Every machine is made up something and unique in its own way. Before I can take you through the components of the overhead crane, it is important for you to have knowledge of what an overhead crane is. In simple terms, an overhead crane is defined as a machine or equipment that helps you in the lifting of heavy loads (en la elevación de cargas pesadas) from one location to the other in a precise manner.
Every crane is designed to perform a particular task meaning one crane is not suitable for all the possible tasks. It is important for you to note that overhead cranes can be made from all kinds of configuration. This all depends on the need or task intended to be performed by the said overhead crane. That in mind, it is also important to understand and learn about the components of overhead crane and their exact functions when it comes to lifting loads.
Below are the components of an overhead crane:
Trolley
This is a crucial part of overhead crane that mostly aids the crane’s movement. The trolley moves the hoist direct across the bay so as to create enough working space for the machine. In other words, this is a functioning space of the whole overhead crane.
Bridge
This is like the backbone of the whole crane. It can also be defined as the travelling formula of the whole crane which effectively spans the width which is connected to the bay. Again it important to note that the bridge hosts two end trucks and one or even more bridge girders. This highly depends on the type of equipment in question.
End Trucks
This is an important component of the overhead crane. These end trucks can be placed on either side of the span. The trucks provide enough surface area (área de superficie) for wheels which the whole crane travels on. Having an overhead crane without the end trucks will make it quite hard for the operator to run smoothly. These wheels ensure that the whole access to the bay is possible.
Bridge Girders
It can be one or many depending on the size of the overhead crane. This is an important component which supports the trolley movement. These bridge girders are tightly held to the crane by end trucks.
Trolley Hoist
Moving on to the next component we come across the trolley hoist. This is the component that consists of both the trolley frame and the hoist. The hoist is an important component of the overhead crane and in some rare situations, an overhead crane will require to have more than one hoist. These are easily supplied on a single trolley or even sometimes supplied on different or separate trolleys.
Hoist
This is the main component which performs the main duty of lifting (elevación), the hoist is firmly mounted on the trolley for easy hooking and lifting of loads. It is important to mention that there are two main types of hoist. The munch brand hoist which is a strong durable wire used for lifting. The other type of hoist is known as the chain hoist. The latter is used for lighter duties and functions.