Underslung Hoists
What is an Underslung Hoist?
An underslung hoist is a hoisting unit mounted beneath the crane girder, not above it. It travels along the lower flange of an I-beam or box girder, making it a perfect solution for:
- Buildings with low ceilings
- Sites where gantry columns or supports are not possible
- Facilities needing wall-to-wall coverage
Unlike top-running hoists, underslung units maximize overhead space and can be supported by building rafters or brackets, reducing structural load and cost.
Feature | Benefit |
Compact profile | Ideal for low-clearance buildings |
Suspension mounting | No need for support columns |
Smooth cross travel | Ideal for long bay coverage |
Lightweight trolley | Lower dead weight on structure |
Modular design | Easy to maintain and customize |
Key Advantages of Street Crane Underslung Hoists
Where Are Underslung Hoists Used?
| Industry | Application |
| Logistics & Warehousing | Pallet and box handling along long aisles |
| Automotive | Tooling stations and component assembly lines |
| General Manufacturing | Mold and part lifting in tight workshop layouts |
| Food & Pharma | Hygienic lifting with minimal structural intrusion |
| Chemical Plants | Narrow bays with ATEX hoists for safe lifting |
| Aviation | Aircraft parts handling in maintenance hangars |
Technical Features
Lifting Capacity
- 250 kg to 20 tonnes standard
- Custom designs for up to 30 tonnes with reinforced trolleys
Duty Class
- From FEM 1Am to M5 (ISO A3–A5)
- Ideal for medium usage cycles
Hoist Type
- Primarily wire rope hoists, optionally chain hoists
- Motorized trolley for smooth operation
Control Options
- Push button pendant
- Radio remote control
- Optional integration with VFD panels and limit switches
Mounting & Travel
- Bottom-flange suspension
- Cross travel via low-noise guide rollers
- Curved track layouts available for special installations
Al Waha Cranes – Your Underslung Crane Partner in the GCC
With 20+ years of experience in material handling across the MENA region, Al Waha Cranes offers:
- Complete underslung crane systems engineered around Street Crane hoists
- Custom track support structures where no beams exist
- On-site installation and annual maintenance contracts (AMC)
- Integration with cleanroom, ATEX, or temperature-controlled environments
We’ve deployed underslung hoists in factories, maintenance bays, marine sheds, and more across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain.
Comparative Snapshot – Underslung vs Top-Running Hoists
Parameter | Underslung Hoist | Top-Running Hoist |
Mounting | Below girder | On top of girder |
Building clearance | Lower | Requires more headroom |
Load capacity | Up to 30T (typical) | Up to 250T+ |
Structural load | Lighter | Heavier |
Track integration | Easy to suspend | Requires heavy rails |
Cost | Often lower | Higher structural demand |
Technical Summary
| Parameter | Value |
| Capacity | 250 kg to 20+ tonnes |
| Mounting | Bottom-flange / suspended |
| Girder Type | I-beam or box |
| Travel | Manual or motorized trolley |
| Controls | Pendant / Radio / Panel |
| Safety | Load limiter, thermal cutouts, limit switches |
| Standards | EN, ISO, FEM compliance |
Common Customizations
- Dual hoists for synchronized lifting
- VFD-controlled trolley & hoisting
- IP66-rated enclosures for marine/factory use
- Stainless steel construction for pharma environments
- Custom hooks or lifting beams
Frequently Asked Questions
Street Crane underslung hoists are available in standard capacities up to 20 tonnes, with custom builds up to 30 tonnes depending on structure.
Yes. These hoists are ideal for retrofits as they don’t require columns or complex supports. They can hang from rafters or steel structures.
Absolutely. They include limit switches, thermal overload protection, and can integrate anti-collision and sway control for high-safety environments.
Yes, Street Crane can engineer systems with curved, branched, or multi-path rails for process industries and complex bays.
