Our ladle crane is specifically designed for handling molten metal in foundries and steel mills. Given the extreme temperatures and the critical nature of the task, our overhead ladle cranes are constructed with superior materials and designed to operate safely under the harshest conditions. They can be customized to meet specific operational needs of your steel mills, ensuring they integrate smoothly into your existing workflow.
Types of Ladle Cranes Used in Steel Mills
As a trusted crane manufacturer with years of experience in delivering customized heavy-duty lifting solutions in metal smelting industry, we understand that every steel plant has unique operational needs. That’s why we offer a variety of ladle crane types to meet the specific challenges of your steelmaking process. See below the major types of ladle eot cranes commonly used in steel plants.
Double Girder Ladle Crane
The double girder overhead ladle crane is the most widely used configuration in steel mills. It features two robust bridge girders and a trolley equipped with main and auxiliary hoists. The main hoist handles the ladle’s lifting and traveling, while the auxiliary hoist is used for emergency situations or tilting operations.
Four Girder Ladle Crane
The four girder ladle overhead crane is designed for extra-heavy loads and extreme environments. It features a strong four-girder, double-trolley structure that provides maximum stability and durability. This type of crane is used in plants where ladles exceed 300 tons or where safety and redundancy are non-negotiable.
Rotary Ladle Crane
The rotary ladle handling crane is equipped with a rotating trolley or beam, allowing the ladle to rotate during operation. This design is essential for precise pouring of molten steel into molds, tundishes, or continuous casting machines.
Key Specifications of Ladle Crane for Sale
| Technical Parameter of AQ-YZ Casting Crane | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | t | 10 | 16 | 20 | 32 | 50 | 74 | 100 | 125 | 140 | 160 | 180 | 200 | 225 | 240 | 280 | 320 |
| Span | S(m) | 10.5~31.5 | 10.5~31.5 | 10.5~31.5 | 10.5~31.5 | 10.5~31.5 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 | 13~31 |
| Lifting height | m | 6~16 | 6~16 | 6~16 | 6~16 | 6~16 | 6~20 | 6~20 | 6~20 | 6~22 | 6~22 | 6~24 | 6~24 | 6~24 | 6~24 | 6~24 | 6~24 |
| Lifting speed | m/min | 13 | 10.8 | 9.9 | 9.7 | 7.6 | 6.4 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 6.84 | 6 | 7.2 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Trolley speed | m/min | 44.9 | 44.6 | 45.9 | 43.5 | 39.3 | 37.2 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 37 | 38 | 40 | 40 | 38 | 36 | 36 |
| Crane speed | m/min | 114.9 | 103.5 | 103.5 | 88 | 77.5 | 77 | 77 | 79.7 | 73 | 77.8 | 86 | 86 | 87 | 87 | 76 | 63 |
| Work duty | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | A6~A8 | |
| Track type | P38 P43 | P43 QU70 | P43 QU70 | QU70 | QU80 | QU100 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | QU120 | |
Key Features of Ladle Cranes
Heavy-Duty Design for Extreme ConditionsOur heavy duty overhead cranes for ladle handling feature reinforced steel structures and wear-resistant components. The mechanical design considers high ambient temperatures, heat radiation from molten metal, and continuous operation under dynamic loads.
High Temperature Resistance DesignLadle handling cranes operate in extreme environments near molten metal and slag. To ensure safe and stable performance, they are built with heat-resistant materials, including insulated operator cabins, heat shields, and high-temperature cables. These features protect both critical components and personnel from heat radiation and direct exposure.
Specialized Hook SystemsThe hooks used in steel mill ladle cranes are specially engineered to safely carry heavy ladles filled with molten metal. Constructed from high-strength, heat-resistant materials, they are equipped with advanced locking mechanisms that prevent unintentional disengagement and maintain structural integrity even under intense thermal and mechanical stress.
Advanced Safety FeaturesSafety is paramount in steel ladle crane operations. These cranes feature intelligent monitoring systems based on visual recognition technology to visualize equipment status and detect anomalies in real time. They also include emergency stop systems and redundant safety protocols that protect both workers and machinery from unforeseen hazards.
