Runways

A Key Component in any Crane System

Runways of an overhead crane system can include the beams, columns, and rails that the crane runs along. The bridge or girder end trucks run along a rail which is secured to the top of the runway beams.

The beams are generally supported by one of two main components and it is determined by the configuration of your crane. The top running travelling crane beams are mounted to columns while the under running crane beams are supported from the structure of the roof.

When adding a new crane into your existing building it is important to confirm if the existing columns in the building can support the load of the new crane or if new columns will have to be supplied with the system. If there is a need for new columns then they can be supplied as either tied back columns which are connected to the current structure of the building or they can be entirely free-standing columns separate from the structure of the building. Tied back columns are a great way to provide added lateral support to an overhead crane runway. Runways are offered in top-running and underhung configurations.

Freestanding Runways

Freestanding runways are great where maximum hook height is desired. Because the system doesn’t have a brace at least 6″ of concrete is required to mount this system to the floor. Because freestanding crane structures do not require support headers across the top of the system, they allow the overhead bridge crane to ride on the very top of the structure giving maximum hook height. In many cases, the additional hook height provided by this design can be an incredible 10 to 24 inches.

Features:

Capacities typically range from 1 to 25-tons and higher
Spans available up to 100-ft and longer
Unlimited runway lengths
Supports mount directly to a 6-inch concrete slab or reinforced concrete footers
Hand gear, push type, electric and pneumatic cranes available
Many configurations pre-engineered for quick delivery
Ships complete with:
- Runway Electrification
- Hardware
- Assembly Manual
- Anchor Bolts*
Complete AutoCAD drawings included
Runway designs follow AISC specifications
All systems are approved by a licensed PE
Food grade and other noncorrosive equipment are available

*When foundations are not required

Semi-Freestanding Runways

When a new or existing building has enough reserve capacity to resist the longitudinal (along the length of crane runways) and lateral (across the width of runways) forces, CraneWerks can attach the columns and runways to these buildings, reducing the amount of steel required to produce an overhead crane system. These systems are good where the requirement is for minimum floor obstructions and where maximum headroom (hook height) is required.

Engineering services are available through CraneWerks to help you determine if your building has the required strength to utilize money saving semi-freestanding crane runways.

Features:

Capacities vary from 1 to 50 ton
Available in unlimited lengths
Columns fasten directly in to a 6 inch concrete floor or adequately sized foundation
Push, motor driven, and hand geared bridge cranes available
Custom engineered to meet your building specifications
Ships complete with:
- Runway electrification
- Assembly manual
- Hardware
- Anchor bolts (if required)
Comprehensive approval drawings supplied in Auto CAD format
AISC specified runway systems
Custom explosion proof and food grade systems are offered
Licensed engineers review all system designs

Header-Braced Freestanding Runways

Header-braced runways are self-supporting and work well where minimum floor obstructions are essential and the lowest obstruction in the building is high enough for the system to be installed while still giving adequate headroom (hook height).

The main component of top running header-braced crane runways is a top-running bridge crane designed with the bridge on the top of the runway. No knee braces are required, increasing valuable production space. These runways are supported by the freestanding support columns as each pair is tied together by a header. Stand-alone workstation bridge cranes do not rely on building or support column integrity. Header-braced runways are ideal when the lowest obstruction in the building is high enough that it does not limit the hook height.

Features:

Standard capacities from 1 to 25 ton and heavier
Spans available up to 60 ft and wider
Infinite runway lengths available
Columns bolt directly to a 6 inch concrete slab or reinforced concrete foundations
Electrical motor driven, hand geared, push type, and air powered overhead cranes available
Quick deliveries available due to the pre-engineered designs
Ships complete with:
- hardware
- assembly manual
- runway electrification
- anchor bolts (if required)
Detailed approval drawings submitted in Auto CAD
AISC specifications used throughout the design process
Stainless steel systems for use in food industry or other corrosive applications
Bolt together construction allows for easy installation, relocation, and expansion
Professional engineers approve all system drawings

Knee-Braced Runways

Knee-braced runways are great where maximum hook height is desired and where additional floor obstructions created by the knee braces are not problematic. Because the system is braced this way, it does not require any attachment back to the building or other structures. Because knee-braced runways do not require support headers across the top of the system, they allow the overhead bridge crane to ride on the very top of the structure giving maximum hook height. In many cases the additional hook height provided by this design can be an incredible 10 to 24 inches.

Features:

Capacities typically range from 1 to 25 ton and higher.
Spans available up to 100 ft and longer.
Unlimited runway lengths.
Supports mount directly to a 6 inch concrete slab or reinforced concrete footers.
Hand gear, push type, electric and pneumatic cranes available.
Many configurations pre-engineered for quick delivery.
Ships complete with:
- Runway Electrification
- Hardware
- Assembly Manual
- Anchor Bolts (when foundations are not required.)
Complete AutoCAD drawings included.
Runway designs follow AISC specifications.
All systems are approved by a licensed PE.
Food grade and other non corrosive equipment is available

Solnahomi "Sol" Jimenez-Mendoza being awarded the $2,000 2024 Roger Graham Scholarship by Ashley Larochelle of CraneWerks, Inc. in Morristown, IN

What we offer

CraneWerks stands out as your top pick for reliable and long-lasting overhead crane and hoist solutions, delivering material handling options across the nation. Our services are crafted to ensure your compliance with OSHA standards, maintain the optimal performance of your overhead lifting gear, and foster a secure workplace for your staff. From essential OSHA-mandated inspections to proactive maintenance, repairs, and comprehensive employee training, CraneWerks is your trusted partner every step of the way.

Get to Know CraneWerks

In the late 1990s, CraneWerks noticed that the American crane industry was in trouble. Big overseas companies were making huge inroads into the US market by setting up their own sales networks. Their seemingly unlimited resources and capabilities made it increasingly difficult for independent US dealers to stay competitive.

Against that backdrop, CraneWerks was founded in 1997 with a vision: give independent American dealers a chance to compete in their own backyard by giving them the opportunity to say “Yes” to all their customers’ overhead material handling needs.

Giving Back

The actions we take in our lives create lasting reverberations, often enduring beyond our time. Roger Graham, a cherished member of the CraneWerks family for 18 years, was a remarkable and generous individual whose actions and words have left a lasting impact. His legacy continues to resonate with those who had the privilege of knowing or working with him. In honor of his memory, the Roger Graham Scholarship is presented each year to a deserving local high school senior pursuing education in a trade school.

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Runways

A Key Component in any Crane System

Freestanding Runways

Features:

Semi-Freestanding Runways

Features:

Header-Braced Freestanding Runways

Features:

Knee-Braced Runways

Features:

What we offer

Get to Know CraneWerks

Giving Back

Stay in the Know with the Crane Connection Newsletter

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