FAQs

Crane And Hoists - (FAQS)

Crane FAQ Accordion

Frequently Asked Questions - (FAQs)

Q1. What is a Jib Crane and how does it work?

A Jib Crane is a rotating arm crane used for localized lifting and material handling. It has a horizontal boom mounted on a vertical support that rotates to move loads in a semi-circle or full circle, making it ideal for workstations and loading bays.

Q2. What is an Overhead Crane?

An overhead crane, also known as a bridge crane, is used in factories and warehouses to lift and move heavy materials across a horizontal plane, using a hoist attached to a trolley that moves along a bridge girder.

Q3. What is an EOT crane and what does EOT stand for?

An EOT crane (Electric Overhead Traveling crane) is a versatile industrial lifting system combining hoisting (up/down), trolley travel (forward/backward), and bridge travel (left/right), mounted on elevated runways for efficient material handling.

Q4. How do I choose between a single girder and double girder EOT crane?

Choose a single girder for lighter loads (up to 15 tons), lower lifting heights, and cost efficiency. Use a double girder for heavy-duty loads, higher heights, and where more headroom or attachments are required.

Q5. What are the standard speeds for EOT crane operations?

Typical speeds:
Hoisting: 1–10 m/min
Trolley: 5–25 m/min
Bridge travel: 10–40 m/min
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are used for smooth acceleration and adjustable speed.

Q6. How are EOT cranes controlled and what automation options are available?

Control options include pendant control, wireless remote, cabin operation, and PLC automation. Features include zoning, anti-collision, tandem lifting, load memory, and smart path programming.

Q7. What are the key components of an EOT crane?

Bridge girder (single or double)
End carriages with drives
Trolley with hoist
Electrical panel & wiring
Limit switches & safety devices
Power supply (cable festoon or conductor bar)

Q8. What is a Double Girder EOT Crane?

A double girder crane has two bridge girders with a hoist trolley running on top, offering higher load capacity, better hook height, and space for walkways or maintenance platforms.

Q9. What is a Goliath Crane?

Also called a Gantry Crane, it's a freestanding crane with legs that run on floor-mounted rails. It's ideal for outdoor or open-yard material handling.

Q10. What is an ASRS Crane?

An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) crane is used in automated warehouses to move items in and out of racks with precision and speed, reducing labor and maximizing storage.

Q11. What is a TRCM (Trash Rack Cleaning Machine)?

A TRCM is a hydraulic or motorized machine that removes debris from trash racks in water intake systems of power plants or irrigation canals, preventing blockages and damage.

Q12. What is CPCH in lifting systems?

CPCH (Column-mounted Pillar Crane Hoist) is a customized crane setup where a hoist is mounted on a pillar to offer 180° or 360° lifting within a fixed area.

Q13. What is a Circular Crane?

A circular crane moves loads along a circular track, typically used in large workshops or rolling mills where 360-degree coverage is required.

Q14. What is a Stacker Crane?

Used in ASRS systems, a stacker crane moves vertically and horizontally along aisles to handle pallets or bins in high-density storage facilities.

Q15. What is a PEB Structure?

PEB (Pre-Engineered Building) structure refers to factory-made steel buildings used for industrial spaces, designed to accommodate cranes and other heavy equipment.

Q16. What is an Electric Wire Rope Hoist?

An electric wire rope hoist lifts heavy loads using a steel rope wound on a drum. It's suitable for high-capacity, high-lift applications in EOT and gantry cranes.

Q17. What are Transfer Trolleys?

Transfer trolleys are motorized platforms used to move heavy materials across bays or from one crane bay to another, often rail-guided or battery-operated.

Q18. What are Belt Conveyors?

Belt conveyors transport materials using a continuous belt. Widely used in industries like mining, packaging, and manufacturing for moving bulk items.

Q19. What are Goods Lifts and their benefits?

Goods lifts (freight elevators) are vertical lifting platforms used to transport goods between building floors. They improve safety and reduce manual effort.

Q20. What is a Scissor Lift and how does it operate?

A scissor lift uses crisscrossed supports to raise and lower platforms. It's used for maintenance, installation, and material handling at elevated workspaces.

Q21. What are Wire Rope Winches used for?

