When you talk about cranes and hoists, it’s easy to confuse one for the other. While cranes and hoists are both machines that move and lift heavy loads, their design and functionality are fundamentally different. Cranes are capable of moving loads in different directions. It makes use of a variety of simple machines, including a hoist, to be able to operate. 

Some of the most common overhead crane types include:

Top Running Crane. This has a fixed rail or track system installed at the top of runway beams, which allows the end trucks to carry the bridge and hoist along the top of the runway system. Top running cranes can be built to move loads of up to 100 tons. 

Under Running Crane. Usually integrated into the building structure itself, under running cranes do not require column support structures if the building structure is capable of supporting the crane. This type of crane can service a bigger area since the workspace beneath the crane is unobstructed by columns. Under-running cranes are utilized in facilities with limited floor space or complex processes.  

Gantry Crane. This type of overhead crane has a single or double girder configuration supported by freestanding legs that move on wheels or along a track or rail system. Gantry cranes are utilized in outdoor settings, where a runway system could not be incorporated into a facility, such as in shipbuilding sites.

Monorail Crane. This is used as an alternative to conventional cranes and conveyor belts. A monorail crane hoist is attached to a trolley using a steel cable or chain for lifting, lowering, and suspending load to a specific location. A monorail crane can either move in a straight line from one end of the room to another or along a curved beam for added flexibility.

If a crane can move in different directions, a hoist, on the other hand, can only move loads up and down. An elevator is perhaps the most popular example of a hoist. Cranes and hoists ultimately work as a unit, as hoists are an integral part of overhead cranes.

Hoists are characterized by their lifting medium, power, and suspension.

Lifting medium. The lifting medium is a flexible material that enables a hoist to move. It can be either a rope, metal cable, welded link chain (identical metal loops attached), or roller load chain (alternating roller links and pin links to form a line that easily engages with a toothed sprocket, similar to that of a bike’s).

Power used. A hoist can either be powered manually, electrically, or pneumatically – the latter combines a compressor with a network of valves and hoses, which lift the hoist to a specified height.  

Suspension. This depends on how the hoist will be used. A stationary hook-mounted hoist is recommended if you only need to move a load straight up, such as from a truck to a trailer. Meanwhile, a hoist bolted to a beam can handle heavier loads. A hoist mounted to a trolley running along a beam or a rail can lift loads up and across a facility.

If you need a quality crane and hoist systems, look no further. Integrity Crane and Hoist specialize in the design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, modification, modernization, and load testing of industrial bridge cranes, ergonomic workstations, runway systems, monorails, power systems, and control panels. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Call Integrity Crane and Hoist at (615) 302-3431 for more information.