Intelligent Control SystemEquipped with advanced PLC-based automation, the cranes use variable frequency drives (VFD) and 5G communication technology for real-time system feedback. This shortens response time by up to 60%, significantly improving operational efficiency and control precision during lifting tasks.
Anti-Sway TechnologyTo ensure stable and precise material handling, ladle handling cranes incorporate electrical anti-sway control systems. These systems feature millimeter-level positioning accuracy, intelligent load recognition, and automatic positioning capabilities. This greatly enhances the accuracy of ladle placement and improves safety during transfer operations.
How to Select the Right Hot Metal Ladle Crane for Your Steel Mill
In the high-temperature, high-risk environment of a steel mill, selecting the right steel plant ladle crane is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient molten metal handling. Below, we outline the key factors to help you make an informed decision.
Understand Your Ladle Handling Requirements
Before selecting an overhead ladle crane, it’s essential to clearly define your production process and ladle handling needs. Start by answering the following:
- What is the maximum weight of the ladle (including molten metal)?
- What is the frequency of ladle handling per shift?
- What are the travel distances (longitudinal, cross, and lifting)?
- Will the crane need to tilt or rotate the ladle for teeming operations?
Understanding your workflow will help determine the load capacity, lifting height, and functional features required in the crane design.
Choose the Right Crane Configuration
Steel mills can benefit from different overhead ladle crane configurations, each offering specific advantages:
- Double Girder: The double girder crane is the most common design, suitable for general ladle handling between EAF, LF, and casting stations
- Four Girder: The four girder crane is designed for extra-heavy loads and extreme temperature resistance, best for integrated steel plants with large ladles
- Rotary Type: The rotary ladle crane is ideal for precision pouring, needed when ladles must tilt or rotate during pouring
Your choice should align with both the capacity and functional complexity of your steelmaking process.
Consider the Working Environment in Steel Mill
The hot metal ladle crane will operate in an environment that exposes it to high ambient temperatures, heat radiation from the molten metal, dust, fumes, and vibration.
Be sure to choose a crane with:
- Heat-resistant ropes, cables, and insulation
- Protective covers for motors and electronics
- Thermal barriers between the ladle and operator cabin
- Heavy-duty components with high-temperature endurance
Crane components must be robust and durable to ensure a long service life in harsh conditions.
Assess Lifting Mechanism and Safety Systems
EOT ladle cranes require high-reliability hoisting systems, including:
- Main hoist (for lifting and lowering the ladle)
- Auxiliary hoist (for tilting or emergency retrieval)
- Redundant drives and brakes for safe operation
- Load monitoring systems to prevent overloading
- Anti-sway control for stable transport
In addition, features like temperature sensors, limit switches, emergency stops, and collision avoidance systems are essential for safe operation in high-risk environments.
Decide on Control Mode and Automation Level
Depending on your plant layout and safety preferences, consider the most suitable control option:
- Cabin Control: Provides operator with visibility and full control
- Remote Control: Keeps operator at a safe distance from heat and splash hazards
- Automated Control: Allows for full or semi-automatic ladle movements in smart factories
Our ladle crane for sale can be integrated into plant-wide control systems, enabling real-time monitoring and automated dispatch.
Contact us today to get a tailored ladle crane solution for your steel mill. From design to commissioning, we ensure safe and reliable molten metal handling for your facility.
How We Provide Custom Ladle Crane Solutions for Foundries and Steel Mills
At Aicrane, we specialize in providing custom-engineered ladle crane solutions tailored to the exact operational needs of foundries and steel mills. Our experienced engineering team works hand in hand with each client to develop crane systems that are fully customized – covering every critical aspect, including load capacity, span, lifting height, duty classification, and more.
Steps to Developing a Custom Solution
- Initial Consultation and Requirement Analysis: We start by gaining a thorough understanding of your operations, site layout, and specific lifting requirements. This includes evaluating your production workflow, ladle handling needs, and safety expectations.
- Tailored Design and Engineering: Based on the insights gathered, our engineers create a customized crane design, specifying capacities, dimensions, lifting mechanisms, and control systems that align with your operations.
- Client Collaboration and Refinement: We present the preliminary design to you for feedback. Based on your input, we make the necessary adjustments to ensure the solution fully meets your expectations and integrates seamlessly into your facility.
