Top Running Crane Runway systems are the workhorses of the overhead crane world. They consistently, reliably handle heavy loads, day-in-and-day-out. The Top Running Runway design affords maximum hook height. Because of their brawny nature – and the heavy loads they carry (10 tons+) – Top Running Crane Runway systems are either Freestanding, Semi Freestanding or Header-Braced.
The workstation runway features an easy installation process due to no bracing being needed as well as only having four support columns. It’s modular design allows for an easier relocation process as well as the ability to extend the runway. Pre-engineering allows the costs to remain lower than similar options.
The Freestanding runway stands on its own – its design resists lateral and longitudinal forces unaided. Braces to other support structures simply aren’t necessary. This independence brings versatility: the system’s just as comfortable outdoors as indoors. The bridge crane runs on rails mounted to the top of the runway beams, maximizing the available hook height. Top Running Freestanding bridge crane runways are also able to handle higher capacities than underhung models.
When a new or existing building has enough reserve capacity to resist the longitudinal (along the length of the crane runway) and lateral (across the width of the runway) forces, CraneWerks can attach the columns and runways to these buildings, reducing the amount of steel required to produce an overhead crane system.
The runway is supported by the freestanding support columns, each pair tied together by a header. Header-braced systems are ideal when the lowest obstruction in the building is high enough that it does not limit the hook height. This runway type is easily expandable and can handle multiple bridge crane systems.
Knee-braced crane runways have supports that mount directly to a 6-inch concrete slab or reinforced concrete footers. These low-maintenance runway crane systems offer unbeatable hook height when ample floor space is available.
Generally, a lot lighter than a top running system, underhung crane runways allow for more versatility and usability. Because they’re dramatically lighter, underhung runways can be ceiling-mounted. They also have the ability to run side-by-side without interfering with one another. Another mechanical advantage of underhung crane systems is their ability for multiple systems to be interlocked, enabling operators to transfer loads between them. They can also interlock with monorails, allow for material transfer along a fixed path.
CraneWerks underhung freestanding runways feature a bolt-together construction that doesn’t require a certified welder for assembly. One of the major advantages of an underhung crane is its ability to interlock with a fixed spur, crossover, and adjacent cranes. This interlocking capability allows a load to be transported throughout the plant system without the need to set it down, thereby eliminating re-handling.
CraneWerks underhung ceiling-mounted runways feature overhead crane runways that attach directly to the ceiling or roof structure of a building. Ceiling-mounted, underhung systems are extremely versatile and can be used to easily transfer loads from one bay to another with the use of transfer switches. Underhung ceiling-mounted crane runways allow for utilization of entire floor space under the crane runway as well.
