Guide to Overhead Crane Types: Single Girder, Double Girder & More – Everything You Need to Know

Overhead cranes play a crucial role in modern industries by ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient handling of heavy materials. From warehouses and engineering units to steel plants and fabrication workshops, these cranes support productivity and help maintain a safe working environment.

If you are exploring high-performance overhead cranes for your industry, Reva Cranes stands out as one of the leading manufacturers offering advanced, durable, and custom-engineered crane systems.

What Is an Overhead Bridge Crane?

An overhead bridge crane—often called an EOT crane (Electric Overhead Travelling Crane)—is a mechanical lifting system that moves heavy loads across a defined workspace using parallel runways and a travelling bridge. The hoist and trolley allow precise lifting, lowering, and horizontal movement, making it an essential machine for industries handling bulky components or materials.

Major Types of Overhead Cranes1. Single Girder EOT Cranes

Single girder cranes come with one bridge beam and are widely used in small and medium-scale industries. They offer:

• Economical, lightweight structure

• Easy installation and low maintenance

• Ideal for capacities up to 20–25 tonnes

• Excellent for low headroom conditions

Perfect for workshops, warehouses, and fabrication units, these cranes provide efficient lifting without heavy investment.

2. Double Girder EOT Cranes

Designed for heavy-duty applications, double girder cranes include two strong parallel beams. Key advantages include:

• Higher load capacity (30 tonnes to 300+ tonnes)

• Greater hook height

• Enhanced load stability

• Suitable for continuous and demanding operations

These cranes are commonly used in steel plants, power plants, and industrial facilities handling large equipment.

3. Underhung (Underslung) Cranes

Underhung cranes are mounted beneath building structures, making them perfect for tight spaces where floor-supported systems won’t work.

• Ideal for light to medium loads

• Suitable for small spans

• Excellent for operating above machinery

• Maximizes lifting height in restricted areas

These cranes are widely used in assembly lines and machine shops.

4. Gantry (Goliath) Cranes

Gantry cranes are self-standing cranes supported on sturdy legs that run on ground rails. They are perfect for:

• Outdoor material handling

• Shipyards, yards, and construction sites

• Areas where buildings cannot support cranes

Types include full gantry, semi-gantry, and portable gantry cranes, offering flexibility across different applications.

5. Jib Cranes

Jib cranes are perfect for localized lifting tasks. They come in several variants:

• Pillar-mounted (free-standing)

• Wall-mounted

• Wall-travelling

They offer rotational movement, easy load handling, and efficient workflow support for machine loading, workstation activities, and smaller lifting tasks.

Where Overhead Cranes Are Used

Overhead cranes are essential in industries such as:

• Steel and metal fabrication

• Automobile & aerospace manufacturing

• Warehousing and logistics

• Power plants & cement plants

• Heavy engineering sectors

• Machine shops and fabrication units

These cranes enhance safety, reduce manual labor, and boost overall efficiency.

How to Choose the Right Overhead Crane

Selecting the right crane involves evaluating:

• Load capacity

• Span & height requirements

• Duty cycle (frequency of use)

• Headroom availability

• Indoor or outdoor environment

• Speed controls & automation features

• Safety and regulatory standards

If you’re unsure, consulting professional manufacturers like Reva Cranes ensures you get the right, optimized solution for your facility.

Why Industries Prefer Reva Cranes

Reva Cranes has established itself as a trusted name for high-quality lifting solutions. Here’s why:

• 60+ years of manufacturing excellence

• Customized crane design for all industries

• In-house production ensuring quality & timely delivery

• Advanced safety features

• Nationwide service & support

• ISO & ZED certified production practices

For industries seeking reliable lifting technology, Reva Cranes delivers performance, safety, and long-term durability.

Conclusion

Understanding the various overhead crane types—single girder, double girder, gantry, underhung, and jib cranes—helps industries make informed and cost-effective decisions. Each crane type supports a specific application, load capacity, and environment. Choosing the right crane ensures efficiency, safety, and long-term operational benefits.

If you’re looking for a trusted overhead crane manufacturer in India, Reva Cranes offers high-performance, custom-built solutions designed for modern industrial needs.