How to Choose the Right Crane System for Your Industry?

The selection of appropriate crane equipment represents a critical factor for industrial operations which want to maximize their productivity and safety standards and financial returns. Every crane system including EOT, Gantry, Jib, Under Slung and Light Crane System, has its individual advantages which match various operational requirements and spatial limitations and weight capacities and maintenance requirements.

As an official partner of Street Crane (UK) and maintaining a strong presence throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and MENA region Al Waha Cranes offers personalized lifting solutions that meet your industrial needs precisely.

1. Understanding the Types of Industrial Cranes

The crane selection process begins by identifying crane types and their primary applications.

1.1 EOT (Electric Overhead Travelling) Cranes

Ideal for: Heavy industrial operations like steel plants, warehouses and fabrication units.
Key Features: Travels on runway beams; high load capacity; precision handling.
Why It Works: Long-term investment; supports automation and high-volume operations.

1.2 Gantry Cranes

Ideal for: Outdoor yards, shipping, precast concrete, and heavy fabrication.
Key Features: Independent structure; mobile; requires no building support.
Why It Works: Best for areas without internal runway beams or infrastructure.

1.3 Under Slung Cranes

Ideal for: Areas with space limitations and medium-duty operations.
Key Features: Runs beneath the beam; offers maximum headroom.
Why It Works: Efficient for environments with tight spatial constraints.

1.4 Jib Cranes

Ideal for: CNC stations, assembly lines, and manual workstations.
Key Features: Rotating boom; floor/wall/column-mounted.
Why It Works: Enhances productivity with quick, localized lifting.

1.5 Light Crane Systems

Ideal for: Intralogistics, packaging, and light-duty manufacturing.
Key Features: Modular design; ergonomic; flexible pathways.
Why It Works: Built for speed, operator comfort, and safety.

2. Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Crane System

2.1 Load Capacity

Determine the maximum weight your crane needs to lift.
Overestimating inflates costs. Underestimating creates safety risks.

The engineering team at Al Waha designs crane system from 250 kg to 100+ tons using Street Crane hoists at a global level.

2.2 Application & Industry Type of Crane System

Different industries have different needs:

Manufacturing: EOT, Jib, or Light Crane Systems
Construction: Gantry or Mobile Gantry
Logistics/Warehousing: Under Slung or Modular Systems
Oil & Gas: Heavy-duty EOT with explosion-proof components
Marine/Ports: Custom-built Gantry systems

2.3 Working Environment

Consider:

Corrosive or humid conditions
High temperatures
Explosive atmospheres

Make sure motors, gearboxes and electrical systems get appropriate ratings.

2.4 Available Space & Building Design

Evaluate:

Headroom clearance
Building structure support
Runway length

The suitable crane type depends on working conditions which determine whether to use an EOT, Under Slung or Gantry crane.

2.5 Frequency of Use

Cranes are classified by duty cycle:

Class A3: Light use
Class A5: Moderate use
Class A7/A8: Heavy, continuous operation

Duty class affects design, motor specs, and durability.

2.6 Budget & Lifecycle Costs

Don’t focus solely on the upfront cost. Also assess:

Installation expenses
Energy efficiency
Downtime risks
Spare part availability
Maintenance & service packages

Al Waha provides complete lifecycle support: from design to spare parts and AMC services.

3. Customization: Tailoring Cranes for Operational Excellence

Standard factory cranes fail to meet the needs of complex production lines. That’s why Al Waha offers fully customized systems, including:

The systems include span length, hoisting speed and travel speed adjustments along with remote control systems and load sensors.
Predictive maintenance through Internet of Things technology.
Explosion-proof, corrosion-resistant, and clean room specifications

The process of custom engineering produces better returns on investment along with increased system availability.

4. Real-World Applications – Case Studies of Crane System

Steel Fabrication Yard – KSA

Two 50-ton EOT cranes with synchronized hoisting
Integrated wireless controls and anti-sway technology

Logistics Warehouse – Dubai

Under Slung cranes optimized for tight aisle spaces
Reduced infrastructure costs by 20%

Oilfield Assembly – Abu Dhabi

The company installed several Jib cranes together with light crane systems at the site.
For two years the organization reached a 35% workflow improvement without experiencing any period of system shutdown.

5. Maintenance & After-Sale Support: The Unsung Hero

A crane in optimal condition will perform well only when it receives proper maintenance. Ask yourself:

Is there local support?
Are spare parts available quickly?
Is there an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) option?
Are inspections, documentation, and certifications managed?

The company Al Waha provides 24/7 emergency assistance as well as regular maintenance support and Street Crane-certified spare parts throughout MENA.

6. A Business Partner Who Fits Right Creates Major Advantages

When you choose Al Waha as your business partner you gain access to the following benefits:

The company provides regional experience through 15+ years of service combined with UK-manufactured Street Crane products and ISO-certified processes.

15+ years of regional experience
UK-manufactured quality via Street Crane
ISO-certified processes
Engineers trained to international standards

The company maintains facilities in UAE and Saudi Arabia as well as Oman and Bahrain and Egypt and other locations throughout the region.

Also Read: List of Cranes Used in Construction Industry

Conclusion: Ask the Right Questions

Before investing, consider:

What’s the maximum load?
How frequently will it operate?
What’s the operational environment?
Are there expansion plans?
Who will maintain the crane?

Still unsure?

You can reach out to Al Waha Cranes for their free site inspection service along with a consultation.