Selecting the right crane type is one of the most critical decisions in engineering operations, especially in sectors like mining, metallurgy, and manufacturing. Each crane design offers distinct advantages depending on operational demands, space constraints, and lifting capacities.
In this post, we’ll compare the three most common crane systems used in industrial and mining facilities: monorail cranes, double-girder overhead cranes, and gantry (portal) cranes.
1. Monorail Cranes: Simple and Cost-Efficient
Monorail cranes are built around a single beam — typically an I-profile — along which a trolley hoist travels. The load moves only along a single path, making monorail cranes ideal for repetitive, linear lifting operations.
🔧 Technical Features:
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Single I-beam track system
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Electric or manual hoist
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Limited to 2D motion (linear travel and vertical lifting)
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Lower cost compared to other crane types
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Compact and ideal for confined spaces
🏭 Common Applications:
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Small maintenance shops
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Assembly lines
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Underground mining galleries
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Conveying systems for containers or machinery
✅ Pros:
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Economical for light-duty use
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Easy to install
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Low maintenance
❌ Cons:
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Can’t handle heavy loads
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Only suitable for fixed paths
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Limited versatility
2. Double-Girder Overhead Cranes: High Capacity and Reach
Double-girder cranes consist of two parallel beams with the hoisting trolley running on rails placed on top of the girders. They’re widely used in heavy industries like mining, metallurgy, and fabrication.
🔧 Technical Features:
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Two girder beams supported by end trucks
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Hoist mounted between or above the beams
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Capable of lifting very heavy loads (up to 100+ tons)
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Allows wider spans and greater hook height
🏭 Common Applications:
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Steel mills
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Open-pit mining machinery maintenance
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Large equipment manufacturing
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Smelting and refining plants
✅ Pros:
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Excellent for high-capacity lifting
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Greater structural stability
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Longer spans and better clearance
❌ Cons:
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More expensive to install and maintain
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Requires more structural support from the building
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Less suitable for outdoor use
3. Gantry (Portal) Cranes: Flexible and Outdoor-Ready
Portal cranes are self-supporting structures that use legs to carry the bridge. They operate on tracks placed on the ground, making them ideal for outdoor or open-area applications like mining sites and storage yards.
🔧 Technical Features:
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Bridge supported by two or more legs
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Legs move along floor-mounted rails
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Hoist moves along the bridge, just like overhead cranes
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Available in full-gantry or semi-gantry configurations
🏭 Common Applications:
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Quarry operations
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Container terminals
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Bulk material handling in mining
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Temporary heavy equipment assembly zones
✅ Pros:
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No need for building structure support
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Great for outdoor use
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Easily relocatable
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High lifting capacities
❌ Cons:
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Requires clear floor space
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Needs precise track alignment
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Exposed to weather, requiring corrosion protection
Comparison Table
| Feature | Monorail Crane | Double-Girder Crane | Gantry Crane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Low (≤10 tons) | High (10–100+ tons) | Medium–High (varies) |
| Installation Cost | Low | High | Medium |
| Mobility | Fixed path | Fixed (indoor) | Mobile on rails |
| Best For | Linear, light work | Heavy-duty, indoors | Outdoor, open sites |
| Structural Support Needed | Minimal | Requires building | Self-supporting |
Conclusion
The right crane depends on the specific application, environment, and budget. While monorail cranes offer compact, economical solutions for lightweight, linear operations, double-girder cranes are the workhorses of heavy industrial facilities. Gantry cranes shine in outdoor and mining environments where mobility and self-supporting structures are essential.
Steltech offers customized crane solutions across all three categories — optimized for performance, reliability, and compliance with international standards.