How much does an overhead crane cost?
If you're currently on this page, you may be considering a project that requires the installation of lifting equipment. So, how much does an overhead crane cost? Some may say it is difficult to evaluate, as it depends on many factors! True enough. But why not answer the question directly? In the following, we'll look at the features that impact the price of an overhead crane, why they have an effect, and the extent to which these elements influence costs. Ultimately, we'll examine the questions you should ask your supplier to reduce the cost of purchasing an overhead crane.
Pricing*:
A hoist is a complex machine that assembles many parts and components. The possibilities are almost endless. That said, it is possible to establish price ranges for overhead cranes of different types. Here are a few examples:
Features and price impact
As you can observe, the prices above are based on specific examples and can vary widely. What are the features that can have a significant impact on your bill when purchasing a crane for the future? What is the significance of these elements and what level of impact do they have? Let's have a look.
Overhead crane span
What it is: the length of the crane, or more precisely, the distance between the two rails (from the center of each rail).
Why: The longer your crane is, the greater the need for material to construct it. Length can also determine whether beams or box beams will be utilized.
Impact : Major. The weight of the material has an impact on the price of steel, production time, and other factors. The weight of the equipment can also affect the design of the track supporting it.
Configuration
What it is: Your crane can be rail-mounted, rail-suspended or double-girder.
Why: The reasons are like the crane's span: more or less expensive equipment will be used. But the choice isn't always possible. It may depend on the configuration of the building, the lifting height required for the application, whether you need a compact device or a walkway for example.
Impact : Major. See Overhead crane span.
The application
What it is: what you'll be doing with your crane, what you need to lift. An overhead crane, for instance, can be employed for equipment maintenance, which is distinct from trailer loading. In practical terms, we will be looking to establish whether the hoist will be used a lot or a little.
Why: The application will largely determine the classifications, which in turn will affect the selection of components. Two pieces of equipment with the same rated capacity can have significant differences in investment, as explained in our blog post on use classes. Both mechanical and electrical parts can differ dramatically, which can significantly influence the price of the crane.
Impact :Significant. That said, it all depends on your point of view. Under the cost amortisation method, it's also important to consider long-term maintenance costs, such as inspection by a qualified person, which should be carried out at least once a year. (The application and duty cycle will determine the frequency of inspection required under CSA B167). When you choose the right equipment from the outset, it may be more expensive to buy, but maintenance costs are much lower throughout its useful life. On the other hand, sometimes the specifications requested in a quotation are overestimated in relation to actual requirements. By carefully analysing your needs, your advisor may be able to recommend a more economical crane.
Rated capacity
What it is: The weight of the maximum load that can be lifted.
Why: It's imperative to determine the capacity not only of the crane, but also of the platform on which it operates. The more weight the crane lifts, the more expensive the entire equipment, including the structure, will become. Its rated capacity is based on the maximum load to be lifted, with a 10% margin of maneuver recommended.
Impact : Significant to major. Here, although all crane components are designed to suit the capacity to be lifted, it's mainly the combination of maximum load and the classification that will vary the price. What's more, the rated capacity can influence the configuration of the equipment, resulting in a significant increase in costs.
The environment
What it is: The type of environment in which your equipment operates. Is it an outdoor crane subject to harsh climates, such as cold, heat, humidity or dust? Are there corrosive products in the air? Etc.
Why: To avoid premature wear, the machine must be protected from external elements that could affect its service life. In the case of a flammable environment, safety must also be ensured by using an explosion-proof overhead crane.
Impact : Medium to high. It all depends on the crane's operating conditions and what needs to be protected from the environment.
Speeds
What it is:The speed at which equipment moves, whether it's an overhead crane (translation), a trolley (steering) or a hoist (lifting). These will vary according to the application. For example, regular loading of steel structures requires a speed that is generally not necessary when maintaining a machine.
Why: Higher lifting speeds require higher motor power. A larger motor consumes more electricity, which has an impact on all electrical components. Some precision or heavy-duty applications may also require the addition of a variable speed drive, which increases the price.
Impact : Medium to high, mainly if you require higher lifting speeds or the addition of programmable variable speed drives.
Adding a self-supporting structure
What it is: The structure on which your crane's rails are mounted.
Why: Sometimes the structure is already in place and attached to the building. But when this is not the case, the installation of a self-supporting structure may be necessary. In this case, numerous components, generally made of steel, will be required.
