Top Running Double Girders
Bridge Cranes
*Cranes that have an end truck length of over 8 ft. will be disassembled for shipping
Double girders can be constructed with either structural steel beams (W flange beams) or welded steel plates, commonly known as box girders. Most overhead bridge cranes with double girders up to 60 – 65’ span are constructed of structural steel.
The type of bridge girder is determined by considering both the span and capacity of the application. Box style double girders have a very light weight to span ratio and in many cases can reduce the size of the runway and building structure required to support them as well as reduce the cost of the crane itself. The CraneWerks engineering team can determine which design is right for your application.
A four-wheeled overhead bridge crane is good for most applications but in some cases an 8 wheeled or double bogie crane is more practical. Double bogie cranes spread the loads out over 4 wheels at each end of the bridge allowing the runway rail size to be reduced and in some cases, the runway girders themselves to be lighter weight.
Another advantage to double girders is that they can be shipped with the end trucks (The part of the crane that contains the wheels.) already assembled to the girders. This makes installation easy and reduces the amount of time it takes to erect the crane. The industrial crane specialists at CraneWerks are experienced in crane applications and can aid you in your selection of the proper crane for your application.
An advantage to a top running double girders is that you can build a new building with reduced overall height and still have the same hook height as single girders, which would require a taller building.
Many things need to be considered when properly sizing double girders; including the headroom or overall height that is available to fit the crane into (height from the crane rail to the lowest obstruction). The height available is important because the hoist and trolley ride on top of the double girders rather than being suspended beneath the bridge girder. This gives the best hook height of any overhead bridge crane option, giving you the maximum amount of lift (distance that the hook can be raised above the floor below) available.
When using a magnet as a below hook lifting device, double girders industrial crane are almost always used. Please specify in your request for quote if a magnet will be used on your crane. Due to the large number of repetitive lifts that magnet cranes endure, they should most often be sized as a class D as a minimum and many times classed higher.
Our standard for double girders is CMAA Class C but these cranes are available in class A-E. For more information, see: CMAA crane classifications.
Top running double girders primarily utilize electric wire rope hoists, but in some special instances electric chain hoists can be used with a custom made trolley.