An underhung crane (also known as under running crane, suspension crane, or underslung crane) is an overhead lifting solution where the bridge is suspended from the ceiling or roof structure and runs along the bottom flange of I-beam tracks. This ceiling mounted design eliminates the need for support columns and saves valuable floor space. It is ideal for facilities with limited headroom or where a top-running system cannot be installed, handling light to medium loads efficiently in workshops, warehouses, assembly lines, and maintenance areas.
Explore the Full Range of Underhung Crane Types
Underhung crane for sale comes in a variety of types designed to meet different lifting needs, facility layouts, and operational requirements. These bridge cranes are most commonly configured in a single girder design for light duty service and low capacity applications. For operations requiring higher capacities, underhung double girder bridge cranes are also available, though they can become impractical, more complex and costly to design and engineer.
Standard Single Girder Underslung Crane
The standard single girder underhung crane features one main girder suspended beneath the runway beams, with end trucks providing support at both ends of the bridge for smooth operation.
Applications: Light to medium loads, low-headroom environments, assembly lines, warehouses, and maintenance workshops.
Advantages:
- Compact and cost-effective
- Easy installation with minimal building modifications
- Efficient for repetitive lifting tasks in limited spaces
Multi-Point Underhung Overhead Crane
The multi-point under running bridge crane uses multiple suspension points along the bridge to support heavier loads or longer spans.
Applications: Heavy manufacturing plants, long-span production facilities, specialized workshops handling large or awkward-shaped materials.
Advantages:
- Distributes weight evenly for improved stability and safety
- Handles heavier loads and long spans efficiently
- Maintains full floor clearance, as it requires no support columns interfering with operations.
Specialized Application Suspension Crane
The specialized suspension or under slung crane is custom designed for extreme or hazardous environments.
Applications: High-temperature operations (e.g., steel mills, foundries), explosion-proof environments (e.g., chemical plants, refineries).
Advantages:
- Engineered to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining safety and reliability
- Can include special coatings, heat-resistant components, or explosion-proof electrical systems
- Ensures continuous operation in challenging industrial settings
Whether you need a standard underhung single girder crane system, a robust multi-point solution, or a specialized suspension crane system for extreme environments, understanding the available types helps you match the crane to your operational needs.
Once the type is determined, the next key consideration is the underhung crane specifications – such as lifting capacity, span, and height – to match your facility’s needs.
Understanding Our Underhung Crane Specifications
Choosing the right technical specifications ensures your crane performs efficiently, safely, and reliably. These suspended overhead cranes or ceiling mounted cranes are designed to cover a wide range of industrial needs, with customizable parameters to match your facility’s requirements:
- Load Capacity: 5 ton, 10 ton, and more – customized based on your heaviest expected load plus a safety margin.
- Span: 3-22.5 meters – longer spans may require multi-point designs for stability.
- Lifting Height: 6-30 meters – tailored to your ceiling height and workflow.
- Lifting Speed: 8(0.8/8) m/min, 7(0.7/7) m/min – available in single-speed or dual-speed.
- Hoist Running Speed: 20(30) m/min – smooth movement along the bridge, VFD optional.
- Crane Running Speed: 20(30) m/min – efficient travel along the runway, VFD optional.
- Work Duty: A3, A4 – suitable for standard industrial operations with different frequency and load cycles.
- Control Options & Safety Features: Pendant, radio remote; anti-sway systems, and overload protection for enhanced efficiency and safety.
By carefully selecting these underhung overhead crane specifications, you ensure the crane fits your workflow, maximizes efficiency, and operates reliably in your facility. Next, see how our underslung cranes perform in diverse industrial settings.
Underhung Overhead Crane Cases
Multi-point Underslung Bridge Crane for Large-Span Factory
Customer Needs & Challenges:
The client operates a large-span industrial facility that requires cranes to handle heavy loads across multiple work areas. The building has no adequate support columns and limited headroom, and the production zones demand different span lengths. These constraints required an under running eot crane solution that maximizes lifting coverage without obstructing the floor space.