Impact : Major. The self-supporting structure is installed along the entire length of the track. Concrete slab specifications will affect the configuration of this structure. Costs for design, manufacture and installation of the structure are to be expected.
Lifting accessories
What it is: These are the accessories below the hook that are used for your application. They may include spreaders, grabbers, suction pads or magnets.
Why: Some accessories need to be powered by an electrical or pneumatic source, which implies modifications to the control panel or command system. The weight of the lifting accessory may also affect the classification or the rated capacity of the overhead crane.
Impact : Medium. Much depends on the type of accessory, whether it's standard or custom-made, electric or manual, as well as its weight.
Don't hesitate to ask!
- Who doesn't want to save money! Here are a few questions to consider when selecting the best supplier at the right price for your overhead crane:
- Compare the features of your equipment, such as the span, configuration and speeds.
- What's included in the quote?
- Transport of the crane from the manufacturer to the job site?
- Installation, commissioning and load testing?
- Rental of equipment for installation?
- Rental of weights for load testing?
- Every manufacturer works in a different way, so inclusions and exclusions are important elements to check.
- Where are service points located?
- Does the supplier have maintenance teams available?
- This type of equipment must be inspected at least once a year (the frequency of periodic inspection is determined by the duty cycle).
- Which manufacturer should I turn to for major components such as motors, hoists, end trucks, etc.?
- Is it a recognized manufacturer?
- Are electrical components certified by an accredited organization as prescribed by the Canadian Electrical Code (CSA, for example)? Be especially careful with international manufacturers, as standards vary from country to country.
- Does the supplier have replacement parts in stock? Where are they located?
- Waiting to repair downtime can be very costly for a company.
- Ask for references on projects like yours!
- Transport of the crane from the manufacturer to the job site?
- Installation, commissioning and load testing?
- Rental of equipment for installation?
- Rental of weights for load testing?
- Every manufacturer works in a different way, so inclusions and exclusions are important elements to check.
- This type of equipment must be inspected at least once a year (the frequency of periodic inspection is determined by the duty cycle).
- Is it a recognized manufacturer?
- Are electrical components certified by an accredited organization as prescribed by the Canadian Electrical Code (CSA, for example)? Be especially careful with international manufacturers, as standards vary from country to country.
- Waiting to repair downtime can be very costly for a company.
Groupe Industriel Premium manufactures all types of lifting equipment, and offers proposals that include transportation, installation and rental of all equipment required for safe, standard-compliant commissioning. We have 2 service outlets covering the whole province of Quebec and beyond, with nearly 50 trucks on the road. We mainly supply Stahl brand products but have access to a wide range of other products. Our Terrebonne warehouse holds one of the largest inventories of lifting equipment spare parts in Canada.
In conclusion, we can say that the price of an overhead crane varies greatly according to various factors. But the maintenance of your lifting equipment must also be considered in the context of a long-term vision, i.e. considering its useful life. Evaluating all these aspects will help you make the right choice: an overhead crane that will give you the best value for your money!
Explore our learning center to learn all about the process of acquiring an overhead crane! Ready to take the next step? Fill out our form below to receive a personalized quote. Our advisors are here to guide you every step of the way!
* Prices given here are for guidance only and may vary greatly depending on the features detailed in this article. Unless otherwise indicated, these prices do not include structure, installation, transport or equipment rental.
Outdoor overhead cranes
Free standing overhead crane on concrete slab
Overhead crane on wood structure
Configuration : Double caisson with gateway and operator's cabin
The application : Steel storage
Rated capacity : 40 000 lb
The environment : Outdoor
Speeds : Variable on the 3 motions
Required structure : Structure made by Structures Industrielles Premium
Lifting accessories : No
Overhead crane cost : 845 000$ [actualized price 2024]
Configuration : Single girder top running
The application: Granite handling
Rated capacity : 3,200 kg
The environment : Heated building
Speeds : 2 speeds on the 3 motions
Required structure : Supply of a self-supporting structure on concrete slab, 34 000$ [price 2024]
Lifting accessories : No
Overhead crane cost : 36 000$ [actualized price 2024]
Configuration : Simple caisson top running
The application:Machinery manufacturing
Rated capacity : 5,000 kg
The environment : Heated building
Speeds : 2 speeds on the 3 motions
Required structure :Supply of rails only
Lifting accessories : No
Overhead crane cost : 65 000$ [actualized price 2024]
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