Introduction
In industries where material handling plays a vital role in daily operations, Electric Overhead Travelling (EOT) Cranes are among the most commonly used lifting equipment. Whether you’re dealing with heavy machinery, bulk materials, or delicate equipment, EOT cranes provide the efficiency, safety, and precision needed to keep operations running smoothly. However, choosing the right type of EOT crane is crucial to maximize productivity and ensure cost-effectiveness. Two primary configurations dominate the market: Single Girder EOT Cranes and Double Girder EOT Cranes.
Though both serve the same purpose—to lift and transport heavy loads—they are structurally different and designed for distinct operational needs. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Single Girder and Double Girder EOT Cranes, exploring their differences, advantages, limitations, and ideal applications. If you’re considering investing in an EOT crane for your facility, understanding these distinctions will help you make a well-informed decision.
At SBE Cranes, with over 25 years of expertise in crane manufacturing and installation, we offer both configurations tailored to meet your unique industrial requirements. Let’s explore which crane type best suits your operational needs.
What is an EOT Crane?
An Electric Overhead Travelling (EOT) Crane is a type of overhead crane that consists of a bridge, trolley, and hoist mechanism. It travels on runway beams installed on building columns or gantry rails. Controlled electrically or via remote systems, EOT cranes are widely used in manufacturing units, warehouses, logistics hubs, steel plants, and more.
There are two main types based on girder configuration:
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- Single Girder EOT Cranes
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- Double Girder EOT Cranes
Each has its own advantages and is suitable for specific applications.
Single Girder EOT Cranes: Overview
What Is a Single Girder EOT Crane?
A Single Girder EOT Crane consists of a single bridge girder supported by end trucks. The hoist trolley travels on the bottom flange of the bridge girder. These cranes are best suited for light to moderate lifting requirements.
Key Features:
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- Economical and cost-effective
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- Lightweight design
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- Easier and faster to install
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- Lower maintenance cost
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- Hoist operates on the bottom flange (underslung type)
Load Capacity and Span:
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- Capacity: Typically up to 20 tons
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- Span: Up to 30 meters
Advantages:
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- Lower cost of installation and fabrication
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- Reduced structural load on buildings
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- Ideal for small to medium-sized workshops and warehouses
Limitations:
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- Limited to moderate load handling
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- Lesser hook height compared to double girder cranes
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- Not suitable for heavy-duty or continuous operations
Double Girder EOT Cranes: Overview
What Is a Double Girder EOT Crane?
A Double Girder EOT Crane features two parallel bridge girders supported on end trucks. The hoist trolley runs on rails mounted on top of the bridge girders, enabling higher lifting and more stability.
Key Features:
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- Robust and heavy-duty design
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- Higher lifting capacity
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- Better hook height and headroom
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- Suitable for long-span operations
Load Capacity and Span:
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- Capacity: Ranges from 5 tons to 250+ tons
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- Span: Can exceed 40 meters
Advantages:
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- Suitable for heavy-duty, continuous operations
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- Can accommodate specialized attachments like magnetic lifters or grabs
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- Offers better precision and stability
Limitations:
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- Higher initial cost and installation time
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- Requires stronger supporting structures
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- Increased maintenance needs
Comparative Analysis: Single Girder vs. Double Girder
| Parameter | Single Girder EOT Crane | Double Girder EOT Crane |
| Load Capacity | Up to 20 tons | Up to 250+ tons |
| Span | Up to 30 meters | Up to 40+ meters |
| Design | One main girder, trolley below girder | Two girders, trolley on top |
| Cost | Lower initial and maintenance cost | Higher initial and maintenance cost |
| Installation | Faster and simpler | Complex and time-consuming |
| Hook Height | Limited (underslung hoist) | Superior hook height |
| Applications | Light to medium lifting needs | Heavy-duty and large-scale operations |
| Customizability | Limited | High (can integrate multiple hoists, attachments) |
Applications: Industry Use Cases
Applications of Single Girder EOT Cranes
Single Girder Cranes are perfect for facilities where lifting needs are moderate and space is limited. Some typical applications include:
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- Small manufacturing units
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- Machine shops
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- Automobile workshops
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- Warehouses and storage yards
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- Light fabrication shops
These cranes are particularly useful when you want an economical and space-saving solution.
Applications of Double Girder EOT Cranes
Double Girder Cranes are essential for industries that demand high lifting capacities and round-the-clock operations.
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- Steel plants and foundries
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- Shipyards and ports
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- Power plants
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- Heavy engineering industries
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- Construction sites with large prefabricated structures
If your facility needs to handle extremely heavy loads or complex lifting applications, a Double Girder EOT Crane is the go-to choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two
1. Lifting Capacity Requirement
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- If your daily lifting involves weights under 20 tons, a Single Girder Crane will suffice.
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- For anything above 20 tons or involving frequent heavy lifting, Double Girder Cranes are ideal.
2. Space and Building Design
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- Single Girder Cranes are more suitable for facilities with limited headroom or space constraints.
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- Double Girder Cranes require robust structures and more vertical clearance.
3. Budget Constraints
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- For smaller businesses or startups, Single Girder Cranes offer a cost-effective solution.
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- Double Girder Cranes demand higher upfront investment but offer long-term durability for heavy tasks.
4. Future Expansion
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- If you anticipate scaling your operations, investing in a Double Girder Crane could be a more future-proof solution.
5. Operational Frequency
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- For intermittent or low-frequency lifting, Single Girder Cranes are sufficient.
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- Continuous operations demand the resilience of Double Girder Cranes.
Why Choose SBE Cranes for Your EOT Crane Needs?
At SBE Cranes, we bring unmatched engineering excellence and a customer-centric approach to every project. Whether you’re setting up a new facility or upgrading your existing infrastructure, we offer:
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- Custom-designed cranes tailored to your operations
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- Premium components ensuring durability and safety
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- On-time installation and after-sales support
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- Comprehensive maintenance services
Our team of experts works closely with clients to understand their exact requirements, ensuring the crane you choose perfectly aligns with your workflow.
We manufacture both Single and Double Girder EOT Cranes with a focus on safety, performance, and long-term reliability. Whether you require a lightweight solution for a small warehouse or a heavy-duty crane for a large industrial plant, SBE Cranes has the experience and capabilities to deliver.
Conclusion
Both Single Girder and Double Girder EOT Cranes play crucial roles in modern industrial operations. While Single Girder Cranes are ideal for lighter, space-restricted environments, Double Girder Cranes are engineered for high-capacity, continuous operations in demanding settings.
Understanding your load requirements, workspace dimensions, budget, and long-term goals is key to making the right choice. And with an experienced partner like SBE Cranes, you can be assured of receiving a robust, efficient, and tailor-made lifting solution.
Ready to upgrade your material handling system? Explore our wide range of EOT cranes and speak with our experts to find the right fit for your business. Contact us today to get started!
Read How EOT Cranes vs. Gantry Cranes: Which One is Right for Your Industry?
