Top running crane is one of the most commonly used crane types, featuring a fixed track system installed on top of each runway beam. This design allows for an unrestricted lifting capacity, with models available to handle loads ranging from 1 ton to over 500 tons. Below, you can explore the common types of our top running overhead crane for sale, real-world project cases, and how we can support your project’s lifting needs.
Types of Top Running Cranes
Single Girder Top Running Crane
Features: Equipped with a single bridge girder supported on end trucks. The hoist travels on the bottom flange of the girder.
Capacity: Typically up to 25 tons.
Applications: Warehouses, workshops, assembly lines, maintenance and repair facilities for lifting and moving small to moderate loads.
Featured Models for Sale:

Model | AQ-LD Basic Model – cost-effective choice for light duty lifting tasks |
Load capacity | 1-25t |
Span | 7.5-31.5m |
Lifting height | 6-30m |
Lifting speed | 0.3-8m/min |
Hoist running speed | 20m/min |
Crane running speed | 20m/min |
Work duty | A3, A4 |

Model | AQ-HD European Standard – variable frequency operation, more stable |
Load capacity | 1-20t |
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 |
Double Girder Top Running Crane
Features: Equipped with two bridge girders, offering greater strength and stability. The hoist is mounted on a trolley that runs on rails on top of the girders.
Capacity: Up to 500 tons or more.
Applications: Heavy manufacturing, steel mills, power plants, and large-scale industrial projects.
Featured Models for Sale:

Model | AQ-QD Basic Model – reliable and durable for heavy duty lifting |
Load capacity | 5-450t |
Span | 10.5-31.5m |
Lifting height | 6-24m |
Lifting speed | 2.1-11.5m/min |
Trolley running speed | 27-40m/min |
Crane running speed | 42-75m/min |
Work duty | A3-A7 |

Model | AQ-QDX European Standard – more stable and precise heavy-load lifting |
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 |

Model | AQ-LH Hoist Type – cost-effective for less demanding heavy-load lifting |
Load capacity | 5-50t |
Span | 10.5-31.5m |
Lifting height | 6-30m |
Lifting speed | 0.18-8m/min |
Trolley running speed | 20m/min |
Crane running speed | 20m/min |
Work duty | A3, A4 |

Model | AQ-NLH European Standard Hoist – compact structure, precise lifting operation |
Load capacity | 5-80t |
Span | 10.5-31.5m |
Lifting height | 6-18m |
Lifting speed | 0.4-5m/min |
Trolley running speed | 2-20m/min |
Crane running speed | 3-30m/min |
Work duty | A5 |
Project Cases
We have supplied top running eot cranes to various industries, helping businesses optimize their material handling processes. Here are some notable project cases:

A Paper Mill in Uzbekistan
- Type: Top running double girder crane
- Capacity: 20 ton
- Span: 16.5m
- Lifting height: 9m
- Feature: European standard, variable frequency operation, double speed lifting
- Application: Paper production, corrugated cardboard production, and box production
A Mining Company in Chile
- Type: Top running double girder overhead crane
- Capacity: 32 ton
- Span: 14m
- Lifting height: 10m
- Application: Maintaining and repairing crushing equipment


A Steel Plant in Nigeria
- Type: Top running double girder bridge crane
- Capacity: 16 ton & 25 ton
- Span: 17.5m
- Lifting height: 8m
- Application: Handling steel coils
A Manufacturing Plant in Uzbekistan
- Type: Top running single girder crane
- Capacity: 5 ton & 10 ton & 10+5 ton & 16+10 ton
- Span: 22.5m
- Lifting height: 8m
- Application: Lifting heavy machinery parts


A Steel Structure Processing Factory in Kazakhstan
- Type: Top running single girder bridge crane
- Capacity: 10 ton
- Span: 16m
- Application: Lifting steel plates, steel pipes and other steel materials
Structural and Spatial Considerations in Choosing a Top Running Crane
If you’re planning to install a top running overhead crane in your facility, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate your building structure and available space. These factors play a key role in ensuring optimal crane performance, safety, and long-term operational efficiency.
Building Structure Requirements
Load-Bearing Capacity
A top running bridge crane operates on runway beams mounted on the building’s support structure. Therefore, the building must be capable of handling the additional loads imposed by the crane system, including:
- Dead Load: The weight of the crane, runway beams, and supporting structure.
- Live Load: The weight of the lifted materials and dynamic forces exerted during operation.
- Impact and Vibration Loads: Forces resulting from crane acceleration, deceleration, and sudden stops.
You should conduct structural analysis to ensure that the building can accommodate these loads without compromising stability.
Support Columns and Runway Beams
The installation of a top running overhead crane often requires dedicated support columns and runway beams. If the building lacks adequate structural support, additional steel columns may need to be installed, impacting overall project costs. Key factors to assess include:
- Column spacing and alignment.
- Strength and material of existing building framework.
- Potential modifications needed to reinforce structural integrity.
Ceiling Height and Clearance
Top running overhead bridge cranes typically offer a higher hook height compared to under running cranes, making them ideal for applications requiring maximum vertical lifting space. However, it is essential to consider:
- The clearance between the crane and the ceiling or roof structures.
- Possible obstructions such as ventilation ducts, lighting, and fire suppression systems.
- The required overhead clearance for safe crane operation and maintenance.
Space Considerations
Operational Space
The available horizontal and vertical space must accommodate smooth crane movement. Factors to evaluate include:
- Runway Length: Sufficient track length for unrestricted crane travel.
- End Stops and Buffers: Space for safe stopping distances to prevent collisions.
- Aisle and Work Area Layout: Ensuring free movement of personnel and other equipment.
Load Handling and Positioning
Space planning should account for:
- The size and shape of loads being lifted.
- The swing radius and travel path of the crane.
- The need for precise load positioning, particularly in confined work areas.
Our team of experts is ready to assist you in designing the right type of overhead crane top running systems that meet your facility’s unique structural and spatial requirements. Contact us today to discuss your project and receive a customized recommendation.
Advantages of the Top Running Crane Design
Maximized Headroom and Lifting HeightSince the overhead crane runs on top of the runway beams, it offers higher clearances beneath the crane’s bridge, which is beneficial for lifting taller loads or working in facilities with low ceiling heights.
Heavy-Duty CapabilityThese cranes are typically designed for heavier loads and more demanding environments. The design allows for greater load capacities because the system distributes the weight across the top of the structure, reducing the strain on individual components.
Longer SpanWith top running bridge cranes, you can achieve longer spans between the crane’s runway beams. This enables the crane to cover a larger area of the facility, making it suitable for larger industrial spaces. A longer span also improves the crane’s flexibility and efficiency in moving materials over a wide range.
Better Stability and DurabilityThe crane running top typically requires a strong support structure that is separate from the building’s framework. This ensures that the crane operates safely and efficiently without relying on the building itself for support. This independent structure provides enhanced stability and durability, making them suitable for large industrial environments.
How We Support Your Overhead Lifting With Top Running Crane Systems
Our cranes are designed to meet the demands of heavy-duty lifting, and we provide comprehensive support at every stage, from planning and installation to after-sales service. Here’s how we support your overhead lifting needs with our top running crane systems:

