Single- vs double-girder overhead crane: How to choose the right one

 

 

 

 

By Francis Rioux

Technical representative at
Premium Industrial Group inc. 

Revision date : March 2 2026

How do you know whether your project requires a single-girder or double-girder bridge crane? What sets these two configurations apart?

This article will explain when a double-girder overhead crane is preferable to a single-girder overhead crane. You will then know exactly which one to choose for your own overhead crane project.

What is the difference between a single-girder and a double-girder overhead crane?

Single-girder overhead crane

The single-girder overhead crane is a lifting device built with a single piece of steel (either a girder or a box girder) attached to two end carriages. These end carriages are placed on a runway or suspended from it. The hoist is attached to a trolley that moves under the girder.

Double-girder overhead crane

Unlike single-girder overhead cranes, double-girder overhead cranes have two steel structures attached to the end carriages. In this configuration, the hoist sits on a trolley that travels on top of the two girders.

Why choose one over the other?

Double-girder vs single-girder
– advantages and disadvantages

The main factors that distinguish single-girder overhead cranes from double-girder overhead cranes are lifting height and required capacity.

For example, single-girder overhead cranes are limited to about 15-20 tons while  a double-girder overhead crane will serve for a capacity of 20 tons and above, and can go up to 200 tons.

In terms of lifting height, since the hoist on a single-girder overhead crane moves under the girder, this reduces the available lifting height. When installing a double-girder crane, the hoist is placed on top of the two girders, which maximizes the lifting height (see illustration) .

To learn more about what influences lifting height and how to increase it, see the article "The 5 solutions to increase the lifting height" 

When should you choose a double-girder overhead crane over a single-girder overhead crane?

In general, when an overhead crane needs to lift more than 20 tons, the choice is straightforward: you will need to opt for a double-girder overhead crane. 

However, for overhead cranes below 20 tons, the question is more relevant. If you don't have any issues related to the lifting height or span of the overhead crane, you will save between 15-30% by choosing a single-girder overhead crane.

The double-girder overhead crane can be considered when lifting height needs to be maximized for your operations, or in rare cases when the overhead crane span is particularly large or for other considerations (e.g., adding a maintenance walkway to the overhead crane). 

For example, in steel mills or foundries, double-girder overhead cranes are more common because loads are heavier and long spans are more frequent. 

Help making your choice

Now you know the difference between single-girder and double-girder bridge cranes, so you can more easily determine which one is best suited to your needs. 

But if your project falls into a grey area, don't worry. You can contact your lifting specialist to help you clarify your requirements. Your representative will be able to explore the issue with you. 

If your wish, you can also visit the "How much does an overhead crane cost?" page to compare the prices of single-girder vs double-girder overhead cranes. 

Premium Industrial Group can help you select the right type of equipment for your needs. We manufacture both single-girder and double-girder overhead cranes. Contact us by clicking on the "Contact a specialist" button, and we will be happy to guide you through this choice.