Our Solution:
We provided multi-point suspension cranes tailored to meet the facility’s unique requirements. These cranes cover different spans efficiently while keeping the floor clear for smooth, uninterrupted operations. The supplied cranes included:
- 15 ton underhung crane, Span 56m, Lifting Height 12m
- 10 ton underhung crane, Span 24m, Lifting Height 12m
- 5 ton underhung crane, Span 24m, Lifting Height 12m
- 3 ton underhung crane, Span 24m, Lifting Height 12m
This crane suspension ensures safe, stable, and efficient lifting across all production areas, fully utilizing the facility’s overhead structure.
5 Ton Underhung Bridge Crane for Limited Headroom Factory
Customer Needs & Challenges:
A factory required a crane to handle medium-weight loads across a 21.5m span. The facility had limited headroom, making it impossible to install a top running crane. The client needed a solution that fits the available overhead space while keeping the floor clear for operations.
Our Solution:
We supplied a 5 ton underhung overhead crane with a 21.5m span and lifting height of 8.5m, designed to suspend directly from the overhead structure. This under running single girder crane optimizes the limited headroom, provides stable and efficient lifting, and allows smooth workflow without obstructing the factory floor.
After exploring the different types, specifications, and real-world applications of our underslung cranes, you may wonder whether this overhead lifting solution is right for your facility. Below, we provide a detailed facility structure consideration for installing underslung eot cranes.
Facility Structure Considerations When Selecting Underslung Cranes
Before installing an underhung crane or suspended bridge crane, carefully evaluate your facility’s structural conditions to ensure safe and efficient operation. Key factors include:
Overhead Beam Strength and Load-Bearing Capacity
The building’s overhead beams or trusses must support the weight of the suspended crane plus the maximum load. Consider:
- Beam material and cross-section (steel, reinforced concrete, etc.)
- Beam spacing and overall rigidity
- Ability to withstand dynamic loads during lifting, hoisting, and crane travel
Headroom and Vertical Clearance
Assess the available vertical space between the floor and roof. Limited headroom affects:
- Maximum achievable lifting height
- Clearance for operators, equipment, and materials
- Feasibility of retrofitting the ceiling mounted bridge crane into an existing facility
Floor Layout and Column Placement
Although under running overhead cranes do not require support columns, the placement of existing machinery, racks, or other obstacles must be considered to:
- Ensure smooth travel along the crane runway
- Maintain safe and unobstructed workflow
Span Requirements and Suspension Points
Determine the span the crane must cover and whether the building structure can provide adequate suspension points:
- Standard underslung overhead cranes require fewer support points, suitable for shorter spans
- Multi-point ceiling mounted overhead cranes need multiple suspension points for long spans or heavy loads
- Evaluate consistency and alignment of beams to ensure stable installation
Structural Modifications or Reinforcements
If the existing structure cannot fully support the ceiling mounted crane system, you may need:
- Beam reinforcement
- Additional trusses or supports
- Structural adjustments to accommodate the crane safely
By thoroughly assessing these structural considerations, you can determine whether your facility is suitable for an underhung crane system. Contact our team today to get a professional assessment and find the perfect underhung crane solution for your facility.
Under Running Crane Installation: Key Considerations
Installing an underhung crane requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure safe and efficient operation. Here are the main points to consider:
Structural Assessment for Installing Underhung (Suspension) Crane
Before the underhung bridge crane installation, verify that the overhead beams or roof trusses can safely support the crane’s weight and the maximum load. Check the material, cross-section, and rigidity of the beams, and ensure suspension points are properly aligned to maintain stability during operation.
Headroom and Clearance in Underslung Crane Setup
Measure the available vertical space to confirm sufficient lifting height for your operations. Ensure the ceiling mounted crane and suspended loads do not interfere with existing equipment, ceilings, or lighting fixtures.
Proper Alignment in Underslung Crane Assembly
During assembly, make sure the main girder, end trucks, and hoist trolley are precisely aligned. Uneven suspension or misalignment can cause uneven load distribution, excessive wear, or unsafe operation.
