Overhead cranes are available in a variety of different styles. From large gantry cranes all the way down to smaller jib cranes, these unique pieces of equipment are used in multiple industries. The list below takes a closer look at some of the most common uses of overhead cranes.
Manufacturing.
Companies that manufacture products often use overhead cranes ( puente grua monorriel ) to help workers move heavy items around. For instance, jib cranes are often mounted over workstations at factories where large products are assembled. Workers can attach the cranes to heavy or bulky items to easily and safely move them around their workstation or to different locations nearby. This helps minimize strain on the workers, reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries occurring in the workplace.
Larger overhead cranes are used by companies that work with heavier objects. For instance, steel producers often use large gantry cranes for moving heavy steel beams or raw materials around. These items are often impractical to move using other methods since they are so large and heavy. Overhead cranes simplify the process, however, making it much easier for workers to move these heavy items around.
Warehousing.
You can often find overhead cranes in warehouses. They typically are used to move large, bulky, or extremely heavy items from one area to another. Whether they are hauling large items in from docking areas or preparing items to ship out, cranes are usually a lot more efficient than other types of equipment.
A great example of this can be seen by comparing cranes to forklifts. In order to move an object around a warehouse with a forklift, the building has to be set up with pathways that are wide enough for the forklift to maneuver. This limits the volume of materials that can be stored in the space. With overhead cranes, on the other hand, all of the work is done overhead. That means that the entire floor can be used for warehousing without the need to leave wide paths.
Shipping
Overhead cranes are also commonly used in the shipping industry. For instance, you can find them at major shipping ports where they are used to load and unload shipping containers from large ships or barges. They are also often used for loading and unloading railcars. The two most common types of overhead cranes used in the shipping industry include gantry cranes and freestanding jib cranes ( grua pluma de columna ). These cranes usually are capable of lifting and moving extremely heavy loads. For instance, some cranes are rated to move objects that way as much as 100 tons or more.
These are three of the most common uses for overhead cranes. Because these cranes come in so many different sizes and styles, you can find them being used by an incredibly diverse range of businesses. From small warehouses and shops all the way up to major shipping ports, overhead cranes help simplify the jobs of countless workers on a daily basis. By reducing the need to lift and move heavy loads using other methods, they help prevent injuries and lower the likelihood of accidents occurring, as well.