5-Ton Overhead Crane Selection Guide: How to Choose Based on Your Needs

 Types & Application Scenarios

Understanding the different types of 5-ton overhead cranes and their suitable applications is the first step to a precise selection.

1. Single Girder Overhead Crane (e.g., LD-Type):

• Features: Simple structure, lower cost, easy installation.

• Applications: Standard workshops with sufficient vertical clearance for the girder and hoist. Widely used in machining, assembly, equipment repair, warehouses.

• Note: Low Headroom (LDC-Type) models save vertical space by positioning the hoist beside or off the girder, ideal for height-limited workshops or retrofits.

2. Double Girder Overhead Crane (e.g., LH-Type, QD-Type):

• LH-Type: Often uses an electric hoist, suitable for medium-duty applications like machine shops, assembly shops, metalworking, repair shops, warehouses.

• QD-Type: Uses a trolley with a wire rope hoist (winding mechanism), designed for heavy loads and frequent operation, e.g., steel plants, mining.

• Features: Two main girders, two end trucks, and a hoist trolley. Generally offers better load capacity, efficiency, and service life than single girder cranes.

• Applications: Workshops, warehouses, stockyards, assembly lines. Compared to 5t single girder, 5t double girder is better for heavier duty and has higher requirements for runway support systems.

• Subtypes:

3. European Overhead Crane / FEM Standard Crane:

• Features: Designed per European FEM standards. Often uses modular "3-in-1" drives (motor, brake, gearbox integrated), compact structure, smooth start/stop, light weight, high rigidity, energy-efficient, low noise & maintenance. Often features frequency control (VF) for smooth operation.

• Applications: Widely used in machinery manufacturing, petroleum, ports, railways, food processing, paper, electronics. Ideal for precise positioning and assembly of large components.

4. Explosion-Proof Overhead Crane:

• Features: All motors and electrical components are explosion-proof (e.g., ExdⅡBT4 or ExdⅡCT4 rating).

• Applications: Designed for flammable/explosive atmospheres, e.g., oil extraction/refining, natural gas processing, chemical storage, also flour mills, cement plants (dust), high-temperature workshops, chemical plants.

5. Special Application Cranes:

• Metallurgical Cranes: For molten metal handling. Feature protective measures under the girder (insulation), high duty class (A6+).

• Grab/Bucket Cranes: Use a grab for bulk materials (stacking, transfer, loading/unloading). For power plants, stockyards, terminals.

• Electromagnetic Cranes: Use a lifting magnet for magnetic materials like steel.

Duty Class (ISO/FEM)

The crane duty class (A1-A8) reflects the intensity of use (load spectrum and average number of cycles). Choosing the right class is crucial.

• A3 (Infrequent, medium loads): e.g., Some single girder cranes (standard LD, low headroom). For infrequent use: repair shops, light assembly, warehouses (2-3 hours daily usage).

• A4 (Fairly frequent, medium loads): e.g., LH double girder cranes can reach A4. For moderate usage frequency.

• A5 (Frequent, heavier loads): e.g., FEM standard single girder, European double girder, QD double girder cranes can reach A5. For frequent use: busy production/assembly lines (6-8+ hours daily).

• A6 (Very frequent, high loads): e.g., QD double girder, metallurgical, grab cranes. For very frequent, heavy-duty use: metallurgy, foundries, mining.

Simply put: For general use, A3 or A4 may suffice. For continuous high-intensity work, you must choose an A5 or A6 class crane.

 Price Range

The price of a 5-ton overhead crane is highly influenced by type, span, lift height, duty class, and configuration.

Approximate price references (Note: Always get quotes from suppliers for actual pricing):

Other Key Price Factors:

• Lifting Capacity & Span: Larger spans or specialized designs significantly increase cost.

• Hoist Type: Standard CD/MD electric chain hoists are lower cost, European-style wire rope hoists or open winch hoists are higher cost.

• Operating Environment: Explosion-proof, corrosion-resistant coatings, or high-temperature/humidity requirements add cost.

• Control System Configuration: Variable Frequency drives, wireless remote, smart monitoring increase the overall price.

4. Selection Steps & Advice

1. Define Requirements:

• Lift What: Material type (general, explosive, molten metal, bulk), max weight (include rigging!), size/shape.

• Where Used: Workshop area, headroom height, runway support (existing support columns or悬挂from roof?), environment (explosive gas/dust, high temp, corrosion).

• How Used: Expected daily usage time, workload intensity (lifts per hour), required precision for movement/positioning.

• Budget: Initial investment budget and consideration for future operating/maintenance costs.

2. Determine Key Parameters:

• Rated Capacity: 5 tons (remember rigging weight!).

• Span (S): Distance between runway rail centers. Determined by workshop width.

• Lift Height (H): Vertical distance from hook center highest to lowest point. Determined by equipment height, max workpiece height, required safety clearance.

• Duty Class (A3-A6): Choose based on usage frequency and load spectrum.

• Operating Speeds: Hoisting, long travel (crane), cross travel (trolley). Choose based on efficiency needs. Consider VF drives for frequent starts/precise positioning.

• Control Method: Pendant, wireless remote, cab control. Remote offers flexibility and good visibility; cab is suited for large spans, long travel, or complex environments.

3. Select Suppliers & Get Quotes:

• Choose qualified, reputable manufacturers/suppliers with reliable after-sales service.

• Provide clear requirements and technical parameters, request detailed technical proposals and configuration lists.

• Compare proposals carefully, focus on key components (girder structure, electrical component brands, motor brands, protection IP, safety devices).

• Obtain formal quotes, clarify what's included (transport, installation, commissioning, training, taxes).

4. Focus on Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure crane design/manufacturing complies with relevant national standards (e.g., GB/T 3811, GB 6067.1 in China) or international standards (FEM, DIN, CMAA).

• Cranes for special environments (explosion-proof) must have corresponding certifications.

• Equipment must be inspected and approved by special equipment inspection机构 before use after installation.

5. Consider Installation & After-Sales:

• Confirm if the supplier provides installation and if the workshop's civil conditions meet requirements (e.g., rail installation).

• Understand the supplier's after-sales response time, spare parts availability, maintenance capabilities.

Summary

Selecting a 5-ton overhead crane is about finding the most suitable, not necessarily the absolute best.

• If your workshop headroom is limited and usage is not very frequent, a Low Headroom Single Girder Crane (LDC-Type, A3) might be economical and practical.

• If your production pace is fast, usage is frequent, and you require stability and reliability, then a European Crane (FEM Standard, A5) or Double Girder Crane (A5), though potentially a higher initial investment, may offer better returns long-term through efficiency, stability, and lower maintenance costs.

• If your environment involves flammables/explosives, you have no choice but to invest in an Explosion-Proof Crane.

• If you're lifting molten steel, it must be a dedicated Metallurgical Crane (A6).

LDO European Single Girder Electric Hoist Overhead Crane

LDA Single Girder Bridge Crane

Electric Hoist Single Girder Overhead Crane

Electric Hoist Double Girder eot crane