Choosing the right crane for your business’ operations is vital and usually consists of variables such as the industry you’re in, what you need the crane for, and more. Buying a new or refurbished crane is a long-term business investment and it is key you fully understand your needs from the crane. That’s why this crane guide will breakdown the key factors in the decision-making process of purchasing a new crane.
Crane Capacity
The all-important question – how much weight do you need to lift?
Making sure this amount isn’t your average or isn’t too projected low is key, as it could lead to issues further down the line. This is an important step of the process. For example, if your business in the future requires a heavier lifting capacity, then it is less cost-effective to increase the lifting capacity of the crane after installation, than it is to opt for a crane that can handle heavier loads initially.
Businesses operating in smaller workshops may only need a lifting capacity of 500kg to 2 tonnes. Whereas, businesses operating in heavy industrial work, may need larger overhead or goliath cranes that have a capacity of up tens to hundreds of tonnes.
Overhead Travelling Cranes
Overhead travelling cranes are commonly used inside factories, engineering workshops and manufacturing facilities. These cranes run on elevated runway beams and provide lifting coverage across the workshop floor.
Single girder overhead cranes are typically suited to lighter lifting duties and smaller spans, while double girder cranes are often used for heavier capacities, increased hook height and more demanding workloads.
Goliath Cranes
Goliath cranes are commonly used outdoors or in areas where existing buildings cannot support an overhead crane system.
These cranes run on floor-mounted rails and are ideal for steel yards, depots, ports, heavy fabrication work. Semi-goliath cranes can also be used where one side of the crane is supported by the building structure and the other side runs on ground rails.
Swing Jib Cranes
Swing jib cranes are compact lifting solutions designed for smaller lifting tasks. They are commonly used at individual workstations, machine loading areas or workbenches.
Jib cranes are often installed alongside overhead cranes to improve lifting efficiency within specific sections of a workshop.
Crane Span and Lifting Height
Crane span refers to the width the crane must travel across, while lifting height determines how high the crane can safely lift materials.
Both factors are crucial during the crane design process. A larger span may require stronger crane girders, additional structural support and different crane configurations.
You should also consider available headroom, roof height, existing machinery, and potential future workshop layout changes. Maximising lifting height can significantly improve the usability of the crane, particularly in workshops where space is limited.
Indoor vs Outdoor Crane Installation
The working environment plays a major role in selecting the right crane system. Overhead cranes typically rely on existing building structure so would be an indoor system, whereas large goliath cranes that are free-standing would be found outdoors in yards and depots.
Indoor Crane Systems
Indoor cranes are usually integrated into the building structure or supported on dedicated crane steelwork. These systems are protected from weather conditions and are ideal for controlled production environments. Overhead cranes are preferred indoor to goliath cranes as they free up floor space as the rails/legs are not on the building floor. Therefore, this means there is more space for your staff, and any other small lifting systems like swing jibs which can coincide with overhead cranes.
Outdoor Crane Systems
Outdoor cranes must be designed to withstand environmental conditions such as weather and temperature changes. This is why goliath cranes are often preferred for outdoor applications, as they operate independently from the building structure. They also feature longer spans so can span across sites that may be longer than an existing building. They can also be dismantled ad move across sites giving more freedom than an overhead crane.
Can Your Building Support a Crane?
One of the most overlooked parts of the crane selection process is the building itself.
Not all workshops or industrial units can support an overhead crane without modifications. Structural considerations may include the strength of existing steelwork, column loadings, existing building foundations, runway beam support and roof structure limitations.
In some cases, additional crane supporting steelwork may need to be installed before the crane itself can be fitted. In other cases, the underlying building foundations may cause issues with being able to withstand the weight from adding a 10-tonne overhead crane for example. This is why a professional site inspection is essential before moving forward with a new installation.
New vs Refurbished Cranes
Depending on your budget and application, both new and refurbished cranes can offer benefits. A new crane allows for a completely bespoke solution designed around your exact operational requirements. Refurbished cranes can provide a more cost-effective option for businesses looking to improve lifting capabilities while reducing initial investment costs. The right choice will depend on your budget, required specification, and any future expansion plans.
Choosing The Right Crane Supplier
Selecting the right crane supplier is just as important as choosing the crane itself. An experienced crane manufacturer can help identify the best solution for your building, lifting requirements and future business growth.
At Harold Potter we design & manufacture, refurbish and install overhead cranes, goliath cranes, semi-goliath cranes and jib cranes for businesses across the UK. Our team works closely with customers to provide lifting solutions tailored to their operational requirements and working environments. We offer site visits from our expert teams to assess your options. We provide excellent service throughout design and installation, and provide maintenance and legal inspection plans for LOLER compliance.
Contact Us
If you need a new or refurbished crane for your business, contact us today to have a discussion around your needs and requirements.
Call us on 01159 838 111.
Fill in our contact form here.