When selecting an overhead crane for your facility, one of the most critical factors to consider is overhead crane capacity. Understanding the capacity of overhead cranes ensures not only safe operation but also maximizes productivity and equipment lifespan. Discover the full range of our crane capacities, learn what factors influence the overhead crane weight limit, and get expert advice on how to determine the right lifting capacity for your specific application.
The overhead crane capacity refers to the maximum load that the crane is engineered to lift safely. This is commonly known as the overhead crane rated capacity or overhead crane maximum capacity. It is the total weight a crane can handle, including the load and any lifting attachments like hooks or grabs.
For example, an overhead crane capacity 5 ton means the crane can safely lift up to 5 tons, including any rigging gear used.
Our overhead cranes are available in different types and configurations, and each type has its own typical load capacity range depending on structural design, usage, and application. See below the load capacity ranges of the most common types of our overhead cranes for sale.
Typical Load Capacity: 1 ton to 20 tons (single girder), 5 tons to 500+ tons (double girder)
The general type single girder overhead cranes have one bridge beam and use a hoist that runs on the bottom flange of the girder. They are ideal for facilities with limited headroom and lifting requirements that do not exceed moderate weights. While the double girder overhead cranes consist of two parallel bridge beams, offering greater strength and stability. The hoist typically rides on top of the girders (top-running configuration), maximizing lifting height.
| PARAMETERS OF AQ-HD | |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 5-20t |
| Span | 7.5-28.5m |
| Lifting height | 6-18m |
| Lifting speed | 0.8/5m/min |
| Hoist running speed | 2-20m/min |
| Crane running speed | 3-30m/min |
| Work duty | A5 |
| Custom designs available | |
| PARAMETERS OF AQ-QDX | |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 5-320t |
| Span | 10.5-31.5m |
| Lifting height | 6-24m |
| Lifting speed | 0.2-10.7m/min |
| Trolley running speed | 2.4-33m/min |
| Crane running speed | 4.2-68m/min |
| Work duty | A3-A5 |
| Custom designs available | |
Typical Load Capacity: 1 ton to 20 tons (single girder), 5 tons to 75 tons (double girder)
Explosion proof overhead cranes are designed to prevent ignition in explosive environments, commonly used in chemical plants, refineries, paint shops, or any hazardous environment with explosive gas or dust. They feature explosion-proof motors, controls, and wiring systems.
| PARAMETERS OF AQ-LB | |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 1-20t |
| Span | 7.5-31.5m |
| Lifting height | 6-30m |
| Lifting speed | 0.33-8m/min |
| Hoist running speed | 20m/min |
| Crane running speed | 20m/min |
| Work duty | A3, A4 |
| Explosion-proof grade | ExdⅡBT4、ExdⅡCT4 |
| PARAMETERS OF AQ-QB | |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 5-75t |
| Span | 10.5-31.5m |
| Lifting height | 6-20m |
| Lifting speed | 1.9-5m/min |
| Trolley running speed | 10.5-20.5m/min |
| Crane running speed | 15.4-22.3m/min |
| Work duty | A3-A4 |
| Explosion-proof grade | ExdⅡBT4、ExdⅡCT4 |
Typical Load Capacity: 5 tons to 50 tons
These magnetic overhead cranes are equipped with electromagnetic lifters to handle ferrous metal materials such as steel plates, billets, and scrap. They often used in high-duty environments and can include backup battery systems to prevent accidental load drop during power failure.
| PARAMETERS OF AQ-QC | |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 5-50t |
| Span | 10.5-31.5m |
| Lifting height | 6-16m |
| Lifting speed | 7.8-15.5m/min |
| Trolley running speed | 31.3-40.1m/min |
| Crane running speed | 58.5-70.6m/min |
| Work duty | A5-A7 |
| Custom designs available | |
Typical Capacity: 2 tons to 10 tons (single girder), 5 tons to 20 tons (double girder)
The grab cranes are equipped with grab buckets (clamshell or orange peel types) for lifting loose materials like sand, ore, coal, or waste. The crane is typically heavy-duty with A5–A7 work classification, widely used in waste-to-energy plants, ports, mining, and more.
