An EOT crane stands for electric overhead crane. It relies on a fixed track system mounted on the facility's ceiling or steel beams to perform vertical lifting, horizontal movement, and load positioning. EOT cranes are stationary cranes ideal for performing repetitive, high-volume lifting tasks within a specific work area. Compared to diesel-powered equipment, EOT cranes offer increased efficiency, greater maneuverability, quieter operation, and reduced environmental impact.This article will provide a basic understanding of EOT cranes and provide a better user experience.

double girder eot crane

Structural Design

The functionality of an EOT crane comes from its carefully designed structure, with components working together to safely move heavy loads.

Bridge Girder : The main horizontal beam that spans the width of the work area and supports the weight of the load and the crane itself. Some cranes have a single girder for lighter loads, while others have a dual girder for greater load capacities.

End beams : Located at both ends of the bridge main beam, they contain motors and wheels that enable the crane to travel along the elevated track, ensuring smooth movement of the crane along the length of the facility.

Hoist : The lifting core of a crane, consisting of the motor, gearbox, drum, and hook assembly. The hoist operates on a trolley that moves horizontally across the bridge girder, enabling precise positioning of the load.

Control system : Operated via a control box, remote control, or operator's cab, it regulates the crane's operations, including longitudinal movement along the tracks, lateral movement along the bridge, and vertical lifting. Modern EOT cranes are often equipped with variable speed controls for increased operational precision.

Track system : A fixed track installed on a column or building structure that provides guidance for the bridge main beam and determines the reach of the crane.

single girder overhead crane design
EOT crane design and parts

Working Principle

The core of an electric overhead crane's operation is coordinated multi-directional motion achieved through electric drive. Upon powering up, the control system receives operational commands and drives various components to perform lifting operations:

The motor in the end beam drives the wheels, moving the bridge along the track to cover the work area below. The trolley motor on the bridge drives the hoist mechanism along the main beam to adjust the load's position. The hoist mechanism motor, using a gearbox, drives the drum to retract and release the wire rope or chain, thereby controlling the raising and lowering of the hook and lifting and lowering the load.

Types of EOT Cranes

EOT cranes are classified according to their design, load capacity, and intended use. The following are the most common types:

Single Girder ETO Crane

Design features : It adopts a single bridge main beam, which is lighter and has a more compact structure.

Scénarios d'application : Suitable for light to medium load tasks with limited space in workshops, warehouses and assembly lines. It is cost-effective and easy to install.

single girder crane

Double Girder ETO Crane

Design features : Two parallel bridge beams are used, which provide better stability and higher load-bearing capacity.

Scénarios d'application : Suitable for heavy-duty operations in steel mills, foundries, ports and construction sites. Capable of handling large and heavy objects, and usually equipped with an auxiliary lifting mechanism for increased flexibility.

double girder crane

Underslung EOT Crane

Design features : The main beam of the bridge is suspended on the track instead of being placed on top of the track, which saves vertical space.

Scénarios d'application : Suitable for low -headroom building facilities and places with limited vertical space.

Underslung-Crane

Spécifications

Crane typeCarrying capacity rangeSpan rangeLifting height rangepower supplyTypical lifting speed
Single Girder EOT Crane1–32 tons5–28 meters3–12 meters380V, three-phase5–15 m/min
Double Girder EOT Crane5–800 tons10–35 meters6–30 meters380V, three-phase3–20 m/min
Underslung EOT Crane0.5–20 tons5–20 meters2–10 meters380V, three-phase4–12 m/min

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for the safe and efficient operation of EOT cranes. Promptly correcting faulty components can eliminate most potential hazards, prevent downtime, reduce the risk of accidents, extend equipment life, and ensure stable lifting operations.

Visual Inspection: Check for loose bolts, cracks in the main beam or hook, and signs of wear on the rope or chain to ensure the hook locking mechanism is functioning properly.

Lubrication: Apply lubricant to the trolley wheels, hoist mechanism bearings, and rails to reduce friction and prevent rust.

Electrical System Inspection: Check cables, connectors, and controls for damage or overheating, and test the emergency stop button to ensure proper operation.

Load Testing: Regularly test the crane for rated load to verify its lifting capacity and safety mechanisms.

Track Alignment: Ensure the tracks are properly aligned to prevent uneven wheel wear and reduce stress on the bridge beams.

EOT crane maintenance is best achieved through regular inspections, such as weekly, monthly, and annual inspections of varying intensity and requirements. Detailed maintenance records should be kept for all maintenance and inspections, and these records should be properly stored to facilitate subsequent and future inspections.

EOT crane Maintenance

Conclusion

EOT cranes, with their high efficiency, precision, and environmental friendliness, have become indispensable equipment in modern industry. Only with a thorough understanding of EOT cranes can they be used safely and efficiently. If you require crane customization, maintenance, or repair, please contact Nucleon. Our engineers will provide you with professional advice.