Secure Mounting of Suspension Points and Connections
All suspension points, bolts, and clamps must be tightened according to engineering specifications. Double-check connections to prevent loosening during operation.
Electrical and Control System Setup for Underhung Crane
Install and test control systems carefully. Ensure that power lines, limit switches, brakes, and emergency stop systems are fully functional before initial operation.
Testing and Commissioning of Underslung Crane Systems
Conduct no-load and load tests to verify smooth crane travel, accurate hoisting, and balanced load distribution. Document test results to confirm the crane meets operational and safety standards.
Following these installation considerations ensures that your overhead underhung crane operates safely, efficiently, and reliably, minimizing potential issues and maximizing service life. To help you install your crane correctly and smoothly, we offer professional installation services online or on-site, providing guidance every step of the way.
Underhung Crane Maintenance: Ensuring Long-Term Performance
Underslung overhead travelling cranes are uniquely designed to suspend directly from overhead structures, eliminating the need for support columns. These underslung crane design features also influence how the crane should be maintained to ensure long-term safety and reliability.
Suspension Points and Beam Connections
Regularly inspect suspension brackets, bolts, and beam connections for any signs of loosening, fatigue, or deformation. Proper maintenance of these points ensures stable load distribution and prevents structural stress.
Trolley and Hoist System
Check wheels, rollers, and rails for wear, alignment, or obstruction. Inspect the hoist drum and wire ropes for fraying or uneven winding. Because the crane is ceiling-mounted, smooth trolley movement is crucial for operational efficiency and safety.
Electrical and Control Components
Test all control circuits, limit switches, brakes, and safety devices regularly. Pay special attention to anti-sway systems and emergency stops, which are critical for suspended operations where floor clearance is limited.
Load Distribution Monitoring
Ensure that load is evenly distributed across all suspension points during operations. Uneven loads can cause structural stress and premature wear, particularly in multi-point configurations.
Environmental Considerations
Clean the underslung travelling crane and runway area frequently. Lubricate moving parts and apply protective coatings when operating in harsh or corrosive environments to maintain reliable operation.
Proper maintenance ensures your suspension overhead crane operates safely, efficiently, and for a long time. Aicrane team also provides expert support for maintenance planning and troubleshooting, helping you keep your crane in optimal condition year-round.
Top Running vs. Underhung Cranes: Which Bridge Crane Fits Your Facility?
As you know, underhung or under running crane is a type of bridge crane that suspends directly from the building’s overhead structure, while more common alternative bridge crane structure is the top running crane, which travels on runways supported by columns or girders. Understanding the differences between these two designs is essential for selecting the right crane for your facility.
| Comparison | Top Running Crane | Underhung Bridge Crane |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Position | Travels on rails mounted on top of the building beams. | Travels on the lower flange of the beam, bolted to I-beam secured to building structure. |
| Lifting Height | Provides maximum lifting height. | Typically lower lifting height than top running cranes due to suspension below beam. |
| Capacity | Generally larger and better for high-capacity lifting, such as 20 tons or more. | Suitable for small to moderate loads; multi-point suspension bridge cranes can be used to split heavier loads. |
| Installation | Easier installation; widely available parts. | Requires precise suspension and rigging; installation may take longer. |
| Maintenance | Wheels and running components easier to access; simpler service. | Fewer tracking issues due to bolted connection, but realignment requires suspension adjustments. |
| Structural Consideration | Requires strong runway support. | Relies on existing building structure. |
| Operational Stability | Stable, but floor space may be constrained. | Stable due to bolted suspension; less rail misalignment. |
Top running and underhung cranes each have their strengths. Top running cranes excel in facilities that require maximum lifting height and heavy-duty capacity, while underhung cranes or suspension cranes offer efficient space utilization and flexibility, without the need for interfering support columns.
Understanding your facility structure, lifting requirements, and workflow needs is key to choosing the right crane. Contact our team today for a professional assessment and find the perfect top running or underhung crane solution for your facility.