Both overhead cranes and hoists are machines used to move heavy or bulky materials and equipment around industrial and commercial job sites. While some people incorrectly use the terms interchangeably due to their similarities in function, they remain distinct machines due to their many differences in design and use. For example, hoists move loads up and down, while cranes move loads up and down and side to side.
Below, we provide a more comprehensive overview of overhead cranes and hoists, discussing what they are, how they operate, and how the two types of lifting equipment differ.
An overhead crane is a piece of equipment that securely lifts and lowers heavy loads along a vertical axis and moves them along other axes. This quality allows for multi-directional mobility in a worksite. For example, a construction worker can use an overhead crane system to pick up a load at one area of the construction site, move the load along a fixed rail system to position it above another area of the construction site, and set the load down at the new area.
Overhead cranes consist of three main components:
While all overhead cranes operate under the same basic design principles, they are available in multiple variations to suit different work environments. The most common types include:
Unlike overhead cranes, hoists only provide vertical movement (i.e., lifting and lowering of loads). They do not provide any horizontal moving action to loads except when used as the lifting component of larger lifting systems (e.g., overhead cranes). One common example is an elevator.
Despite their limited directional mobility, hoists are still commonly used as lifting equipment for various heavy materials and equipment. The type employed varies from application to application, depending on the lifting requirements. Some of the design factors to consider include:
There are many differences between overhead cranes and hoists. The main one is their range of movement. Hoists can only move loads up and down, while cranes can move loads up and down and side to side. In the latter, a hoist serves as the component that provides vertical movement, while a trolley and bridge serve as the components that enable horizontal movement.
The other main difference between overhead cranes and hoists is how they are categorized. Overhead cranes are generally grouped by their design and construction (e.g., top running, under running, gantry, and monorail), while hoists are typically classified by their lifting medium, power type, and suspension.
While overhead cranes and hoists differ in design and purpose, both pieces of equipment are valuable tools in moving heavy and bulky loads in industrial and commercial worksites. However, it is essential to choose one that is well-suited for your application. If you need help selecting and sourcing overhead cranes or hoists for your facility, ACECO is your expert, craftsman, and partner.
At American Crane & Equipment Corporation, we offer standard and custom material handling equipment—including hoists and overhead cranes—for a wide range of applications. For additional information about our products and services or assistance choosing a lifting equipment solution for your facility, contact us or request a quote today.
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