Overhead Cranes Texas

At Champion Hoist and Crane, we strive to provide the best possible crane equipment in the industry. Whether you need overhead bridge cranes, monorail systems, jib cranes, hoists, dedicated structural support, DIV components, light ergonomic crane/rail, or fall arrest systems, our quality products and experience offer the best possible choice to satisfy each unique application.

Our fabrication, service/repairs, and installations teams utilize only the most highly trained and experienced welders, fitters and technicians. The finest quality equipment/controls, experienced personnel and industry-leading warranty truly do make us the best value within the industry.

What Exactly is an Overhead Crane?

An overhead bridge crane, commonly consists of parallel structural runways with the distance separating them being referred to as "SPAN", traveling Double or Single-Girder Bridge ( depending on "Span" & capacity ) that "Spans" this distance connected to Motorized End-Trucks with wheels rolling on ASCE Crane Rail or Square Bar, and a Two-Rail or Monorail Hoist-Trolley that traverses the bridge lifting (winching) a load up and down.

These are not like your typical construction or mobile cranes - overhead cranes are used for dedicated installations, Inside Industrial Buildings, outside on free-standing structural supports, applications in which plant production, minimal downtime, or efficiency are critical factors.

Controls are typically via a Radio Remote Control System with a Sliding ( Tethered ) Pendant Station provided as "Back-Up". If you have additional questions or require a more specialized description of available options, call the pros at Texas Overhead Cranes today.

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Single Girder Bridge Crane Installation

Double Girder Bridge Crane Installation

Ergonomic Light Crane Installation

Single-Girder Under-Running Bridge Crane w/ Radio Control Installation

Free Standing Jib Crane Installation

Fall Arrest System Crane Installation Texas

Fall Arrest System Installation

Typical Overhead Crane Systems

Most overhead crane systems in Texas are comprised of the Overhead Cranes (Top-Running Double-Girder, Top-Running Single-Girder, or Under-Running Single-Girder), the Crane Rails (ASCE Crane Rail, Square Bar, or Structural Beam), and the Crane Electrification System (Enclosed Busbar or typical 4 Conductor Bar System with Collectors). If required, we can also provide structural support in "Crane-Ready" buildings (typically the crane runway beams and tie-backs), complete structural support systems for buildings not originally designed for crane loading or outdoor systems including the required concrete footings.

Double-Girder Top-Running Bridge Cranes

Typically used for longer spans (>60ft.), larger capacities (15t to 200t), and higher service classifications (CMAA Class-D+)

Single-Beam-Girder Top-Running Bridge Cranes

Typically used for shorter spans, capacities from 1t-15t , and moderate-duty classifications (CMAA Class-C Moderate and Less).

Single-Box-Girder Cranes can be utilized in special applications - spans to 100+ Ft. and up to 25t Capacity, reducing "Dead-Weight" and "Cost" when compared with Double-Girder Bridge Cranes.

Single-Girder Under-Running Bridge Cranes

Single-girder under-running bridge cranes are typically used for manual or powered applications, 1t - 1Ot capacity, and shorter spans <6Oft.

Under-running cranes can be used in applications where bay to bay transfer is required, utilizing bridge interlocks, transfer sections, and monorail or 2-Rail hoist-trolleys.

Single-Girder Under-Running Bridge Crane Texas

Single-Girder Under-Running Bridge Crane Texas 1

Work-Cell, Light Ergonomic Crane or Monorails

These cranes are used typically from 250 lbs up to 2 Tons capacity, utilize manual or powered Electric Chain Hoists, with bridge/trolley travel motions being manually operated. Bridge or Trolley Travel Motions can be powered if required.

When things are busy and operators are waiting for the larger overhead cranes these systems can be utilized to handle parts- pieces-components that are much lighter than the rated capacities of the overhead cranes or to handle subcomponents and complement productivity.

Texas Overhead Cranes recommends Light Ergonomic Rail Systems over traditional jib-cranes (seen below) but we can supply these systems in areas where Light Crane Systems will not fit or as replacements to existing.

Fall Arrest Cranes & Monorails

These Worker Safety Systems provide a vital function when accessing areas in the facility above ground, on top of structures or vehicles, on mezzanines & ladders, etc., They are versatile, can be installed in most any area, and in multiple configurations.

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How are Overhead Cranes Powered?

Texas Overhead Cranes are either electric or man-powered. Let’s take a look first at manual-powered overhead cranes that utilize a hand chain.