Tailored Solutions: Maximizing Your Facility’s Efficiency
We will work closely with your team to assess your facility layout, lifting capacity, and operational requirements. Based on this assessment, we will design a customized crane that maximizes efficiency, space utilization, and safety.
- Facility Layout Analysis: We evaluate your space, including height, width, and clearances, to ensure the crane fits perfectly and operates seamlessly.
- Load Requirements: We select the right lifting capacity, span, and lifting height to match the heaviest loads your crane will handle.
- Runway Design: Our engineers will design a runway system that accommodates the crane’s movement and ensures smooth operation over the long term.

Expert Installation Support: Ensuring Your Crane Set Up Correctly
We offer professional installation services to ensure your crane is set up correctly, minimizing any risks and ensuring it operates at peak performance.
- On-Site Installation Service: Our team of skilled technicians is available to travel to your facility and handle the entire installation process. From setting up the crane components to conducting load testing, we manage all aspects of the overhead crane installation on-site.
- Online Installation Guidance: For customers who prefer a more flexible or cost-effective approach, we also offer online installation guidance. Our expert team will remotely assist you throughout the installation process, providing step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting advice via video calls, emails, or live chats.

Training and Operation Support: for Safe and Efficient Crane Operation
Once your crane is installed, it’s crucial that your team knows how to operate the overhead crane safely and efficiently. We provide comprehensive training to your operators, ensuring they are fully equipped to handle the crane and any lifting challenges that come their way.
- Operator Training: We offer training sessions to teach your operators how to safely use the crane, handle different loads, and manage crane functions.
- Operator Manuals: We provide detailed manuals and documentation for easy reference, ensuring that operators have all the information they need at their fingertips.

Reliable After-Sales Support: Keeping Your Crane Running at Its Best
We provide robust after-sales service to ensure your top running EOT crane continues to perform reliably over its lifetime.
- Routine Maintenance: We offer regular maintenance programs to keep your crane in top condition. This includes inspecting the crane’s components, lubricating moving parts, checking for wear and tear, and ensuring that all safety features are functional.
- Spare Parts: We provide genuine spare parts for your crane, ensuring that replacements are high quality and maintain the crane’s integrity.
Whether you’re lifting heavy loads in a steel mill, manufacturing plant, or warehouse, our cranes provide the reliability, performance, and support you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Let us be your trusted partner in overhead lifting – contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
Top Running vs. Under Running Crane
When selecting an overhead crane system, one of the most important decisions is choosing between a top running and under running crane. Both systems have distinct advantages and applications, depending on your facility’s structure and lifting requirements. Here are under running and top running overhead crane definitions to understand what they are, as well as a comprehensive comparison of these two crane types to help you make an informed decision.
What Is A Top Running Crane?
A top running crane travels on rails mounted on top of the runway beams, which are supported by columns or building structure.
What Is A Under Running Crane?
An under running crane, also known as an underhung crane, is suspended from the bottom flange of the runway beams, which are attached to the building roof structure.
Comparison of Top And Under Running Crane


Requires runway beams mounted on support columns
Installation
Suspended from existing ceiling structure
Handles heavy loads (often up to 500 tons)
Load Capacity
Ideal for lighter loads, typically under 10 tons
Maximizes vertical space and lifting height
Space Efficiency
Ideal for low-clearance areas
Higher upfront investment but long-term efficiency
Cost
More affordable initial installation
Both top running and underhung cranes offer unique benefits depending on your operational needs. Generally, a top running bridge crane is ideal if you need to lift heavy loads, require greater hook height, or have the necessary infrastructure for support. On the other hand, if you’re working with a limited budget, need a light duty crane, or want to optimize floor space without extra support columns, an under running crane is the better option.
If you need assistance in choosing the right crane for your application, consult with Aicrane expert to ensure the right solution for your operational requirements.