Both single girder overhead crane and double girder overhead crane are vital lifting equipment in industrial factories, warehouses, logistic centers and production lines. They have different structures and features, so they are suitable for different scenes. And they have different overhead crane quotes according to different parameters and with different spare parts.
Now, this article will introduce single girder crane and double girder crane in detail and tell you their unique advantages and disadvantages. Single girder vs double girder crane can help you know more comprehensively about these two structural overhead cranes to select properly. After reading it, you will know how to select a proper and competitive crane.
Single Girder Overhead Cranes are a type of lifting equipment characterized by their simple structure and cost-effective practicality. Their main framework consists of a single main girder supported by end beams at both ends. This crane type is particularly suited to operational environments involving relatively modest lifting capacities (typically below 32 tons) and shorter working spans (generally within 35 m). They represent an economical and efficient choice for small to medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, warehousing and logistics centers, and similar facilities.
1.2 Advantages of Single Girder Overhead Cranes
Significant cost efficiency
Compared to double girder cranes, single girder overhead cranes are generally more cost-effective. Their simpler structural design requires markedly less steel and other raw materials, reducing not only manufacturing costs but also transportation and installation expenses.
This economical option holds considerable appeal for small and medium-sized enterprises with limited budgets requiring reliable lifting equipment.
Effortless and Efficient Installation
The relatively straightforward overall structure of single-girder bridge cranes, featuring fewer major components, facilitates easier on-site assembly. Installation cycles can be shortened by 30%-50%.
With fewer parts and quicker assembly times, they are particularly suited to enterprises requiring rapid deployment and swift commencement of production. They minimize disruption to production schedules caused by equipment installation.
High Space Utilization
Single-girder cranes typically require 15%-20% less clear height than double-girder models, making them particularly suitable for retrofitting older facilities with height constraints.
Their compact design effectively conserves workshop space, offering greater flexibility for raw material storage, product handling, and operational area planning.
Simple and Convenient Operation
Single-girder cranes feature more straightforward and intuitive control systems, allowing operators to become proficient after brief training. Their streamlined structural components simplify usage procedures.
These double beam bridge cranes adapt to diverse lifting scenarios, from basic material handling to precise positioning, fully meeting enterprises' varied lifting requirements.
Simplified Equipment Maintenance
Single girder cranes feature fewer moving parts and structural components than double girder models, resulting in easier maintenance. Troubleshooting and repair times are significantly reduced.
This not only lowers maintenance costs but also maximizes equipment uptime, providing reliable support for industrial production.
Double-girder bridge cranes represent a vital lifting apparatus extensively employed across industrial sectors. Their core structure comprises two parallel main girders, with end beams at either end providing robust support. This distinctive design endows them with formidable load capacity and extensive operational reach, thereby fulfilling special requirements for heavy material handling within diverse large-scale industrial facilities.
Compared to traditional single girder structures, double girder bridge cranes optimize mechanical load distribution. This not only enables them to safely handle heavier loads but also facilitates longer span requirements. Consequently, they are particularly well-suited for operational environments such as large factories and port terminals where heavy material handling is essential.
2.2 Advantages of Double Girder Bridge Cranes
Exceptional Load-bearing Performance
The double girder structure significantly surpasses single girder models in rated load capacity. Each girder effectively distributes the load weight, enhancing overall load capability by over 50%.
This fulfils the heavy equipment hoisting demands of industries like metallurgy and machinery manufacturing, making them the preferred choice for handling large-tonnage material transport tasks.
Extensive Working Span
The double-girder design confers exceptional bending resistance, enabling working spans exceeding 30 m—far surpassing the limitations of single-girder cranes.
So they are particularly suitable for large production workshops, warehousing and logistics centers, and other expansive operational areas, thus significantly enhancing material handling efficiency.
Superior operational stability
Employing reinforced structures like box girders or truss girders alongside precision rail systems, double girder bridge cranes operate with exceptional stability.
