may have microcracks, which during operation will sooner or later lead to the destruction of the bridge or end beams. Such an accident can have the most severe consequences, so the visual inspection must be supplemented with thorough flaw detection using special equipment.
Even if the span beam is in perfect order and will withstand several more years of operation, the running mechanism may require modernization. Bringing the forklift into working condition will require additional costs. As a result, the savings will be negligible, and the increased risk of breakdowns leading to downtime and additional repair costs will eat up the remaining benefits.
Ultimately, it may turn out that the total cost of buying a used crane beam and upgrading it will exceed the cost of a new beam. In any case, the decision is up to you. If you decide to repair or modernize a used crane beam, contact our specialists.
Mobile crane racks
Instead of ceiling trusses, special overpasses can be installed for suspended modifications. Such structures are more often used in open areas. Mobile crane racks are made of metal structures and mounted on the concrete surface of the working site.
The columns are interconnected and do not require attachment to fixed structures or walls. The size of the overpass is calculated depending on the technical specifications and the required load capacity. The mobile structure consists of:
- several types of beams, among them - load-bearing, span I-beams and others;
- running carriage;
- lifting telpher;
- remote control.
Installation and operation
The installation of a crane beam involves differences depending on the characteristics of the equipment and the type of machine - whether a suspended or a support crane beam is installed. The support crane requires special crane tracks, which are mounted on special supports. Suspended allows the use of conventional I-beams, which can be attached directly to the floors of the building.
The sequence of installation work depends on the size and weight of the cargo lift and the possibility of using special equipment - for example, a self-propelled jib crane. In this case, the crane beam assembled on the floor is lifted and installed on the assembled crane tracks. If this is not possible, use large-block or element-by-element installation of the mechanism on crane tracks.
Before connecting the crane beam to the power supply system, you must carefully check the fastening of all structural elements and the reliability of the equipment. After connection, the operation of the load device is checked at idle and only after that static and dynamic tests are carried out.
Successful operation of a beam crane is based on careful and correct installation in compliance with all construction and technological standards. And in order for the crane beam to work effectively throughout the entire design period of use, it is necessary to operate it in accordance with its characteristics - load capacity, design operating mode, climatic conditions.
It is important to regularly inspect and maintain the cargo lift - inspect the crane tracks, clean and lubricate the moving parts of the mechanisms, monitor the condition of the power supply system and all electrical equipment installed on the crane beam.
Types of drives
The crane design uses two types of drives.
Manual overhead crane - device diagram
Manual is cheaper and easier to operate. It is usually installed when lifting small masses and dimensions, and provides a low speed of movement of the hoist compared to an electric one.
The manual mechanism is used less and less; it gives low productivity, as it is driven by the worker’s muscle power. It operates using a shaft connected to running wheels and is more often used in small repair shops or artisanal workshops and warehouses. Manually driven beam cranes have the following characteristics: lifting capacity – up to 10 tons; span – 20 t.
Undoubtedly, the electric drive has higher performance characteristics; it also has the greatest application. The movement of cargo in it is ensured by an electric motor, a gearbox and a transmission shaft, which transmits rotation via gears to the wheels of the cargo trolley. The electric drive is designed for high performance:
- significant carrying capacity;
- intensive use of crane equipment;
- high labor productivity.
At the same time, the electric drive significantly increases the weight of the lifting mechanism and the entire structure as a whole.
The electric motor can be controlled:
- from the operator's cabin located at the level of the crane beam;
- using a wired remote control;
- via radio control is the most convenient option.
Electrically driven overhead cranes
Other options
At the same time, other important characteristics of the beam are taken into account, among which the following can be distinguished.
The span size or area of the crane's working area is its possible range of 3-28.5 m. For single-span cranes it is 3-15 m, for double-span cranes it is from 7.5 to 12 m.
Crane beam - installation diagram and characteristics
Lifting height . For suspended modifications, this figure reaches from 6 to 36 m, for a support version – from 6 to 18 m, but a model with a lifting height of up to 36 m can be custom-made.
Electrical voltage . To operate the devices, a three-phase current with a voltage of 380 V and a frequency of 50 hertz is supplied using a flexible cable.
Speed of cargo movement. For supporting devices - 24-60 m/min, for suspended devices - no more than 30 m/min.
Temperature conditions . Most modern models can operate in the temperature range from -20 to +40 degrees, and low-temperature modifications can operate even in 40-degree frosts.
Metal faucet components
The supporting structures of the crane - span and end beams - have the highest metal consumption, which affects its weight. The main beam is usually rectangular in shape, welded from steel parts or lattice trusses to increase load resistance.
Features of the crane beam configuration
To ensure strength, diaphragms with stiffeners are inserted inside the beam. The main beam and end beams are connected by welding or using bolts. The second method eliminates the possibility of deformation and guarantees quick and accurate installation of the crane.
The weight of the outer, auxiliary wall of the bridge is reduced due to cutouts in the metal sheets, without reducing its load-bearing characteristics. The main beam may experience bending deformations from constantly moving loads. To prevent its deformation, the beams are given a construction lift in advance, that is, when cutting the steel sheets, they are slightly bent upward.
The end beams, which have a rectangular shape, have limiters. If the crane is used in an open area, additional anti-theft devices are installed to protect against wind.
How to buy a jib crane at EUROKRAN
We offer you to buy an electric or manual jib crane, manufactured in full accordance with the parameters you need. Fill out the questionnaire - indicate the required parameters, operating mode, location (street, under a canopy, indoors). You can download a questionnaire for calculating the price of a jib crane on our product pages or here. After studying the completed data, our manager will contact you to discuss the details and agree on delivery terms.
Our advantages:
- Optimal prices.
We try to optimize the cost of equipment as much as possible and offer the optimal cost of manufacturing cranes and guarantee its high quality. - Guarantee.
The warranty on our jib cranes is up to 5 years. - Full range of work.
Additionally, when purchasing a crane, we are ready to provide its installation, connection and testing. - Own production sites and responsibility for the result.
Do you want to buy a cantilever slewing crane? Our managers will answer all your questions, offer you several configuration options and agree with you on the need for additional work.
Necessary conditions for installing a crane
Before you begin installing the crane beam, you should make sure that the building can withstand the loads that arise during operation. The assembly process is carried out in several stages:
- delivery of all mechanisms to the assembly site;
- installation of the unit on crane tracks;
- lifting and installation of the bridge;
- final installation steps.
Before installing the crane, the following preliminary work should be done:
Design of the crane runway of the support crane beam
- complete the installation of metal structures for at least 5-6 spans;
- install and check crane tracks;
- make sure there is a railway track on the site;
- calculate the length of the installation area - it should be twice as long as the bridge.
After receiving the certificate of completion of the preparatory work, installation of the installation can begin.
Affordable prices, ease of assembly, and good performance indicators have ensured that the beam crane is highly popular among customers. They often act as the only possible option for carrying out lifting work in hard-to-reach places.
"EUROKRAN" - manufacturer of jib cranes
PKF Eurokran LLC is a registered manufacturer of jib cranes with a slewing device. Our factory produces custom-made jib cranes, taking into account the layout and design of the building/room, your needs and technical nuances to optimize the work of your organization.
Many years of experience allows us to offer you the best lifting equipment on the market at an attractive price, as well as provide short production order times.
