Underslung Overhead Cranes
Capacity 1–10 t · Roof Suspended · 100% Clear Floor Area
An underslung crane is a type of overhead crane whose runway hangs from the roof trusses. The hall needs no columns under the runway, the floor stays clear for forklifts and lines, and girder overhangs let the hoist reach the walls. It suits assembly areas, warehouses and halls whose roof can carry loads up to 10 t.
01 / Specification
Underslung Crane Engineering Capacities
Underslung systems are engineered based on roof structural capacity and required hook coverage. Designs can incorporate cantilever girder overhangs and multi-track supports for wide industrial bays.
Explore other crane types: Single-Girder Cranes, Double-Girder Cranes or Light Crane Systems.
| Parameter | Underslung Crane Specification Range |
|---|---|
| 01 Capacity range | From 1 t to 10 tonnes (commonly 1.6 t, 2 t, 3.2 t, 5 t and 6.3 t) |
| 02 Mounting method | Suspended directly from roof trusses, ceiling beams or steel framing |
| 03 Floor space advantage | 100% unobstructed floor area — zero supporting columns inside the facility |
| 04 Side hook approach | Minimal blind spots — cantilever girder overhangs extend hook travel beyond the runway axis |
| 05 Hoisting equipment | SWF Krantechnik NOVA² (wire rope) or ATHLO (chain) in compact execution |
| 06 Speed control | Stepless frequency inverter control (Schneider Electric), ergonomic radio remote |
| 07 Multi-span systems | Capable of multi-track suspension across 3 or 4 runway tracks for very wide hall bays |
| 08 Standards & quality | EN 1090-2 (EXC-3), roof structure analysis per Eurocodes, statutory CE certification |
02 / Design Advantages
Why Choose an Underslung Overhead Crane
What you gain when the runway hangs from the roof instead of standing on columns.
- 01
100% Column-free floor space
Because runway tracks are suspended from the roof trusses, there are no interior columns obstructing forklifts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or assembly line configurations.
- 02
The hoist reaches the hall walls (cantilever overhangs)
Underslung bridges can feature cantilever overhangs extending beyond the runway tracks, allowing the hoist to service workstations right up to the building walls.
- 03
Multi-span designs for wide industrial bays
For extra-wide bays (40–60 m), underslung cranes can be supported by 3 or 4 parallel runways, seamlessly spanning massive facilities with a single synchronized system.
- 04
Inter-bay crane latching & track branching
Underslung systems can feature mechanical latching devices, allowing the hoist to travel between adjacent crane bridges or transfer onto stationary monorails.
03 / Budget & Calculation
Understanding Underslung Crane Turnkey Costs
The quotation encompasses roof truss structural verification, bridge & runway manufacturing, SWF hoists and certified erection.
Key elements of an underslung crane delivery:
- Structural Verification of Roof Framing: Static calculation of dynamic loads per Eurocodes.
- Bridge Girder & Suspension Hangers: In-house fabrication to EN 1090-2 (EXC-3) with custom hanger brackets.
- SWF Krantechnik Hoist: Compact low-headroom wire rope NOVA² or ATHLO chain hoist.
- Suspended Track & Electrics: Runway beams, conductor line and electrical control cabinet with radio remote.
- Proof Load Testing & Certification: Proof load testing with test weights and statutory inspection certificates.
An underslung crane needs no foundation pads under runway columns, which removes part of the civil works.
04 / References
Crane Transport and Installation by BUREX
Underslung and top-running cranes come out of the same workshop and are installed by the same crew. Finished cranes in operation are shown among our overhead crane projects.
Select thumbnail or use arrows
05 / FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an underslung crane differ from a top-running crane?
Top-running cranes travel on rails supported by columns. Underslung cranes travel suspended from the bottom flange of runway beams hung directly from roof trusses, leaving the floor 100% clear.
Is roof structural verification required?
Yes. We perform structural load checks on your roof trusses per Eurocodes to ensure safe load distribution.
What are typical underslung crane capacities?
Underslung cranes are typically engineered for capacities from 1 t to 10 t.
Do you supply complete turnkey installations?
Yes. We deliver roof structural calculations, hanger fabrication, runway erection, power busbars, proof load testing and statutory certification.
No-obligation technical proposal
Looking for a column-free crane solution?
Send us your roof framing drawings or building dimensions. We will prepare an engineered turnkey proposal.