Crane Manufacturers UK | Overhead, Gantry & Goliath Cranes

Harold Potter – Lifting Equipment & Overhead Crane Specialists

Harold Potter is one of the UK’s leading crane manufacturers. We provide the design and installation of overhead cranes, gantry cranes, goliath cranes, semi-goliath cranes, swing jib cranes and lifting beams. From crane design and manufacture through to installation, maintenance, LOLER inspections and spare crane parts, we support businesses throughout the UK.

Our cranes are designed to improve safety, increase productivity and provide dependable lifting performance for businesses across the UK. From compact swing jib cranes for individual workstations to large overhead and goliath crane systems capable of handling heavy loads, we offer tailored lifting solutions designed around your application and working environment.

Our Cranes

Overhead Cranes

At Harold Potter, we design & manufacture, refurbish, and install a range of overhead cranes, including both single girder and double girder cranes. Our new and used overhead cranes are tailored to meet the needs of your application.

What is an Overhead Crane?

An overhead crane is a type of industrial lifting system used to lift, lower, and move heavy loads horizontally across a workspace. Overhead cranes are commonly installed in factories, workshops, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities where regular heavy lifting is required. The crane operates on elevated runway beams and uses a hoist and trolley system to transport loads safely and efficiently around the working area. Overhead cranes are designed to improve lifting safety, reduce manual handling, and increase productivity in industrial environments.

Gantry Cranes

Gantry Cranes are just one of the many types of Lifting Equipment that we supply at Harold Potter. We install gantry cranes for businesses who may require more flexibility with the location of their crane, while still looking to be able to move heavy loads.

What is a Gantry Crane?

A gantry crane is a type of lifting system that is supported by legs rather than being suspended from a building structure. The crane consists of a bridge beam supported by two legs, allowing it to lift, lower and move loads within a designated working area. Depending on the application, gantry cranes can be mounted on wheels for portability or on floor-mounted rails for larger and more permanent installations.

Goliath Cranes

We design, manufacture and install goliath cranes for businesses across the UK who need heavy-duty lifting solutions. Semi-goliath cranes are a variation of goliath crane, that we manufacture here at Harold Potter. Our new and refurbished goliath cranes are manufactured bespoke to your operations.

What is a Goliath Crane?

Goliath cranes are a type of crane that runs on floor-level rails rather than elevated runway beams. The crane bridge is supported by steel legs which travel along a ground-mounted track system. Goliath cranes are widely used in industrial environments where overhead runway support is not available or practical.

They are ideal for heavy-duty lifting in outdoor or large open environments, such as fabrication yards, ports, and industrial sites where overhead crane systems aren’t practical.

Swing Jib Cranes

Swing jibs are ideal where full overhead crane coverage may be either impractical or too costly. They consist of a beam with a horizontal arm at a right angle. Harold Potter stock a range of cost-effective swing jibs that are ideal for businesses requiring lifting in tight spaces.

What is a Swing Jib Crane?

A Swing Jib Crane consists of a horizontal jib arm, which is supported by a pillar or by an existing feature of a building, such as a wall or column. The arm is fitted with either a manual hoist, an electric chain hoist (E.C.H) or a pneumatic hoist (air hoist). Typical examples of their use being over work benches, in fitting and maintenance shops, over machine tools and in loading and unloading bays.

Why Choose Harold Potter For Your Cranes?

Established in 1921, Harold Potter has decades of experience designing, manufacturing, installing and maintaining overhead cranes for businesses across the UK. Our team of experienced overhead crane specialists provide tailored lifting solutions, from new crane installations and crane modification projects to refurbishment and servicing of existing industrial crane systems.

We offer a complete range of services, including crane design and manufacture, installation, LOLER inspections, preventative maintenance, breakdown support and obsolete crane spare parts, or for those parts on long delivery, that are urgently needed. With qualified engineers, fast response times and clear communication throughout every project, we help minimise downtime and keep your lifting operations running safely and efficiently.

Harold Potter is built on quality workmanship, reliable support and long-term customer relationships. Our successful projects and customer testimonials demonstrating our commitment to delivering dependable overhead crane solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an overhead crane and a gantry crane?

An overhead crane operates on runway beams fixed to a building structure, whereas a gantry crane is supported by legs that run along floor-mounted rails. Gantry cranes can be used where building support structures are not available.

How often do crane require LOLER inspections?

Depending on your crane’s size and usage, LOLER inspections are legally required to be fulfilled every 6 or 12 months. Cranes that are in use more frequently will require an inspection every 6 months.

Can an existing crane be refurbished?

Yes. Crane refurbishment can extend the lifespan of existing equipment, improve reliability and help bring older crane systems in line with modern operational requirements. At Harold Potter, we refurbish cranes for customers across the UK. We re-paint, re-fit electrics and can also extend cranes to suit your operations.

How do I choose the right crane?

Factors such as load weight, lifting height, span, available space and frequency of operation should all be considered when selecting a crane. Our team can advise on the most suitable solution for your business.

What happens if my crane has no power?

If the electrics on your crane fail, or there is a power shortage, cranes can be fitted with manual chain hoists to provide a backup operation. You can read more about manual crane operation in our Crane Guides section.