Underslung Overhead Travelling Crane

Underslung Overhead Travelling Crane is a bridge crane system where the main girder and hoisting mechanism run suspended beneath the lower flange of the factory's crane girders. Also commonly referred to as an under-running overhead crane, it features smooth operation and a compact structure. This design requires a lower clear height for factory buildings, and the track layout can be flexibly adjusted according to workshop configurations. Therefore, it is more suitable for warehouses, assembly shops, and light manufacturing plants. Weihua is a specialized crane manufacturer with a mature production system, comprehensive quality control, and extensive project experience. We offer customized solutions based on your crane's lifting capacity, span, lifting height, control method, and other specifications.
Important Parameters
  • Lifting Capacity: 5–80 tons
  • Working Radius: 15–45 meters
  • Lifting Height: 10–45 meters
  • Working Class: A5–A7

Product Introduction

The Underslung Overhead Travelling Crane features its running track positioned beneath the factory beams, allowing the entire crane structure to operate closer to the roof without increasing the building’s height. This design saves space while reducing requirements for structural load-bearing capacity and civil engineering conditions. The equipment offers simple operation, stable performance, and convenient maintenance.

Types
Parts
Working Principle

Types of Underslung Overhead Travelling Crane

Underslung overhead cranes can be selected with different structural forms and configurations to meet the needs of different factory structures, lifting capacities, and operating methods. Different types are available depending on the load capacity, operating mode, and frequency of use. Below is an introduction to common types of underslung overhead cranes.

Single Girder Underhung Crane

Single Girder Underhung Crane

A single-girder underhung crane features a single main girder suspended below the factory’s overhead crane runway beam. It has a lightweight structure, occupies minimal space, and is more economical and practical. It is suitable for light to medium lifting operations and is used in installation projects where factory height is limited, spans are small, or flexible layout is required. It is commonly used in warehouses, assembly workshops, and light manufacturing plants.

  • Lifting capacity: 0.5–10 tons
  • Span: 5–15 meters
  • Lifting height: Determined by factory conditions
  • Working class: A3–A5
Double Girder Underslung Crane

Double Girder Underslung Crane

Double-girder underhung bridge cranes feature two main girders suspended below the factory’s crane runway beams, resulting in a more stable structure and superior load-bearing capacity and operational stability compared to single-girder designs. They are suitable for medium to heavy lifting operations, as well as applications with large spans and high usage frequency, and are commonly used in assembly workshops, production lines, and industrial plants requiring high operational stability.

  • Lifting capacity: 1-5 tons
  • Span: 10–20 meters
  • Lifting height: Customized according to factory conditions
  • Working class: A4

Parts Underslung Overhead Crane

Underhung bridge cranes operate through the coordinated action of various core components, each designed for compactness and optimal compatibility. Understanding the composition of these main components will help you in equipment selection and subsequent operational management.

parts-underslung-overhead-crane

Main Girder: The main load-bearing structure of the crane, typically a box beam or I-beam structure, used to support the lifting mechanism and bear the weight of the load.
End Trucks / Running Units: Installed at both ends of the main girder, they run on the lower flange of the runway beam via wheel sets, enabling the entire crane to move laterally.
Hoist: Includes the electric hoist, motor, reducer, and brake, responsible for lifting and lowering the load.
Runway Beam: Composed of the factory building structure or independent steel beams, providing the foundation for the crane’s operation and load bearing.
Electrical Control System: Used to control lifting, traversing, and braking, with optional control methods such as pendant control and remote control.
Safety Devices: Including limit switches, overload protection, emergency stop devices, etc., to ensure the safe operation of the equipment.

 

Working Principle

An underslung bridge crane operates by suspending the entire machine from the lower flange of the factory’s crane runway beam, enabling the lifting and horizontal movement of materials within the workshop. Once the crane is powered on, the electric hoist handles the lifting and lowering of goods, while the traveling mechanisms at both ends of the main beam move smoothly along the underside of the runway beam, allowing the load to move horizontally within the workshop.