- Manufacturing and Delivery: Once the final design is approved, we manufacture the crane with strict quality controls and deliver it on schedule, ready for installation.
Custom Ladle Crane Example Drawing: 100/32 Ton Solution for a Foundry
One recent project involved a custom 100/32 ton ladle crane designed for a client in the foundry industry. This foundry crane was engineered to meet high-performance lifting demands under extreme operating conditions.
- Capacity: 100/32 tons – dual hoisting system for handling molten metal with stability and safety.
- Span: 20.7 meters – custom-fitted to the foundry’s bay dimensions.
- Lifting Height: 24 meters – designed to accommodate deep pouring pits and tall furnaces.
- Duty Class: A7 – built for demanding, continuous operations, ensuring durability and long service life.
If you’re looking for a ladle crane tailored to your facility’s unique requirements, we’re here to provide a complete solution – from consultation to commissioning. Let us help you build the right overhead lifting system for your foundry or steel mill.
Reliable After-Sales Services for Ladle Cranes
To ensure the continued performance of our ladle handling systems, we offer a full range of after-sales services designed to support our customers at every stage of crane operation.
Ladle Crane Installation Support: Online and On-Site Options
Aicrane offers both remote and on-site installation support to help clients launch their ladle crane systems smoothly.
Our installation support includes:
- Online Installation Guidance: Ideal for customers with in-house technical teams. Our engineers provide remote assistance through video calls, detailed manuals, and real-time consultation.
- On-Site Installation Service: For projects requiring hands-on expertise, we dispatch experienced technicians to the customer’s location to supervise and assist in the installation process.
Operator Training for Safe Ladle Transport
Aicrane offers specialized operator training programs designed for steel mill and foundry environments.
Our training covers:
- Safe Ladle Overhead Crane Operation: Teaching operators how to maneuver ladles with molten metal safely and efficiently.
- Routine Maintenance of Ladle Handling Systems: Guidelines on lubrication, thermal protection checks, and hoisting system upkeep.
- Troubleshooting Techniques: Practical steps for resolving common faults that may occur during ladle handling operations.
Regular Follow-Ups for Ladle Crane Operations
To ensure continued optimal performance, our after-sales team conducts regular follow-ups with customers using ladle cranes. These check-ins are particularly important in harsh environments like steel mills, where equipment undergoes constant thermal and mechanical stress.
Our follow-ups help to:
- Evaluate overall crane performance in high-temperature conditions
- Identify wear and tear on ladle transfer mechanisms
- Provide expert recommendations for preventive action
Inspection and Maintenance for Molten Metal Handling Equipment
As part of our after-sales support, Aicrane can offer inspection maintenance and service conducted by experienced engineers.
Our inspection maintenance and service includes:
- Inspect ladle trolleys, hooks, gearboxes, brakes, and thermal shielding
- Perform alignment checks and adjust control systems
- Conduct preventive maintenance to avoid future breakdowns
Looking for a ladle crane supplier with strong service support for your foundry or steel plant? Aicrane delivers more than just equipment – we deliver ongoing reliability. Get in touch with us today to learn how our custom ladle crane systems and after-sales service can optimize your molten metal handling process.
How Ladle Cranes Work at Various Stages of Steel Manufacturing
Ladle cranes are indispensable in various stages of steel manufacturing, ensuring the efficient and safe movement of hot metal. Here’s how an overhead ladle crane work at various stages of steel production:
Melting and Refining Stage
In the initial stages of steel manufacturing, raw materials such as iron ore, scrap metal, and additives are melted in a blast furnace or an electric arc furnace. Once the metal reaches a molten state, it needs to be transported to a refining station. Here, the steel mill crane is indispensable. These cranes are designed to handle the intense heat and weight of the molten metal, safely lifting and transporting it from the furnace to the refining area where impurities are removed, and the chemical composition is adjusted.
Desulfurization and Dephosphorization
After the initial melting, the molten steel undergoes processes to remove sulfur and phosphorus, which are undesirable elements that affect the quality of the final product. During desulfurization and dephosphorization, the overhead ladle crane is used to transport the molten metal to different treatment stations. The precision and stability provided by the ladle crane are crucial in these steps to ensure the metal remains at the correct temperature and the treatments are applied uniformly.
