Twenty tonnes is where the single girder design is at its limit, and where we start asking whether a double girder crane would serve you better. A single girder 20 t machine is legitimate — it is cheaper, lighter and simpler than the double girder alternative — but the bridge is deep, the wheel loads are high, and the hook approach in a low building often becomes the deciding problem.
Three signals tell us a double girder crane is the better answer at this capacity:
If none of those apply, a 20 t single girder crane does the job for less money and less structural load. We will price both so you can see the real difference rather than guessing at it.
In return you get the wheel load per corner, the wheel base, the rail section and the clearance envelope — the numbers your engineer needs — before you commit to anything.
| Capacity | 20 t (single girder series runs 1–20 t) |
|---|---|
| Span | 13.5 m – 25.5 m |
| Lifting height | 6 m – 24 m |
| Duty classification | A4–A5 (FEM 1Am–1Bm) |
| Hoist | 20 t CD1 / MD1 wire rope hoist; European low-headroom hoist option |
| Hoisting speed | 0.5–7 m·min⁻¹ with VFD (stepless) — recommended at this capacity |
| Travel speeds | Bridge 20–30 m·min⁻¹; trolley 20 m·min⁻¹ |
| Power supply | 380 V / 50 Hz 3-phase standard; other voltages and 60 Hz on request |
| Control | Pendant, radio remote, cabin on request; VFD recommended |
The table shows the range we normally supply. Your offer states the exact capacity, span, lifting height, duty class and voltage for your site — and where a figure here differs from the offer, the offer prevails. See the full single girder overhead cranes range →
It is safe when it is specified for the actual duty and the building can take the wheel loads. The single girder design is standard practice up to 20 t. What we do not accept is a 20 t single girder crane chosen only because it is cheaper when the duty is continuous or the building is low — in those cases the saving is false.
Because they arrive concentrated at four points on your building, and at this capacity they are large enough to decide the runway and the column design. We calculate them for the actual span and send them to you before the order. If they are too high for the existing structure, the fixes are a longer wheel base, more wheels per corner, or a different crane — all cheaper if decided at quotation stage.
Yes, with the outdoor package: IP55 motors and panels, drainage in the girder, sealed bearings, galvanized or heavy epoxy finish and rail clamps. Beyond short service under a canopy, most customers at this capacity choose a gantry crane instead, because the outdoor overhead crane needs a building strong enough to carry a 20 t runway. Tell us the site and we will tell you which structure makes more sense.
Heavy duty and long spans: steel fabrication, precast yards, smelters, heavy machining shops.
5–100 t · custom spanOutdoor stockyards, precast beds, container and aggregate handling. Hook, grab or C-hook.
3–100 t · rail or tyreLaunching gantries and bridge erection machines for road and rail viaduct projects.
Project-engineeredSend the span, lifting height and how many hours a day the crane runs — we reply with a specification and a price within 24 hours.
Crane type, capacity (t), span (m) and lifting height (m) is usually enough for us to quote. Send a photo of your workshop if you are not sure.
