The runway system of an overhead crane can include the beams, columns, and rails that the crane runs along. The bridge or girder end trucks run along a rail which is secured to the top of the runway beams.

The beams are generally supported by one of two main components and it is determined by the configuration of your crane. The top running travelling crane beams are mounted to columns while the under running crane beams are supported from the structure of the roof.

When adding a new crane into your existing building it is important to confirm if the existing columns in the building can support the load of the new crane or if new columns will have to be supplied with the system. If there is a need for new columns then they can be supplied as either tied back columns which are connected to the current structure of the building or they can be entirely free-standing columns separate from the structure of the building. Tied back columns are a great way to provide added lateral support to an overhead crane runway. Crane runway systems are offered in Top Running and Underhung configurations.

Top Running

Top Running Crane Runway systems are the workhorses of the overhead crane world. They consistently, reliably handle heavy loads, day-in-and-day-out. The Top Running Runway design affords maximum hook height. Because of their brawny nature – and the heavy loads they carry (10 tons+) – Top Running Crane Runway systems are either Freestanding, Semi Freestanding or Header-Brace.

• Top Running Workstation Bridge Crane Runway
• Freestanding Crane Runway
• Semi-Freestanding Crane Runway
• Freestanding Header-Braced Crane Runway
• Knee-Braced Crane Runway

Underhung

Generally a lot lighter than a top running system, underhung crane runways allow for more versatility and usability. Because they’re dramatically lighter, underhung runways can be ceiling-mounted. They also have the ability to run side-by-side without interfering with one another. Another mechanical advantage of underhung crane systems is their ability for multiple systems to be interlocked, enabling operators to transfer loads between them. They can also interlock with monorails, allow for material transfer along a fixed path.

• Underhung Freestanding Runway
• Ceiling-Mounted Crane Runway