Parts of a Bridge Crane
A bridge crane is a mechanical device that lifts a load vertically and moves the load horizontally with an operator at the controls. There are two types of bridge cranes: top-running or under-hung. A top-running crane is a bridge crane that moves on top of the beams the crane travels. An under-hung crane travels on the bottom side or flanges of the beam. The parts of a bridge crane make up the assembly of the device.
Other People Are Reading
-
Bridge
-
The bridge is the main structure of the crane and is where the bridge crane gets its name. The structure is made of two parallel "I" beams with a rail running along the top. The beam holds the hoist and trolley assembly and is the main load-bearing unit of the crane. The length of the beams or bridge is determined by the width of the building which also determines the size of the "I" beams. The load capacity of the bridge crane plays a role in determining the size of the "I" beams.
Hoist
-
The hoist is the main lifting unit of a bridge crane. The hoist can lift a load with a wire rope or chain. The bridge holds the hoist and is powered electronically by a remote handset, a cab on the bridge or a handset handing down from the bridge. The chain or wire rope is wrapped around a drum and the length of the wire rope or chain is determined by the desired height of the assembly.
-
Trolley
-
The trolley is an assembly of wheels, bearings and motors encased in boxed steel. This trolley assembly attaches the hoist to the bridge and allows the hoist to move parallel to the bridge "I" beams. This trolley allows the load to be lifted by the hoist and moved the width of the building. The trolley, like the hoist, operates by a handset that controls the directions of the motors on the trolley assembly.
End Trucks
-
The end truck of a bridge crane fastens to the end of the bridge and allows the bridge crane to move the length of the building. This part of the bridge crane is made of wheels, steel welded together to make a frame or case and motors. The wheels look like wheels found on a railroad car and travel on a rail that is fastened to mounted "I" beams.
Electrical System
-
The electrical system of a bridge crane operates the crane and controls the motors, hoist and direction of the bridge crane. Most bridge cranes have a controller that is fastened to the festoon electrification system and runs the width of the bridge crane. Other controllers mount inside a cab on the bridge crane where an operator sits.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
