How Local Fabrication Helps Save Costs on Bridge Crane Kits

Introduction: The Benefits of Local Fabrication for Crane Kits

When buying an overhead crane kit, not every part has to come pre-assembled. One growing trend is ordering crane kits without the main girders. This means you get all the key components—like end trucks, hoists, control systems, and trolleys—while you fabricate the main girder locally, right at your plant or through a nearby workshop.

Sounds simple, right? It actually brings big benefits.

Save Big on Shipping and Steel

Transporting long steel girders can be expensive.
Especially for export orders or buyers far from the supplier, freight costs add up fast.
But when you make the main girder on-site, you cut out the need for bulky shipping.

• No oversized container fees
• No delays due to customs or port congestion
• Use locally available steel at local prices

In short, you save money and avoid a lot of hassle.

Tailor-Made for Your Workshop or Factory Floor

Every plant is different. Ceiling height, column spacing, runway rails—they all vary.
By fabricating the girder yourself, you can adjust the size and structure to fit your site exactly.

• Need a shorter span? Easy.
• Want to strengthen it for future upgrades? Go for it.
• Have tight space or low clearance? Custom shape it.

This is real flexibility that pre-made girders often can’t match.

Perfect Fit for Steel and Machinery Manufacturing Plants

Why does this approach work so well for steel and machinery manufacturers?

Because many of them already have what’s needed:

• Skilled welders and metalworkers
• Access to quality steel plates and beams
• Lifting tools and space to handle big fabrications

These plants know how to build strong, accurate structures. So building their own crane girder is just another job—not a challenge.

In fact, it's often faster and more efficient than waiting on a full pre-assembled crane to arrive.

Why Local Fabrication Works for Steel and Machinery Manufacturers

If you're in the steel or machinery business, chances are you already have what it takes to build your own main girder. And that's exactly why local fabrication works so well.

You Already Have the Right Tools

Most steel and machinery plants are equipped with:

• Welding machines
• Cutting torches or plasma cutters
• Drills, jigs, and assembly stations

These are the same tools you'd use to fabricate a crane girder. So there's no need to invest in special equipment. You’re simply applying existing skills and machines to a new task.

Plus, you don’t have to wait for overseas delivery or deal with long logistics chains. You take control of the timeline.

• No shipping delays
• No damage risks in transit
• No customs headaches

You build it when you're ready. On your own schedule.

Customize for Your Exact Needs

One of the best things about on-site fabrication is that you can make the girder fit your actual working conditions.

Every plant layout is different. So why settle for a standard girder when you can tailor it?

• Adjust the girder span to match your runway rails
• Reinforce the structure for heavier loads or longer lifespans
• Add custom brackets or mounts for special equipment

This kind of flexibility is a big deal—especially when your workflow or load patterns are unique.

And here’s something else: when your crane girder is built to fit your plant, it works better with your other machines. That means smoother operations and fewer modifications during installation.

How to Streamline the Fabrication Process

Building your own main girder might sound like a big task, but it’s not as hard as you think—as long as you follow a clear process. With the right preparation and tools, it can be fast, accurate, and smooth.

Best Practices for On-Site Girder Production

Most crane kits come with standard drawings and technical details. These tell you exactly how long, wide, and strong the girder should be.

Here’s how to keep things on track:

• Use the drawings provided with the crane kit—don’t guess
• Double-check the end carriage mounting positions and hole sizes
• Make sure the top and bottom flanges are straight and even
• Watch out for twisting or bending during welding
• Do a final inspection before painting or installing

These small steps help you avoid rework later—and save a lot of time.

What You’ll Need: Tools and Team

To do the job right, make sure you have the right equipment and people. You don’t need high-end machinery—just the basics that many plants already have:

• Overhead crane or forklift to handle beams
• Welding machine (MIG or stick is fine)
• Grinder and drill for small adjustments
• Measuring tape, level, and square
• Workbench or welding table for assembly

As for the team, you don’t need an expert crane engineer. One or two skilled metalworkers who know basic structural fabrication are usually enough. If they’ve ever built steel frames or machine beds, they can build a crane girder too.

Case Study: Successful Steel Manufacturers Using Crane Kits Without Main Girders

Let’s take a look at how real companies are already using crane kits without main girders—and why it worked out so well for them.

Steel Structure Fabrication Plant – 10-Ton Double Girder Kits

This plant specializes in fabricating steel frames and heavy components. They needed multiple 10-ton overhead cranes but didn’t want to wait months for full assemblies to arrive.

So, they chose crane kits without main girders.

• They used their own steel beams and in-house welding team to fabricate the girders
• Standard drawings were provided with the kits, making it easy to build accurately
• They cut their lead time by two weeks
• Plus, they saved a lot on shipping costs—no oversized containers, no freight headaches

The cranes were up and running fast, and they were a perfect match for the workshop layout.

Machinery Plant – 3-Ton Single Girder Cranes for Tight Spaces

A machinery manufacturer needed small cranes for several assembly bays. But space was limited—low ceilings and lots of machines.

Instead of ordering fixed-size cranes, they went with crane kits and custom-fabricated their own girders.

• They adjusted the girder height and span to fit tight workshop zones
• Built the girders using existing steel plates and shop tools
• The cranes fit exactly where they were needed, with no wasted space
• It also helped them keep the workstations more organized and efficient

In this case, local fabrication gave them the freedom to shape the crane to their space—not the other way around.

Conclusion: Why Fabricating Locally is the Smart Choice for Crane Kit Buyers

Buying crane kits without the main girders isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart move for many industrial buyers. Especially if you’re in steel or machinery manufacturing.

Let’s quickly recap the key benefits:

• Cost savings – You skip oversized shipping and use local steel
• Speed – No waiting for long delivery times
• Flexibility – You build the girder to fit your exact space and needs

If you already have welding tools or a trusted fabrication partner, then local girder production is even easier. You’re using the skills and resources you already have—and turning them into real project savings.

The Final Takeaway

For buyers who know how to work with steel—or have someone who does—crane kits without main girders are a game-changer.

You get the quality and reliability of a professional crane system, with the added benefits of:

• Lower total cost
• Faster setup
• Custom fit for your plant

Whether you’re planning one crane or a dozen, this approach is scalable, economical, and fully customizable. Contact us to make the most of your fabrication capability to get the cost-effective crane kit solution for your factory and plant.

Article by Bella ，who has been in the hoist and crane field since 2016. Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.