20 Ton EOT Crane Price Guide – Models, Costs & Buyer Insights

The type of hoist used can cause a major swing in price.

• Electric Wire Rope Hoists are common for standard lifting operations. They're compact, reliable, and good for moderate duty cycles.
• Open Winch Trolleys are designed for heavier-duty use. They allow more customization (like dual speeds, long service life, and higher duty class ratings) but cost more due to their mechanical complexity and size.

Real-world example: A 20 ton QD-type double girder crane with open winch can cost up to twice as much as a basic LH-type with a hoist trolley.

The more steel required, the more the price rises.

• A longer span means longer girders and end trucks—this adds weight and cost.
• A higher lifting height may require special reeving arrangements, longer cables, or stronger support structures.
• Facilities with tight ceiling heights may require a low headroom design, which also changes the cost due to modified hoist/trolley design.

Rule of thumb: For every additional meter in span or lifting height, expect incremental cost increases in both structure and motor capacity.

Crane pricing is also based on how often and how intensely it will be used.

• A3–A4 (light to moderate use): Ideal for maintenance or occasional lifting; these cranes use smaller motors and simpler systems.
• A5–A7 (heavy-duty): For continuous work in steel mills, foundries, or production lines. These cranes require more durable components, precision controls, and heat-resistant motors.

Important note: Buying a light-duty crane for a heavy-duty job will likely lead to early failure—and replacement is always more expensive than a properly selected unit upfront.

Where the crane is used affects both material selection and compliance requirements.

• Outdoor cranes need weatherproofing, sun/rain protection, and sometimes heating or insulation for motors.
• High-temperature environments (like foundries) require thermal protection for motors, cables, and gearboxes.
• Corrosive or chemical environments may need stainless steel components, anti-corrosion coatings, and sealed enclosures.
• Explosion-proof cranes use certified components, which are significantly more expensive due to the safety standards involved.

The harsher the environment, the more engineering and protection your crane needs—and that reflects in the price.

Your local power configuration and the level of control you need can also impact pricing.

• Standard power supply (e.g., 380V 50Hz 3-phase) is usually the baseline. Anything outside of this—like 440V or 60Hz—might require custom electrical systems.
• Control options range from basic pendant controls to radio remote systems and cabin controls.
• Advanced automation or PLC integration increases precision and safety, but also adds to the overall cost.

The last piece of the pricing puzzle isn't about the crane itself—it's the process of getting it running.

• Installation costs depend on crane size, local labor rates, and whether runway beams and rails are already in place.
• Shipping (especially international) can add several thousand dollars depending on container space and port fees.
• Customization—such as unique hook paths, extra safety features, or layout restrictions—requires additional design, engineering, and sometimes longer lead times.

Tip: Ask for a full quote that includes installation and delivery costs so you don't get caught off guard later.

A 20 ton overhead crane is not a one-size-fits-all product. The final price reflects your specific operational needs, safety requirements, and working conditions. Understanding these factors helps you plan your budget realistically and get a crane that delivers long-term value—not just upfront savings.

A 20 ton double girder EOT crane gives you more muscle, better hook clearance, and the ability to span longer distances. It's built for serious lifting environments.

Best suited for:

• Steel mills, machine shops, large equipment manufacturing
• High-frequency lifting or 24/7 operations
• Projects requiring higher hook travel or dual hoist usage

Why it costs more: Double girders are heavier and use more steel. They also support heavier-duty hoists or winch trolleys that can handle tougher, more consistent work cycles.

Sometimes, it's not just about lifting capacity—it's about fitting the crane into your building. If your workshop has a low ceiling or clearance limits above the crane runway, a low headroom 20 ton crane can solve the problem.

Best suited for:

• Existing workshops with vertical space restrictions
• Retrofit installations where ceiling height is fixed
• Operations that still need heavy lifting but can't afford major structural modifications

How it helps: A specially designed hoist and trolley system keeps everything compact, giving you maximum lifting height in minimal overhead space.

