Bridge cranes are commonly used overhead lifting systems designed to move heavy loads safely throughout a facility. Known for their reliability and lifting capacity, bridge cranes play an important role in improving workflow, increasing efficiency, and keeping floors clear for other operations. They are used across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, metal fabrication, and warehousing.
Bridge cranes can be designed with one or two beams, depending on the facility’s needs, and are classified as single girder or double girder systems. This blog will help you determine which configuration is the right fit for your specific need.
What Is a Single Girder Bridge Crane?
A single girder crane consists of a single beam and a trolley that travels along the girder, which allows the hoist and hook to be properly positioned to lift and lower loads. In most configurations, the trolley and hoist are mounted beneath the beam. The girder itself is supported on both ends by end trucks.
On average, single girder cranes typically span up to 65 feet and have capacities ranging from ¼ ton to 20 tons.
The single girder design offers several advantages and is ideal for light to moderate duty applications. Since the hoist and hook are typically positioned below the beam, these cranes have a lower lifting height compared to double girder systems. Single girder systems can be easily integrated into existing building structures, and can also interlock with freestanding workstation bridge cranes, additional crane systems, and monorails.
Due to their more compact and lighter design, single girder systems are generally easier to install and maintain. This often results in a more cost-effective solution, as they require fewer materials, less freight, and lower maintenance requirements.
Single Girder Bridge Crane Advantages
- Ideal for light to moderate duty applications
- Can be easily integrated into existing building structures
- Compact and lightweight design
- More cost-effective overall
- Simpler installation and maintenance requirements
Single Girder Bridge Crane Limitations
- Limited capacity and span compared to double girder systems
- Reduced hook height due to under-running hoist design
- Not ideal for extremely heavy loads or complex lifting applications
- May have lower operating speeds and lifting performance in more demanding environments
What Is a Double Girder Bridge Crane?
A double girder bridge crane consists of two bridge beams, with the hoist operating either on top of or between the beams. Due to the placement of the hoist and hook on double girders, these systems provide maximum hook height within the facility.
Double girder systems are designed for heavier-duty applications, providing higher load capacities and covering longer spans. These cranes typically span from 65 to 100+ feet and can handle capacities from 15 to 100+ tons, depending on the specific application.
Due to their heavier structure and more complex design, double girder cranes come with a higher cost compared to single girder systems. However, this design enables them to support greater lifting demands, operate more frequently, and deliver greater stability and control.
Double Girder Bridge Crane Advantages
- Ideal for heavy-duty and high-capacity applications
- Provides greater lifting height
- Supports longer spans and higher capacities
- Accommodates maintenance walkways, service platforms, and operator cabs
- Offers increased structural strength, stability, and precision
Double Girder Bridge Crane Limitations
- Higher cost compared to single girder systems
- May require additional structural support within the building
- More complex installation and maintenance requirements
Key Takeaways
Both single girder and double girder cranes can be the right solution depending on the specific needs of your facility. Each system is designed to deliver reliable performance, and neither one is inherently better than the other; it ultimately comes down to the application itself.
Single girder cranes are often the better fit for lighter-duty applications, smaller capacities, and shorter spans, while double girder systems are better suited for higher capacities, longer spans, and more demanding operations.
Before working with a crane manufacturer, it’s important to evaluate several key factors:
- Required lifting capacity
- Necessary span length
- Duty cycle or service classification
- Available headroom
- Existing support structure
- Overall project budget
At Engineered Systems, our team has the experience and industry knowledge to help customers identify the right lifting solution for their facility’s needs. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and determine which application is best for you.