The hand chains are a series of un-welded or interwoven-formed welded links that fit pockets of the hoist hand chain sprocket or wheel on the overhead cranes. When you pull the hand chain, the chain wheel turns and transmits power up through the hoist. If you pull the hand chain in one direction, it causes the hoist load hook to travel in one direction, all while pulling the hand chain of the overhead cranes in the opposite direction.

The hand chain manually-operated hoists are only available with a welded link load chain, or with a roller load chain as a lifting medium. It’s different with electric power - electrically powered hoists work by the operator activating a control device for the overhead cranes. They usually have levers that energize an electric motor or push the buttons that work similarly. These control operations, such as overhead crane travel, trolley travel, on/off power, emergency stop, east/west or left/right etc.

Overhead Cranes-Monorails-Jib Cranes Power Requirements

Operating voltages for overhead cranes are typically 115V/230V/1ph/60Hz power for light ergonomic systems, jib cranes, & monorails from 250 lbs - 2 Ton Capacity.

Higher Capacity overhead cranes, jib cranes, and monorails from 2 tons through 100 +Tons (as well as higher service classification systems below 2 Tons) are typically 480V/3PH/60Hz but can be 208V/240V/3PH/60HZ as an option.

Crane-Hoisting-Structural - Installation Services

Texas Overhead Cranes believes that no two installations are the same. Each unique application is evaluated based on Project Plans, Site Visits, Verified Measurements/Specifications, Duty Cycle, Frequency of Operation, Products handled, Below Hook Devices (Grabs, Magnets, Rigging, etc.) required, Power Source Available, customer project budget considerations and Delivery Schedule stipulated for timely completion.

Champion Hoist & Crane Safety Statement

Safety is our number one core value. We are uncompromising in our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, subcontractors, customers, and community. We will continually improve our processes, demonstrate leadership, and promote comprehensive safety. We will require individual accountability, expect all employees to adhere to our safety standards, and actively participate in and support the advancement of our health and safety practices. Safety is the responsibility of all employees, including both top management and the individual craft worker. Everyone is responsible for achieving zero accidents resulting in a SAFE day, a SAFE tomorrow, a SAFE year, and a SAFE career.

Providing safety leadership is a fundamental part of our business and we will require individual accountability. CHC is committed to being a leader in safety training and keeping everyone informed about the safety and health of our work as well as current safety issues, rules, and regulations.

It is the policy of Champion Hoist & Crane to:

Maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees/partners in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Promote a positive attitude towards safety.
Provide safety and health objectives for all levels of management, workers, or employees.
Commit appropriate and sufficient resources to protect and support company safety efforts including providing technical support for our field crews.
Provide management leadership and require all employees to take responsibility and ownership for safety, including bringing the attitude that “I am individually responsible for safety” to the job each and every day.

Ensure that each employee understands that they have the obligation to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident from occurring.
Assure compliance with all company safety, health, and security programs and practices.
Provide industry-leading training to our employees to better educate them how to comply with those policies as well as promote a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to safety and training.
Regularly review and evaluate safety, health, and security programs, procedures, and practices to assure that they are effective and up to date.
Assure timely and thorough reporting and investigation of all incidents including the identification of causal factors and the establishment of effective corrective actions.

Champion Hoist & Crane is committed to setting a new standard for our industry and being the safest, most stable, most reliable material handling provider, and to work for the benefit of all of our customers, vendors, suppliers, and the communities in which we live and work. Together, we will THINK, COMMUNICATE and WORK SAFELY, every minute, every hour and every day.

What Personal Protective Equipment Should be Used When Operating an Overhead Crane?

Texas Overhead Cranes operators, as well as people working around them, should be taught common hazards of overhead cranes. By knowing these, you will understand the basics of an overhead crane’s safety. Eliminating hazards related to overhead cranes is crucial, however, it’s impossible to make overhead cranes 100% safe. Workers should always have personal protection equipment (PPE), to ensure that if something does go wrong, everyone is protected to their best.

Texas Overhead Cranes safety equipment includes:

Hard Hats: A hard hat should be worn at all times by anyone and everyone working around overhead cranes. With overhead cranes, or bridge cranes, it is impossible to know when something could potentially fall off of it - even small objects can cause serious brain injuries!
Eye Protection: Overhead crane operators need to be able to see what they are doing at all times. If your environment contains dust or dirt, wear eye protection to combat harmful irritants that have the ability to cause temporary vision issues. If you can’t see right, you might cause an overhead crane malfunction.
Hand Protection: Avoid having your hands or fingers pinched or crushed by wearing appropriate protective gloves. This is very important when loading or unloading your overhead crane.