If your lifting is continuous, fast-paced, or extremely heavy-duty, an open winch trolley setup is worth the investment.

Best suited for:

• Foundries and metallurgical plants
• Steel coil handling lines
• Facilities running multiple shifts daily

Why go for this option: Open winch trolleys allow more precise control, higher duty cycles, and better cooling systems for long work hours. While they cost more upfront, they reduce maintenance issues over time.

Duty class isn't just a number—it directly affects crane lifespan and pricing. Cranes are rated based on how frequently and intensely they'll be used.

General guidance:

• A3–A4: Light-duty work, like maintenance and low-frequency lifting
• A5: Medium-duty production work, around 4–6 lifts per hour
• A6–A7: Heavy-duty, frequent lifting, or continuous operation environments

Why it matters: Choosing the wrong duty class often leads to overuse, overheating, or early wear of the crane. Over time, that turns into costly downtime or replacement.

If you're handling steel plates, billets, or scrap metal, your crane might need an electromagnetic lifter or magnet beam.

• Why it increases price: These systems require additional power supply setups, control circuits, and reinforced crane structure to support the added weight of the magnet and the load.

For material handling tasks like lifting ore, sand, or bulk goods, some buyers need grab buckets or beam magnets with tilting or rotating mechanisms.

• Why it increases price: These attachments are not part of a standard hoist setup—they require extra engineering, hydraulics or pneumatics, and custom trolley modifications.

If your crane will operate in extreme temperatures, corrosive atmospheres, or dusty environments (like steel mills, foundries, or cement plants), protective modifications are a must.

Examples of added features:

• Heat-resistant motor covers
• Stainless steel enclosures
• Anti-corrosion paint or galvanizing
• Dust-proof and waterproof cable systems
• Insulated panels for cold or humid regions

Every modification—from the layout of the trolley to how the controls interact with other plant systems—requires time from engineers and drafters.

• This isn't a cost most buyers see directly, but it's built into the quote. It ensures your crane isn't just strong—it's functional and safe for your specific job.

Extra Steelwork and Fabrication

Larger spans, non-standard heights, or added structural reinforcements increase the amount of steel, welding, and machining required.

• In some cases, even the supporting runway beams or columns may need redesigning or reinforcement, depending on local site conditions.

Customized cranes often require non-standard factory testing, like overload tests, magnet holding trials, or automation performance checks. These tests, plus documentation and sometimes third-party inspection, add to the overall cost.

Should You Choose Standard or Custom?

It depends on your jobsite, your lifting frequency, and your operational risks.

Standard Crane:

• Works well in typical indoor environments with low to moderate lifting frequency
• Faster delivery and easier maintenance
• Lower upfront cost

Custom Crane:

• Necessary if your application involves special loads, high duty cycles, tough environments, or strict safety regulations
• Offers better performance, longer life, and fewer failures under intense use
• Higher upfront cost, but potentially lower total cost over the crane's lifetime

Customized pricing doesn't mean overpaying—it means your crane is built to match your exact working reality. If you're not sure where your application falls, talk to a crane specialist. A short conversation can often help you decide if a standard solution will do the job, or if going custom will save you more in the long run.

• Some suppliers include the main power distribution panel, limit switches, and control wiring; others only quote the mechanical structure and hoist.
• Ask whether control cables, festoon systems, and remote-control units are part of the offer.

Missing electrical items can add thousands to your budget later.

• Ask for production lead time and estimated shipping duration.
• Also, clarify whether installation support is offered on-site or remotely.

If your project has deadlines, confirm timing before placing a deposit.

• Is there a warranty period? What does it cover—just parts, or also labor?
• How quickly can spare parts be shipped?
• Does the supplier offer online support or training?

A low-cost crane with no service support can become a high-cost headache.

Taking the time to ask these questions upfront helps you avoid delays, rework, or disappointment. It also shows the supplier you're a serious buyer—and that often results in better service and clearer documentation.