Overhead Cranes for Industrial Lifting Excellence
What Are Overhead Cranes?
Overhead cranes—also known as bridge cranes—are material handling systems that move loads along an overhead runway structure. They’re used to lift, lower, and move heavy loads across factory floors, warehouses, and industrial plants without interfering with ground operations. Components at a Glance:- Bridge (single or double girder)
- Runway system (parallel beams for movement)
- Hoist (lifting unit)
- End trucks (carry the bridge across the runway)
- Controls (manual pendant, radio remote, or automated)
Types of Overhead Cranes
Single Girder Overhead Cranes
- Cost-effective solution for light to medium loads (up to 20 tons)
- Simple structure, lighter in weight
- Ideal for small workshops, warehouses, and light manufacturing
Double Girder Overhead Cranes
- Heavy-duty lifting (20 tons and beyond)
- Suitable for large-scale production and material flow
- Supports custom lifting attachments and walkways
Top Running Overhead Cranes
- Run on top of runway beams
- High lift heights and heavier capacities
- Perfect for long-span and heavy-duty applications
Underslung Overhead Cranes
- Suspended from ceiling structures
- Ideal for low headroom and limited floor space
- Often used in assembly areas and maintenance bays
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| No floor obstruction | Frees up ground space |
| Safety | Reduces risk of collisions or injuries |
| Efficiency | Faster material movement across plant |
| Versatility | Handles loads of all shapes and sizes |
| Integration | Works with automation and sensors |
Key Advantages of Overhead Cranes
Overhead Cranes vs Gantry Cranes
| Overhead Cranes | Gantry Cranes |
|---|---|
| Fixed installation | Mobile or semi-mobile |
| Needs runway beams | Self-supported structure |
| Higher lift heights | Typically lower height |
| Suited for indoor use | Indoor and outdoor use |
- Manufacturing Plants
- Moving raw materials and finished products
- Steel & Foundry Operations
- Handling molten metal and massive components
- Automotive Industry
- Lifting engines, chassis, and large assemblies
- Shipbuilding
- Precise placement of hull and deck parts
- Energy Sector
- Turbine assembly, generator handling, etc.
Industries Using Overhead Cranes
Why Choose Al Waha Cranes?
Regional Manufacturing & Service Expertise
With 20+ years of regional experience in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Al Waha Cranes designs overhead cranes that comply with local industrial codes and climatic demands.
Custom-Built Cranes for Your Facility
- Site-specific layout optimization
- Integrated hoist and control selection
- Future-ready automation features
After-Sales Support That Stands Out
- AMC contracts across MENA
- Certified crane technicians
- Spare parts & modernization
Strategic Partnerships with Global Brands
- Street Crane hoists (UK)
- Thern winches (USA)
- Siemens, Schneider, and VFDs
Safety Features & Compliance
- Emergency stop systems
- Overload protection
- Limit switches (upper/lower/lateral)
- Anti-sway control systems
EN, ISO, OSHA, and local civil defense compliance
Control Options
- Pendant Controls – Reliable and simple
- Radio Remote – Operator freedom and safety
- Cabin Controls – For large-capacity cranes
- Automated Control – For smart factories (Industry 4.0)
Safety Features & Compliance
UAE – Dubai Industrial City
- Project: 15-ton double girder top running system
- Application: Metal fabrication workflow efficiency
- Result: 27% improvement in time-to-ship
KSA – Dammam Steel Facility
- Project: 30-ton dual hoist bridge crane
- Application: Billet loading and unloading
- Result: Reduced downtime and increased safety
local civil defense compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer from 1 ton to 250 tons. Larger custom solutions are available on request.
Yes. We specialize in retrofitting cranes into older facilities with space or structural limitations.
Typically not—overhead cranes are designed for indoor use. For outdoors, we recommend gantry cranes.
Standard systems: 6–10 weeks
Custom: 12–16 weeks depending on complexity
Yes, we provide AMC and on-demand service across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and beyond.
Absolutely. We support VFDs, anti-sway tech, smart sensors, and full PLC/SCADA integration.
EOT (Electric Overhead Traveling) is a type of overhead crane. All EOT cranes are overhead cranes, but not vice versa.
Yes, we provide certified training for crane operators post-installation.