Alloying and Temperature Adjustment
In this stage, various alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, and manganese are added to the molten steel to achieve specific properties required for different applications. The ladle overhead crane again plays a vital role by transporting the molten steel to the alloying stations. Additionally, temperature adjustments are necessary to maintain the steel at optimal conditions for alloying. The overhead ladle crane’s ability to handle heavy loads and operate in high-temperature environments is essential for these operations.
Casting Stage
Once the refining, desulfurization, dephosphorization, and alloying processes are complete, the molten steel is ready to be cast into semi-finished products such as billets, slabs, or blooms. The ladle overhead crane transports the molten steel to the casting area, where it is poured into molds. The precision of the ladle handling crane ensures that the metal is poured at a consistent rate, preventing defects in the final product. This stage is critical as it sets the foundation for the quality and properties of the steel.
Secondary Refining and Continuous Casting
In some steel manufacturing processes, secondary refining is performed to further refine the steel and improve its quality. Ladle overhead cranes are used to transport the steel between different refining stations. Following secondary refining, the steel undergoes continuous casting, where it is solidified into long strands. Hot metal ladle cranes facilitate the movement of the molten steel to the continuous casting machine, ensuring a smooth and continuous process.
Handling and Transport
Beyond the direct stages of steel production, steel plant ladle cranes are also used for handling and transporting solidified steel products within the manufacturing plant. They move semi-finished products to storage areas or directly to rolling mills for further processing. The robust design of ladle foundry cranes allows them to handle the heavy and bulky steel products efficiently.
Ladle Crane Market Outlook: Rising Demand for Steel Spurs Crane Market Growth
Driven by booming sectors such as construction, automotive manufacturing, and infrastructure development, global demand for steel continues to rise steadily. As steel production increases, so does the need for robust, high-capacity steel mill ladle cranes capable of operating in the demanding environments of steel plants.
According to the Steel – Global Strategic Business Report by Research and Markets, the global steel market is projected to grow from 1.8 billion metric tons in 2024 to 2.2 billion metric tons by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% during the forecast period. This expansion is expected to significantly boost the demand for metallurgical cranes includling ladle cranes worldwide.
Ladle Crane Market Trends
Technological Advancements and Automation
The modernization of steel production facilities is leading to increased adoption of automated ladle cranes equipped with smart technologies. These advancements aim to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and predictive maintenance capabilities. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in predictive maintenance allows for real-time monitoring and early detection of potential equipment failures, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Regional Market Dynamics
- Asia-Pacific: Countries like China and India dominate the metallurgical crane market due to their substantial steel production capacities. China, producing over half of the world’s crude steel, is increasingly investing in automated and IoT-enabled crane systems to enhance efficiency.
- North America: The U.S. steel industry is witnessing a revival, supported by public funding initiatives such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments are leading to the modernization of steel plants and increased demand for advanced material handling equipment like ladle cranes.
- Europe: Despite facing economic challenges, Europe’s commitment to sustainable steel production is driving the adoption of energy-efficient ladle cranes. The shift towards Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) in countries like Germany and Sweden necessitates specialized crane systems compatible with these greener technologies.
Sustainability and the Shift to Electric Arc Furnaces
The global steel industry’s transition towards lower-carbon production methods, particularly the adoption of EAFs, is influencing the ladle crane market. EAFs, which are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, require specialized ladle cranes capable of handling different operational demands compared to traditional blast furnaces. This shift is evident as 93% of new steelmaking capacity announced in 2024 plans to use EAFs.
The rising global demand for steel, coupled with technological advancements and a shift towards sustainable production methods, is propelling the growth of the ladle crane market. Manufacturers and stakeholders in the steel industry are increasingly investing in advanced, automated, and energy-efficient ladle cranes to meet the evolving demands of modern steel production.
If you are a steel producer looking to upgrade your material handling systems or plan a greenfield project, now is the time to invest in high-performance ladle cranes. Contact us today to learn how our tailored crane solutions can boost your efficiency, improve safety, and support your sustainability goals.