During operation, the lifting, traversing, and long travel movements work in coordination, and the operator can control the equipment precisely using a control handle or remote control. Because the entire crane is positioned below the runway beam, it effectively reduces the required headroom in the factory, making it suitable for material handling operations in workshops with limited space.

 

Specifications

Under Running Overhead Cranes can be flexibly configured based on the factory building structure, operating environment, and usage frequency. Key parameters such as lifting capacity, span, lifting height, and working class can all be customized according to actual working conditions. The following are common technical specifications for underhung bridge cranes.

Specifications of Underslung Overhead Travelling Crane

ItemSpecification
Lifting Capacity0.5 – 10 tons
Span5 – 15 m
Lifting HeightCustomized according to building
Duty ClassA3 – A5
Crane TypeSingle Girder / Double Girder
Hoist TypeElectric wire rope hoist
Control MethodPendant control / Remote control
Power Supply380V / 50Hz / 3Ph (customizable)
Runway Beam TypeLower flange runway beam
ApplicationWarehouse, workshop, assembly line

Features

Underhung overhead cranes have a compact structure and stable operation. Understanding their main features will help you quickly determine if the equipment is suitable for your workshop and production needs.

Low Headroom Design
The main beam runs below the factory crane beam, occupying minimal space and suitable for workshops with limited headroom.
Compact and Economical Structure
Available in single-beam or double-beam configurations, with a lightweight design and low installation and maintenance costs.
Flexible Operating Layout
The running track can be flexibly arranged according to the workshop layout, covering the needs of multiple workstations.
Customizable Parameters
Lifting capacity, span, lifting height, and work cycle can be customized according to actual working conditions.

Application

Underslung Overhead Travelling Cranes are used for material handling and light to medium lifting operations in indoor environments such as factories, workshops, and warehouses. Typical applications include:

  • Production workshops and manufacturing plants: Transporting parts, semi-finished products, and finished goods between assembly lines, processing areas, and production equipment to improve production efficiency.
  • Warehousing and logistics operations: Used for loading and unloading, stacking, sorting, and internal transfer of goods, suitable for high-frequency, continuous logistics needs.
  • Light industry and assembly workshops: Safely lifting light to medium-sized equipment, tooling, and finished products to meet daily operational needs.
  • Intelligent workshops: Can be configured with electrical control, remote control operation, or automation systems.

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Custom Options For Underslung Overhead Travelling Crane

Underslung Overhead Travelling Cranes can be customized according to factory structure, lifting requirements, and operating environment. Common customization options include:

  • Lifting capacity: The lifting mechanism can be configured based on the maximum load and specific material handling needs.
  • Span and lifting height: The appropriate span and lifting height can be selected based on the workshop layout and operating range.
  • Driving method: Available drive options include AC power, battery, and electric-diesel hybrid.
  • Control system: Supports manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, or remote control operation.
  • Operating speed: The operating speed of the bridge, trolley, and lifting mechanism can be adjusted according to the work cycle and efficiency requirements.
  • Special options: Protective features, explosion-proof designs, intelligent interfaces, or safety systems compliant with local safety standards can be configured.
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Custom-Options-For-Underslung-Overhead-Cran

Underslung Crane vs Top Running Overhead Crane

When choosing a overhead crane, underslung cranes and top-running overhead cranes are the two most common types. They differ in structure and applicable working conditions, and are suitable for different usage scenarios.

Underslung Crane

  • Applicable Building Structures: Operates below the factory building beams, requiring minimal headroom, suitable for steel-structured factories or workshops with limited overhead clearance.
  • Load Capacity: Used for light to medium lifting operations.
  • Investment Cost: Lightweight structure, requiring minimal civil engineering and factory modifications, resulting in lower overall investment costs.
  • Installation Conditions: Flexible installation, can directly utilize the lower flange of the factory building beams, with a short construction period.
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underslung-crane-workshop

Top Running Overhead Crane

  • Applicable Building Structure: Operates on rails above the runway beam, requiring a taller, stronger factory structure and higher load-bearing capacity.
  • Load Capacity: High load capacity, suitable for heavy-duty and high-frequency operations.
  • Investment Cost: Requires high-quality equipment and supporting structures, resulting in relatively higher initial investment.
  • Installation Conditions: Requires the laying of dedicated tracks and load-bearing structures, resulting in a longer installation period and more complex construction conditions.
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Top-Running-Overhead-Crane.