Wire rope winches pull or lift heavy loads using a rotating drum and rope, powered manually or electrically. Common in construction, marine, and industrial use.

Q22. What are Counter Balance Falling Shutters?

Used in industrial doors, these shutters use a counterbalance weight system to open/close smoothly without requiring manual force.

Q23. What are Trash Racks?

Trash racks are screens placed at water intake points to prevent debris from entering turbines or pumps in hydro plants and water treatment systems.

Q24. What are Lifting Beams and how are they used?

Lifting beams distribute load evenly across multiple lifting points, reducing stress on slings and loads, ideal for handling long or delicate items.

Q25. What is a Single Girder EOT Crane?

It uses one bridge girder with the hoist mounted underneath. Ideal for lighter loads and offers lower costs and easy maintenance.

Q26. What is the difference between EOT and Gantry Cranes?

EOT cranes are mounted on elevated runways inside buildings, while gantry cranes run on rails or wheels on the ground, suitable for outdoor applications.

Q27. How to maintain an EOT crane?

Regular inspections, lubrication, electrical checks, hoist testing, and part replacement are essential for safe and efficient operation.

Q28. What are the safety features of EOT cranes?

Includes overload protection, limit switches, emergency stop, anti-collision systems, brake failure protection, and thermal overload relays.

Q29. What's the difference between chain hoists and wire rope hoists?

Chain hoists are better for light, short lifts. Wire rope hoists are suitable for heavier loads and longer lifting heights with smoother performance.

Q30. What is the purpose of a festoon system in cranes?

It carries power/control cables safely as the crane moves, using cable trolleys that run along a track, protecting wires from wear.

Q31. What are the applications of Goliath cranes?

Used in shipyards, steel yards, and precast yards where loads need to be lifted and moved in open areas without runway structures.

Q32. What is a crane hoist trolley?

It's a mechanism mounted on a bridge girder that moves horizontally while carrying the hoist to position the load accurately.

Q33. What is a bridge travel in an EOT crane?

Bridge travel refers to the movement of the entire crane bridge along the runway rails for positioning loads along the shop floor.

Q34. What are under-slung cranes?

These cranes are suspended from the roof structure and run on bottom flanges of I-beams, ideal for spaces with low headroom.

Q35. What are the advantages of electric wire rope hoists?

They offer high load capacity, fast speed, smooth lifting, low noise, and better control over positioning.

Q36. How much load can a standard wire rope winch lift?

Winches can range from 500 kg to 50 tons or more depending on model and usage – customized solutions are also available.

Q37. How do I choose the right crane for my factory?

Evaluate load capacity, working area, lifting height, power supply, duty cycle, and building structure before choosing between EOT, jib, gantry, or monorail cranes.

Q38. Can cranes be used with automated systems?

Yes, smart cranes can integrate with automation software, sensors, and PLCs for tracking, controlling, and optimizing operations.

Q39. What is a low headroom hoist and when is it needed?

It is compactly designed to reduce the distance between hook and beam, used in areas with limited vertical clearance.

Q40. What industries commonly use EOT cranes?

EOT cranes are used in steel plants, foundries, machine shops, warehouses, fabrication units, and logistics for moving heavy materials.

Q41. Can I use jib cranes outdoors?

Yes, outdoor jib cranes are designed with weatherproof materials and coatings for rust and corrosion protection.

Q42. What is the lead time for manufacturing a custom EOT crane?

It typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on design complexity, capacity, and workload of the manufacturer.

Q43. Can cranes be mounted on pre-engineered buildings (PEB)?

Yes, PEB structures are often designed to support under-slung or wall-mounted cranes with proper load calculations.

Q44. What is a tandem crane operation?

Two cranes are synchronized to lift and move a single load, used for extremely long or heavy components.

Q45. What are the most energy-efficient hoists?

Wire rope hoists with VFDs, regenerative braking, and optimized motor efficiency consume less power and reduce costs.

Q46. What safety certifications should cranes comply with?

Look for IS standards (like IS 807, IS 3177), ISO 9001, CE markings, and compliance with FEM/DIN standards.

Q47. What is an anti-sway system in cranes?

It controls load swing during movement, improving safety and accuracy in positioning, especially in automated cranes.

Q48. How are cranes powered?

