What Are the Two Types of Girders in Crane Systems?

Abr 3, 2025

In the world of crane manufacturing and material handling, understanding different girders used in overhead cranes is fundamental for selecting the appropriate equipment for specific industrial applications. Two of the most common types used today are the single girder crane and the double girder crane. Each has its own features and is suitable for different operational purposes. In this article, both of these crane types will be explained in detail, illustrating their unique features and applications.

Single Girder Crane: A Compact and Cost-Effective Solution

A “single girder crane” is a kind of overhead crane system that fits a hoist and trolley mechanism on a single main girder, or beam. This design is especially famous for cases when either the available space is minimal or the required load-carrying capacities are not very high.

The main features of a single girder crane are as follows:

  • Compact Design: Since it only uses one girder, this crane system is more compact than its double girder counterparts, allowing for better use of space in smaller warehouses or workshops.
  • Cost-Effective: Given its simpler structure and the fewer materials needed for construction, a single girder overhead crane is usually cheaper than a double girder crane and is generally regarded as an excellent choice for firms looking for cost-saving solutions without performance compromise.
  • Light to Medium Duty Lifting: Single girder cranes are ideal for light to medium lifting capacities, generally used for loads up to 20 tons. They are commonly seen in warehouses, factories, and smaller construction sites.
  • Easy Installation and Maintenance: The design of the single girder crane makes both the installing and maintenance processes simpler, attracting to it a host of businesses with little technical knowledge or resources.

Double Girder Crane: High Capacity and Strength for Larger Loads

A double girder crane has a dual girder system that can provide the necessary support and lift heavier loads than a single girder crane. These cranes are generally suited for environments with heavier lifting requirements, and thus, greater stability is always the primary concern.

The key advantages of the double girder crane involve:

  • Higher Lifting Capacities: As this crane has two girders, its lifting capacity is much higher than that of a single girder crane, going up to 100 tons or more. It is definitely the go-to solution for tasks concerning heavy-duty applications like the industry of steel, shipbuilding, or large-scale manufacturing.
  • Enhanced Stability and Durability: The dual girder design not only grants the crane extra power but also stability, which together makes the lifting process smoother and safer. This is especially important when working with large or heavy materials that need extra precision and control.
  • Better Hook Height: Due to the higher positioning of the hoist system, the double girder cranes present higher levels of the hook thus leading to more effective working procedures even if the buildings are tall or have high ceilings.
  • Suitability for Larger Spaces: Double girder cranes are frequently used in scenarios where the spaces are quite larger, for instance, industrial plants, harbors, and warehouses. By virtue of their feature of a higher covering capacity, overhead cranes are often used in the sector of long-distance lifting tasks.

Which Crane Type Should You Choose?

Opting for a single girder crane or a double girder crane is a decision that depends on different factors like the weight and the size of the loads that need to be lifted, the space available in the facility, and the budget. For small to medium-duty tasks in small spaces, a single girder overhead crane would be a wise idea, offering a cost-effective solution without performance sacrifice. But, for heavy-duty tasks, e.g., increasing the capacity and ensuring the stability of the crane, the double girder crane is always the better option.

Both single girder cranes and gruas biviga offer distinct advantages depending on the specific needs of the business or industry. Understanding the key differences between these two types of cranes will help ensure that the right crane system is chosen for your material handling requirements. By selecting the appropriate crane, businesses can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in their operations.

For more information on single girder cranes and gruas biviga, visit YG Crane’s website.