Overhead Cranes and Hoists: Establishing Major Differences
24 February 2023Discover the crucial distinctions between overhead cranes and hoists. Get clarity with expert insights from Hydromech Hoist and Crane. Call (03) 9791 1322.
Despite significant distinctions, the words overhead cranes and hoists are used interchangeably. While a hoist and an overhead crane may appear identical, it is critical to grasp the distinctions between them. This will assist you in selecting the optimal mechanism for lifting weights. It will also assist with maintenance requirements, whether understanding what action to take or knowing the best approach to convey your difficulties to someone else.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a deeper look at the distinctions between overhead cranes and hoists.
Difference Between Overhead Cranes and Hoists
The primary distinction between an overhead crane and a hoist is their movement patterns. Overhead cranes move large loads from side to side or up and down. They move both vertically and horizontally. On the other hand, Hoists only lift goods up and down on the vertical axis. Furthermore, the structure is an overhead crane with a hoist installed (fixed or mobile).
A hoist is particularly intended for lifting huge things up and down. This is all required for a system such as an elevator, making a hoist a great option under the correct conditions. An overhead crane allows you to move huge goods up, down, and sideways. A hoist is a component of overhead cranes that enables vertical movement. Bridges and a trolley achieve the horizontal movement of an overhead crane.
Common Types of Overhead Cranes
Top Running Cranes
Top running cranes feature a track system or fixed rail mounted on each runaway beam. The end trucks may transport the bridge and the hoist along this runway system. These overhead cranes can be manufactured with a single or double-girder design. A twin girder will allow your crane to handle greater weights, but it may be an unnecessary cost if you deal in lesser loads.
Under Slung Cranes
Wheels, sometimes known as an under-hung crane, link the bridge to the bottom flange of the runway. This crane is often used for lesser weights and has a single girder.
Gantry Cranes
A gantry crane is distinguished by legs on wheels or embedded in the ground. These are typically encountered in outdoor regions or for lifting beneath an existing overhead crane system.
Monorail Cranes
A monorail crane operates on a fixed track that the trolley runs along to transport goods to predefined destinations. Perfect for repetitive linear operations (for example, in a factory setting) and, in this case, can boost productivity.
Common Types of Hoists
Regarding hoists, each kind may be divided into three categories: lifting medium, power, and suspension. Let’s take a deeper look at these elements:
Lifting Medium
A hoist can be made from a variety of materials. The lifting medium is the flexible material that connects the overhead body of the hoist to the load hook. Some of the most prevalent lifting medium materials are:
- Rope
- Metal cable
- Roller Load Chain
- Welded Link Chain
Power Hoists
Hoists can be powered manually, pneumatically, hydrostatically, or by electric motors. Here’s a quick summary of each option:
Manual Hoist
A manual hoist will use a gear system and pulley to give additional lifting force.
Wire Rope Hoists
A wire rope hoist can lift bigger items off the ground.
Electric Hoists
Electric hoists provide a convenience that manual hoists do not (especially when used frequently). Overheating an electric motor is dangerous, especially if you exceed the weight limit or frequency with which you operate your equipment. To avoid this, acquire an electric hoist that is powerful enough for your needs.
Pneumatic Hoist (Air Hoists)
Compressed air powers a pneumatical (or air) hoist. These are best suited for work locations that already have compressed air power. The best approach to power your hoist will depend on your scenario. Manufacturing with many air tools would be ideal for using an air-powered hoist, although this would be impossible in other settings. Consider what you use your hoist for and how frequently you use it to help you decide on the optimum sort of power supply for you.
Optimized by: Netwizard SEO