How much does an overhead crane cost? [2025]

If you’re on this page, it’s because you have an overhead crane project in mind, or because you’d like to estimate how much such a project would cost.
So, how much does an overhead crane cost ?

On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about the price of your overhead crane project.
Here is what you’ll find :

1. Elements that make up the price
2. Prices
3. What makes prices vary
4. Money-saving tips

In the tables below, you’ll find not only the price of the project, but also the costs of maintenance and training. This will help you plan a budget for the short, medium and long term.

What elements make up the price of your overhead crane project?

An overhead crane project usually involves lifting equipment installed on a structure. But it also requires delivery before installation. What’s more, these devices require maintenance, and users need to be trained to operate them. The following elements will therefore all be covered :

1. The equipment
2. The structure
3. Maintenance and training

To keep in mind about the prices on this page

Due to the complexity of the machines and the many products and solutions available, the configuration possibilities are almost infinite. For this reason, the prices given here are indicative only, and may highly vary depending on the specific features of your project.
The following points apply to all price tables :

1. Capacities shown in “t” are metric tons
2. The prices are in Canadian dollars and are approximate.
3. The equipment considered are basic offers (without additional options)
4. Shipping and installation prices are for Montreal, Quebec city and surrounding areas
5. The elements presented are for the most common projects on the market. For more information or specific prices, please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.

The price of equipment

Overhead crane

Other types of equipment 

The price of the structure

The structure is the part that supports the lifting equipment. It is often included by the contractor in new building projects. But if this is not the case and you need a structure, Premium can provide it. It must therefore be added to the project price. Depending on the type of project, the structure may be laid on a concrete slab or include foundations. Sometimes, only the rails are required. If your project needs to include a structure or rails, here are the prices of the various options to be added to the price of the equipment.

Structures and components (for a 100’ length)

Maintenance and training costs

When buying an overhead crane, we often think that the investment is limited to the prices above. But lifting equipment needs to be maintained throughout its service life. So you need to factor this cost into your long-term budget.

What’s more, if your company is just starting out or hiring a new operator, you will need to plan for training.

The prices below are the approximate basic amounts you will need to budget for. Inspection and maintenance costs are annual costs.

What makes the price of an overhead crane vary

As you can see, the prices above refer to specific examples and can vary widely. So, when considering your future overhead crane purchase, what are the factors that can reduce or increase your bill? Why do these factors have an impact, and to what extent? Let’s find out.

1. Rated capacity

What it is: The weight of the maximum load to be lifted.

Why: It’s imperative to determine the capacity not only of the overhead crane, but also of the structure on which it travels. The more weight the crane has to lift, the more expensive the whole equipment, including the structure, will be. Its rated capacity is based on the maximum load to be lifted (10% margin of maneuver recommended).

Impact : Important to major. Here, although all overhead crane components are designed to suit the capacity to be lifted, it’s the combination of the maximum load and the class of use that will determine the price. What’s more, the rated capacity can influence the configuration of the equipment, resulting in a significant increase in costs.

1. Overhead crane span

What it is: This is the length of the overhead crane, or more precisely, the distance between the two rails (from the center of the rail).
Why: The longer your overhead crane, the more material it requires to build it. Length can also determine whether girders or box girders will be used.
Impact : Major. The material is heavier, which has an impact on the price of steel. Production time is longer, etc. The weight of the equipment can also have an impact on the design of the track supporting it.

1. Speeds

What it is: The speed at which equipment moves, whether it’s an overhead crane (translation), a cart (steering) or a hoist (lifting). These will vary according to the application. For example, the regular loading of steel structures requires a speed that is not generally necessary for machine maintenance.
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 choose higher lifting speeds or add programmable variable speed drives.

1. The configuration

What it is: Your overhead crane can be either top running or under running and can be single- or double-girder.
Why: The reasons are similar to the overhead crane’s span: more or less expensive material will be used. But the choice is not always possible. It may depend on the configuration of the building, the lifting height required for the application, whether you need a compact unit or a maintenance bridge, for example.
Impact : Major. See Overhead crane span

1. The application

What it is: What you will be doing with your overhead crane, what you need to lift. For example, an overhead crane can be used for equipment maintenance, an application quite different from feeding a production machine. In concrete terms, your advisor is looking to establish whether the hoist will be used a lot or a little.
Why: The application will largely determine the class of use, which in turn will affect component selection. Our blog post on classification explains that ” 2 pieces of equipment with the same rated capacity can vary widely in terms of investment.” Both mechanical and electrical parts can differ dramatically, influencing the price of the overhead crane.
Impact : Significant. That said, it all depends on your point of view. According to the cost amortization method, it’s also important to consider long-term maintenance costs, such as inspection by a qualified person, which must be carried out at least once a year. (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 service life. On the other hand, it can happen that the specifications requested in a quotation are overestimated in relation to actual requirements. By carefully analyzing your needs, your advisor may be able to recommend a more economical overhead crane.

1. The environnement

What it is: The type of environment in which your equipment operates. Is it an outdoor overhead 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 an environment where there is a risk of explosion, safety must also be ensured by using an explosion-proof overhead crane.
Impact : Medium to high. It all depends on the overhead crane’s operating conditions and what needs to be protected from the environment.

1. Lifting accessories

What it is: These are the accessories below the hook used for your application. They can be spreader bars, grapples, 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 overhead crane’s class of use, rated capacity or available lifting height.
Impact : Medium. This depends largely on the type of accessory, whether standard or custom-made, electric or manual, as well as its dimensions and weight.

Tips for saving money on your overhead crane project

Who doesn’t want to save money? Here are a few additional points to consider when selecting the best supplier at the right price for your overhead crane:

1. Compare the features of your equipment, such as span, configuration and speeds.
   
   
2. What’s included in the quotation?
   1. Transportation of the overhead crane from the manufacturer to the job site?
   2. Installation, commissioning and load tests?
   3. Rental of the equipment for the installation?
   4. Rental of weights for load tests?
      
      1. Every manufacturer works differently, so inclusions and exclusions are important elements to check.
3. Where are service points located?
4. Does the supplier have service teams available?
   1. An overhead crane must be inspected at least once a year (the frequency of periodic inspection is determined by the duty cycle).
      
      
5. Which manufacturer should I turn to for important components such as motors, hoists, end carriages, etc.?
6. Is it a recognized manufacturer?
7. 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 a country to another.
8. Does the supplier have replacement parts in stock? Where are they located?
   1. Downtime can be very costly for a company.
9. Ask for references on projects similar to yours!

In conclusion, how much does an overhead crane cost? The price of an overhead crane can vary considerably, depending on a number of factors. It’s also important to consider the maintenance of your overhead crane, as well as operator training – essential elements to be integrated into a long-term vision. By evaluating all these aspects, you’ll be able to make an informed choice: an overhead crane that offers excellent value for money.

Discover our information center to learn all about the overhead crane acquisition process! Ready to go further?
Fill out our form below to get a personalized quote. Our advisors are there to support you every step of the way!

* Prices given here are indicative only and may vary greatly depending on the features detailed in this article. Unless otherwise indicated, these prices do not include the structure, installation, transport or equipment rental.

Premium Industrial Group manufactures lifting equipment of all kinds, and offers quotations that include transport, 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.