Single Girder Crane Tonnage and Applications: A Complete Guide
Single girder overhead cranes are versatile lifting solutions known for their cost-effectiveness, compact design, and ease of installation. Understanding their tonnage range and ideal applications is critical for selecting the right equipment for your operations. In this guide, we’ll break down their load capacities and industry-specific uses to help you make informed decisions.


Part 1: Tonnage Range of Single Girder Cranes
Standard Tonnage Options
Single girder cranes typically cover a 1-ton to 20-ton lifting capacity, with configurations tailored to diverse needs:
-
Light-Duty (1–5 tons): Ideal for workshops, small warehouses, and assembly lines.
-
Medium-Duty (5–15 tons): Suitable for manufacturing plants and material handling in logistics.
-
Heavy-Duty (15–20+ tons): Customizable for specialized industries like steel fabrication.
Factors Affecting Tonnage Selection
-
Payload Requirements: Match the crane’s capacity to your maximum lifting weight (include safety margins).
-
Span and Height: Longer spans (up to 30m) may reduce effective capacity due to structural deflection.
-
Duty Cycle: Frequent use demands higher-grade components (e.g., FEM 1Bm-3m classification).
🔍 Pro Tip: For loads exceeding 20 tons, consider a double girder crane for enhanced stability.

Part 2: Key Applications Across Industries
1. Manufacturing & Assembly
-
Typical Tonnage: 2–10 tons
-
Use Cases:
-
Moving raw materials in automotive part production.
-
Positioning machinery in assembly lines.
-
Example: A 5-ton crane for engine block handling in a car factory.
-

2. Warehousing & Logistics
-
Typical Tonnage: 1–5 tons
-
Use Cases:
-
Loading/unloading pallets in distribution centers.
-
Stacking goods in high-bay storage (up to 12m lifting height).
-
3. Automotive & Repair Shops
-
Typical Tonnage: 3–15 tons
-
Use Cases:
-
Lifting vehicle chassis for maintenance.
-
Installing heavy components like transmissions.
-
4. Construction & Energy
-
Typical Tonnage: 10–20+ tons (customized)
-
Use Cases:
-
Prefabricated concrete panel handling.
-
Solar panel installation with explosion-proof variants for hazardous environments.
-
Technical Comparison Table
Tonnage | Max Span (m) | Common Industries | Motor Power (kW) |
---|---|---|---|
1–5 tons | 15–25 | Warehousing, SMEs | 7.5–15 |
5–15 tons | 20–30 | Manufacturing | 15–30 |
15–20+ tons | Custom | Steel, Construction | 30–45+ |
Why Choose a Single Girder Crane?
-
Space-Saving: Requires 20–30% less headroom than double girder models.
-
Lower Costs: Reduced material and installation expenses.
-
Flexibility: Compatible with manual, electric, or remote-controlled operation.
⚠️ Safety Note: Ensure compliance with CE, OSHA, or ISO 4301 standards based on your region.
Need a Custom Solution?
Whether you need a 3-ton crane for light assembly or a 20-ton heavy lifter, our engineers will tailor a solution to your exact needs.
✅ Free Consultation ✅ 3D Layout Design ✅ Global Certifications
👉 Contact Us Today for a Quote | Explore Case Studies
All News
Recent Posts
2025/1/25
2025/2/7
Contact Us Now
Have questions about our cranes or need help?
Reach out to our friendly team for expert support and guidance.
We are here to help you power your journey towards a greener future !
Tel: +8615738677559
E-mail: info@slkjcrane.com
Whatsapp: +8615738677559
Address: Crane Industry Park, Xinxiang City Henan Provice