Their sway amplitude is controlled within 30% of single girder cranes, making them particularly suitable for precision equipment hoisting.
Extended service life
Constructed from high-grade steel with advanced anti-corrosion treatments, their double girder design distributes loads rationally. This ensures more uniform wear across all components.
This not only reduces routine maintenance frequency but extends the overall service life to over 1.5 times that of single girder cranes. Therefore, they can significantly lower long-term operational costs for enterprises.
Flexible Lifting Height
Double girder cranes offer customizable lifting heights, reaching up to 30 m or more. So they are highly suitable for high-altitude operations, such as multi-storey factories and large-scale equipment installation.
What is more, they can effortlessly accomplish elevated hoisting tasks beyond the capabilities of single-girder cranes.
III. SINGLE GIRDER VS DOUBLE GIRDER CRANE
3.1 Single Beam Structure VS Double Beam Structure
Single Beam Structure
Single beam structure boasts a simplified design, with light self-weight and relatively low manufacturing & maintenance costs. They suit light-to-medium lifting capacities (typically 1–20 tons, even 32 tons) and less frequent workflows, relying on electric hoists for lifting, and are easy to install.
Double Beam Structure
Double Beam structure features a sturdier design, enabling much higher load capacity (even over 50 tons). They excel in frequent, heavy-duty operations, equipped with advanced lifting mechanisms for stable running, and are widely used in heavy industries with demanding lifting needs.
For every 3m increase in span, the price rises by approximately 8–12%.
For every 3m increase in span, the price rises by approximately 12-18%.
Height
For every 6m increase in height, the price rises by approximately 5–8%.
For every 6m increase in height, the price rises by approximately 8–12%.
Configuration
Variable frequency drive configuration incurs a 15–25% surcharge.
Dual-speed/multi-speed configuration adds 20–35% to the price.
3.3 Quotation Statement
Single Girder Overhead Crane
Base model (5 tons / 10-meter span) approximately $15,000, including ground remote control and basic installation.
European lightweight designs (e.g., LDA type) incur a 20–30% price increase but reduce structural load requirements.
Special configurations (explosion-proof, corrosion-resistant, wireless remote control) incur a 10–40% surcharge.
Double Girder Overhead Crane
Standard model (10 tons / 16.5-meter span) approximately $60,000, including cab and variable frequency drive system.
European low-headroom design (e.g., NLH type) carries a 30–50% price premium, suitable for applications with restricted factory height.
Metallurgical-specific models (for high-temperature, dusty environments) incur a 50–100% surcharge and must comply with GB/T 3811-2008 standards.
IV. Core Differences Comparison
Cost Structure
Double-girder material costs are 40–60% higher than single-girder (increased Q345B steel usage), with manufacturing labour hours up by 30–50%.
Single-girder comprehensive costs are approximately one-third to one-half of double-girder (based on 10-tonne class example).
Performance Characteristics
Double-girder lifting speed exceeds single-girder by 30–50%, with superior impact resistance.
Single-girder wheel load capacity is 20–30% lower than double-girder, making it suitable for retrofitting older factory buildings.
Full Lifecycle
The design lifespan of double-girder cranes (30 years) is 33% longer than single-girder (20 years), but annual maintenance costs are 50–80% higher.
Residual value of used single-girder equipment is approximately 40–50% of original price, while double-girder can reach 60–70%.
V. Selection Recommendations
Dafang Crane has 20 years experience in overhead cranes manufacturing and exporting. Choose and trust the professional team to help you select the most suitable crane types according to your needs.
Where budgets are constrained and lifting capacities ≤10 tonnes, prioritize single girder overhead cranes.
For frequent handling of loads ≥20 tonnes or demanding positioning accuracy (e.g., CNC machine tool loading/unloading), double girder cranes are ideal.
Specialized models are required for hazardous environments (explosion-proof, high-temperature etc.). It is advisable to consult Dafang teams for detailed guidelines and competitive quotations.
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