Your safety is so important to us and it comes in at #1 when we are talking about working or installing your overhead cranes. In fact, it’s the most vital information you could possibly utilize when it comes to working your overhead crane.

At Texas Overhead Cranes, we want your safety and the people around you to be 100% there. In addition, we understand that accidents do happen, and we want to be able to help you avoid these accidents to your best ability by using the correct personal protective equipment. Call the Texas Overhead Cranes professionals today to learn more about how certain safety precautions and attire can save lives!

How Much Do Overhead Cranes Cost?

There are so many factors that will change the expected price of your overhead cranes. Some of these factors include the type of crane you need, the horizontal distance center-to-center of the runway rails, your maximum rated load that your crane will need to lift, estimated height or required lift of your overhead crane, how fast it needs to be, how often you will be using it, the environment your overhead crane will be in, the length of your runway, and structural requirements.

Let’s take a look at the most popular options:

Texas Bridge Cranes (roughly $25,000 to $30,000) - These have (usually) a five-ton capacity, a span of 40 feet or less, and a trolley, bridge, and hoist.
Texas Portable Gantry Crane (roughly $6,000) - These have capacities anywhere from 1-5 tons, they span from 8-30 feet, and their height is usually 10-20 feet.
Texas Engineered Gantry Crane (roughly $70,000-$80,000) - These overhead cranes have a 5-ton capacity, a 40-foot span, an included hoist, a trolley and railway, and can be single or double-leg design.
Texas Monorail Crane (roughly $10,000) - Monorail cranes have a 2-ton capacity and a 20-foot span. They include a hoist and the cost is mostly dependent on the support structure and the length of the track - will it be hung from the ceiling or floor-mounted?
Texas Workstation Crane (anywhere from $2,000 to $80,000) - Workstation cranes have capacities usually between 150lbs to 2 tons. The coverage is roughly a 34-foot bridge span and a 124-foot runway. Whether it’s free-standing or ceiling mounted will affect the price. They have up to a 17-foot high clearance for the free-standing design.
Texas Jib Crane (anywhere from $500-$25,000) - Jib cranes hold capacities anywhere from 150lbs to 5 tons and have 4-30-foot spans. The height under the boom ranges from 8 feet to 30 feet. There are many different job crane styles, including free-standing, workstation, and structural. Remember, will you need a manually-powered crane or a motorized one?

Please note that these are not exactly base-level prices, but they are instead ranging or prices that we’ve seen for the most common configurations of each Texas Overhead Cranes type.

Your overhead crane price might be lessened or added to depending on the type of crane, the span, capacity, operating environment, duty cycle, and/or any additional structural or building considerations.

Call your Texas Overhead Cranes technicians today to learn more about the crane style you need and how much it will potentially cost.

Call (713) 568-7027

How to Build an Overhead Crane - DIY Possibilities

What do you absolutely need to know about building overhead cranes? We understand your budget comes into play and you might want to DIY your overhead crane. What’s first? Purchasing a Texas Overhead Cranes kit. Bridge cranes are composed of end trucks, electrification, a hoist, and controls. This is what will most likely be included in your plug-and-play kit. However, some manufacturers do supply the bridge beam.

Most crane controls include either a remote-control unit or an attached pendant control - this varies. Overhead crane systems are usually “hard wired.” This means that they require three-phase electricity, which needs to be wired by an electrician. This is one part of the DIY steps that you don’t want to do yourself unless you are a certified electrician - so many things can potentially go wrong. Every single electrical connection must be terminated at the right spot, or your equipment can be potentially (and seriously) damaged during functional testing.

Crane kit manufacturers offer very detailed instructions and manuals that will help you assemble your overhead crane. Most steps include beam preparation, mounting the trolley hoist, squaring the end trucks, and final electrical receptacle/plug connection.

At Texas Overhead Cranes, we strive to show you the best possible equipment and what you can do with it. If you do choose to DIY your overhead crane set, give us a call! We can not only help you figure out instructional protocols, but we can give you the best prices close to Houston for bridge crane kits. In addition, we want to help you get your overhead crane up and running, whether we help you physically or not. By contacting us, you will learn more about your overhead crane kit and how you can safely DIY the kit to make it work best for you.

Contact us today for a free estimate!