Underslung Overhead Crane Manufacturer and Supplier

Weihua is a professional underslung overhead travelling crane manufacturer and Supplier in China, with over 37 years of experience in lifting equipment manufacturing. Over the years, we have provided lifting solutions for factories, workshops, and warehousing and logistics projects across various industries, accumulating extensive design and manufacturing experience. All equipment is manufactured according to international standards and complies with CE and ISO certifications. Our cranes have been exported to and used in numerous countries and regions.

Weihua has a professional engineering team that can provide selection and solution support during the initial project phase, and provide installation guidance, technical support, and comprehensive after-sales service after equipment delivery, along with a one-year warranty.

Welcome to contact the Weihua engineering team; we will customize a solution for you based on your specific working conditions.

Weihua Crane Factory

After-Sales Service

Weihua, founded in 1988, has evolved into a global leader in China's intelligent manufacturing field. We specialize in smart crane R&D and production while offering AGV solutions. Our professional engineering, delivery, and after-sales teams provide one-stop technical support, customized solutions, on-site installation guidance, and rapid-response global services to ensure every project operates safely and efficiently.

Global Technical Support Team
Delivering remote guidance, on-site commissioning, and operator training to ensure rapid equipment deployment.
Comprehensive Spare Parts & Supply Chain System
Maintaining long-term inventory of critical components to guarantee swift delivery and sustained maintenance.
One-Stop After-Sales Service
Providing end-to-end professional support from installation and commissioning to upgrades and troubleshooting.
Regular Inspection & Maintenance Programs
Equipping clients with maintenance manuals to extend crane lifespan and reduce failure rates.
Looking for a reliable crane manufacturer? Weihua will be your trusted partner! Feel free to contact us anytime to discuss your project requirements, receive technical advice from our professional engineering team, and obtain a customized quote. Let Weihua leverage its proven manufacturing capabilities and comprehensive service system to deliver efficient, safe crane solutions that enhance operational efficiency and ensure your project's success!

FAQ

What is the difference between underslung and top running cranes?

Underslung cranes run beneath the runway beam and suit low headroom buildings, while top running cranes operate on top of rails and handle heavier loads.

What is the maximum capacity of an underslung crane?

Most underslung cranes are designed for light to medium lifting, typically up to 10 tons.

Is an underslung crane suitable for my workshop?

It is suitable for workshops with limited headroom and light to medium lifting needs, such as warehouses and assembly areas.

Can underslung cranes be customized?

Yes. Capacity, span, lifting height, and control options can be customized to match your workshop requirements.

Customize Your Lifting Solutions

Contact us now via email: [email protected], or fill in the form below.

Please specify your requirement by referring to the following aspects:
  • Which crane product do you need?
  • What is the maximum lifting capacity (in tons) required for your project?
  • Could you specify the lifting height (in meters) needed?
  • Can you provide details on the working environment, such as ground conditions, space limitations, and any obstacles?
  • What is the expected frequency of use and the duration of the project?
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related products

Single Girder Overhead Travelling Crane
  • Lifting capacity: 1 ~ 32 ton
  • Span: 7.5 ~ 31.5m
  • Lifting height: 6 ~ 30 m
  • Working Class: A3-A5
Double Girder Overhead Travelling Crane
  • Lifting Capacity: 10–500 t
  • Span: 10.5–40 m
  • Lifting Height: 6–30 m
  • Duty Class:  A5–A8
Single Beam EOT Crane
  • Lifting capacity: 1–20 tons
  • Span range: 7.5–28.5 meters
  • Lifting height: 6–18 meters
  • Working class: A3–A4

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