| PARAMETERS OF AQ-QZ | |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 5-20t |
| Span | 10.5-31.5m |
| Lifting height | 6-26m |
| Lifting speed | 30.7-39.3m/min |
| Trolley running speed | 31.1-44.6m/min |
| Crane running speed | 76.9-93.6m/min |
| Work duty | A5-A7 |
| Custom designs available | |
Typical Capacity: 5 tons to 320 tons (or more)
The foundry overhead cranes are among the most robust and heavy-duty types, designed with reinforced components to withstand extreme heat, dust, and continuous operation. These cranes are used for lifting molten metal, casting ladles, and operating in high-temperature environments in foundries and steel plants.
| PARAMETERS OF AQ-YZ | |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 5-320t |
| Span | 10.5-31.5 m |
| Lifting height | 6-24m |
| Lifting speed | 6-13m/min |
| Trolley running speed | 36-45.9m/min |
| Crane running speed | 63-118.6m/min |
| Work duty | A6-A8 |
| Custom designs available | |
From small 5 ton overhead cranes to 500 ton heavy industrial lifting systems, each capacity range serves different industries and tasks. Below are real application examples to show how our customers around the world apply these different overhead crane capacities effectively.
Typical cranes: Single girder top running or underhung cranes with light duty cycle
Common Applications:
Typical cranes: Single or double girder cranes with light to moderate duty cycle
Common Applications:
Typical cranes: Double girder top running cranes with moderate to heavy duty cycle
Common Applications:
Typical cranes: Double girder top-running systems with heavy duty cycle
Common Applications:
Typical cranes: Extra heavy duty double girder cranes
Common Applications:
Every overhead crane we manufacture is rigorously designed and tested to handle a specific rated load capacity. However, safe lifting isn’t just about staying under a maximum number. Dynamic loads, improper handling, unexpected sway, or mechanical wear can stress the system beyond design limits.
To help our customers avoid these risks and optimize performance, we can equip our cranes with smart systems that monitor, control, and protect both the equipment and the operators.
Our Intelligent Crane Monitoring System is designed to give operators and managers complete visibility into crane performance and condition. Key functions include:
Our anti-sway control systems are engineered to reduce load oscillation and allow for smoother, safer movement. Benefits of our anti-sway technology include:
Several variables influence the overhead crane load a system can handle:
Whether you’re working in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, steel production, or logistics, ensuring the crane has adequate capacity to handle your loads safely and efficiently is essential to avoid downtime, equipment damage, and safety risks.
As a professional overhead crane manufacturer, Aicrane guides our customers through a whole process to determine the optimal lifting capacity for their specific application. Below are the key considerations and steps involved.
Start by identifying the maximum weight you need to lift. This might sound straightforward, but in practice, it requires careful consideration:
Tip: Always allow a margin for unexpected weight increases, load miscalculations, or future scalability.
The capacity of overhead crane must also match the working environment:
Understanding where and how your crane will operate helps ensure the selected equipment is durable and capable under all conditions.
Cranes are classified based on work duty or service class, which considers how often and how heavily the crane will be used:
Selecting the right work duty classification ensures your crane is rated appropriately for operational longevity and safety.
Different crane types have different structural and mechanical constraints. Choosing the overhead crane type – single girder (top running or underhung system), double girder – will influence the load capacity options available.
Also take into account:
For example, a double girder overhead crane may be more suitable than a single girder crane for heavier lifting due to greater load-bearing capabilities.
Regulations often require cranes to include a safety margin beyond the maximum anticipated load. These safety factors are determined by local or international standards, such as:
Always ensure your crane complies with these standards and includes proper overload protection devices, load limiters, and emergency stops.
When budgeting and specifying a crane, consider how your operations might evolve in the next 5-10 years:
While over-specifying can increase initial investment, under-specifying can result in costly replacements, downtime, or unsafe operations later.
A trusted crane manufacturer can help you calculate the right lifting capacity by:
At Aicrane, we provide tailored solutions based on the specific lifting application. Whether you need a 5 ton workshop overhead crane or a 100 ton steel mill overhead crane for ladle handling, we engineer each solution to match your load requirements with precision. Choosing the right lifting capacity is not just about picking a number – it’s about understanding your operations, planning for future growth, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of your lifting equipment.
If you’re unsure about what overhead crane lifting capacity is right for your application, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation and let us provide a crane solution that meets your exact lifting needs.
For overhead crane load calculation, consider the heaviest load you need to lift, including any rigging or attachments. Always add a safety margin to ensure reliable and safe operation.
Here is a simple formula for overhead crane lifting capacity calculation:
Required Capacity=(Maximum Load Weight+Weight of Lifting Devices)×Safety Factor