Cranes are powered through electrical lines (cable reels, festoons, conductor bars) or battery-operated for mobile trolleys.

Q49. What is the crane's duty cycle?

Duty cycle defines how frequently and heavily the crane will be used—light, medium, heavy, or extra heavy-duty classes (as per IS/FEM).

Q50. What maintenance support do crane manufacturers provide?

Reputable manufacturers offer installation, AMC (Annual Maintenance Contracts), spare parts, troubleshooting, and technician support.

Q51. What is the maximum height a jib crane can reach?

Jib cranes can typically lift loads up to 20 feet, but custom-engineered jib cranes can go higher depending on load capacity and structural support.

Q52. What are the components of an EOT crane?

An EOT crane includes a bridge girder, hoist trolley, end carriages, electrical panels, pendant control or radio remote, safety limit switches, and festoon systems.

Q53. How do I choose between a chain hoist and a wire rope hoist?

Choose a chain hoist for lighter loads and shorter lifts. Opt for a wire rope hoist for heavier loads, higher speeds, and longer lifting heights.

Q54. What is a crane hoist used for?

A crane hoist is the main lifting mechanism that raises and lowers loads using a wire rope or chain, powered by electricity or manually operated.

Q55. What is the lifting capacity of a single girder EOT crane?

A single girder EOT crane typically handles up to 15 tons, but can be customized up to 20 tons for specific use cases.

Q56. Can a crane be integrated with factory automation systems?

Yes, modern cranes can be integrated with factory automation using PLC systems, IoT sensors, and production monitoring software for smart material handling.

Q57. What is a low headroom hoist?

A low headroom hoist is designed to maximize the lifting height in spaces with restricted vertical clearance, ideal for compact workshops.

Q58. What is a flameproof crane?

Flameproof cranes are designed for hazardous environments where explosive gases or dust are present, such as oil refineries or chemical plants.

Q59. How often should cranes be serviced?

Cranes should be inspected daily before use, and undergo monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance checks as per ISO/IS standards.

Q60. What is a crane girder?

A crane girder is the main horizontal beam of a crane system that supports the hoist and allows horizontal movement across the span.

Q61. What is a floor-mounted jib crane?

A floor-mounted jib crane is anchored to the concrete floor and offers 180° to 360° rotation, commonly used in workstations for repetitive lifting.

Q62. Can hoists be used for vertical and horizontal movement?

Electric hoists typically support vertical lifting. For horizontal movement, they are mounted on trolleys that run along girders or I-beams.

Q63. What are the types of overhead cranes?

Overhead cranes include single girder, double girder, under-slung, goliath (gantry), and circular cranes, depending on application and load capacity.

Q64. What is the purpose of a crane rail system?

A crane rail system provides the path for bridge and trolley movement in EOT cranes, ensuring smooth and accurate load handling.

Q65. What is a monorail crane system?

A monorail crane uses a single beam (I-beam or track) where a hoist moves along the rail. It's ideal for linear material movement.

Q66. How is crane load capacity calculated?

Load capacity is based on structural strength, hoist power, girder type, trolley design, and safety margin as per standards like IS 807, IS 3177.

Q67. Can I use a jib crane outdoors?

Yes, outdoor jib cranes are weather-resistant and built with corrosion-proof materials. Ensure they have proper wind load capacity and covers.

Q68. What is a crane festoon system?

A festoon system carries power and control cables for cranes, enabling safe cable movement during crane travel.

Q69. What is a rotating column crane?

A rotating column crane is a type of jib crane mounted on a column that rotates, used for loading/unloading near machinery or docks.

Q70. What are hoist duty classes?

Hoist duty classifications define usage cycles and load frequency, such as M3, M5, M7 – helping in selecting the right hoist for the job.

Q71. What's the typical power consumption of an EOT crane?

Power usage depends on capacity and use. A 10-ton crane may use 3–7 kW/hr. Energy-efficient models reduce operating costs.

Q72. Can EOT cranes be remote controlled?

Yes, many EOT cranes now come with radio remote controls offering increased safety, convenience, and precision over pendant controls.

Q73. What are the benefits of a double hoist crane?

A double hoist crane allows simultaneous lifting, balancing long loads, or tandem operations for complex lifting tasks.