Two-Crane Lifts for Turbine Shafts | 50–300 Ton Crane Guide

For some long or irregular loads, combining an EOT crane with a gantry crane provides the extra reach or flexibility needed.

Why this combination works:

• Combines the stability of a permanent overhead crane with the mobility of a gantry crane.
• Useful for extra-long or irregular loads that exceed the span of a single EOT crane.
• Can adapt to temporary lifting needs in areas where installing another EOT crane is impractical.

Planning tips for buyers:

• Ensure the gantry crane can move freely without obstructions during the lift.
• Check the load's center of gravity and support points to maintain stability.
• Consider coordination between the two cranes using electronic load-sharing or careful operator communication.
• Make sure the environment allows safe operation of both cranes simultaneously.

Choosing the right crane configuration depends on load length, weight, and the installation environment. Two EOT cranes are ideal for most indoor turbine lifts, while EOT + gantry combinations work best for irregular, extra-long, or temporary lifting situations. Planning for synchronization, mobility, and load stability is critical to prevent damage and ensure a smooth lift.

Long, heavy components often handled with two cranes include:

• Turbine shafts – extremely long with concentrated weight at certain points.
• Generator housings – heavy and sometimes irregularly shaped.
• Other elongated machinery – such as pump shafts, gearboxes, or pressure vessels.

Load Weight and Distribution

• Know the exact weight and how it is spread along the shaft or component.
• Uneven weight distribution can overload one crane, so plan lifting points carefully.

Center of Gravity

• The load's balance point affects stability during lifting.
• Misjudging the center of gravity can cause tilting, twisting, or bending.

Load Rigidity and Length

• Long or flexible components may bend under their own weight.
• Cranes must lift at points that minimize bending stress.
• Rigid components are easier to handle but still need correct positioning.

• Verify the weight, length, and rigidity before finalizing crane selection.
• Plan lifting points carefully to maintain balance and minimize stress.
• Include safety margins for dynamic effects and potential miscalculations.

Knowing the load inside and out is essential. Proper understanding of weight, balance, length, and rigidity ensures safe and efficient two-crane lifts, prevents damage, and helps buyers select the right equipment for heavy turbine shafts and other long machinery.

Before a lift, consider potential physical constraints:

• Limited floor space or low ceilings – can restrict crane movement and positioning.
• Existing equipment – pipes, ductwork, or machinery can block paths or create collision risks.
• Structural limitations – runway beams, columns, or temporary supports may restrict load placement or crane operation.

Ignoring these constraints can lead to delays, unsafe lifts, or even damage to equipment and the facility.

A successful two-crane lift always starts with careful planning:

• Site survey: Inspect the hall or assembly area to identify obstacles and clearance issues.
• Lift path design: Determine the safest route for the load, considering height, swing, and crane reach.
• Risk assessment: Identify potential hazards and prepare mitigation measures, such as temporary supports or additional rigging.
• Coordination plan: Ensure both crane operators and ground personnel understand the lift sequence and communication methods.

• Evaluate the building layout and runway infrastructure before selecting cranes.
• Plan for obstructions and environmental challenges—don't assume the lift can happen exactly as in an open space.
• Make risk assessment and pre-lift planning part of the procurement and project planning process.

The operational environment has a major impact on the safety and success of two-crane lifts. Buyers who carefully consider space limitations, structural constraints, and site-specific risks can ensure smoother, safer turbine shaft or heavy machinery handling.

There are several practical ways to achieve coordination during a two-crane lift. Each method has pros and cons, depending on your equipment and site conditions:

• Electronic load-sharing systems Modern cranes may include systems that automatically monitor and balance the load in real time, reducing reliance on operator judgment.
• Operator coordination with communication devices Radios or headsets allow operators to lift and move in sync, following pre-planned sequences and agreed signals.
• Mechanical synchronization (less common today) Some setups use linkages or cables to physically connect cranes, forcing them to move together. This is rarely used in modern turbine hall lifts but may still appear in older installations.

Even with the best cranes and systems, human factors remain critical. Training and practice lifts reduce mistakes and increase confidence.

• Simulation lifts Conduct trial runs with small or dummy loads to verify procedures before handling the actual turbine shaft.
• Operator training Ensure each crane operator understands timing, communication signals, and emergency stop protocols.
• Team coordination Ground personnel, riggers, and operators must work together seamlessly, with clearly defined roles during every phase of the lift.

• Look for cranes with built-in electronic synchronization features for long-load handling.
• Include operator training and trial lifts as part of your project planning.
• Develop clear communication and coordination plans for all team members involved in the lift.

Synchronization and coordination are non-negotiable for two-crane lifts. Buyers who plan carefully, use the right systems, and train their teams can lift long turbine shafts safely, efficiently, and with minimal risk of damage.

Adhering to recognized safety standards ensures that lifts meet legal and industry requirements, reducing risk for personnel and equipment.

• Safety standards: Follow ISO, FEM, and local regulations to guide lift planning, crane selection, and operator training.
• Use of guide ropes, tag lines, and monitoring systems: These tools help control the load, prevent swinging, and improve precision during positioning.

• Include pre-lift planning and risk assessment as part of your procurement checklist.
• Verify that your cranes and rigging meet all relevant safety standards for the expected load.
• Ensure operators and ground personnel are trained in synchronized lifts and emergency procedures.

Careful planning and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential for successful two-crane lifts. Buyers who account for crane capacity, load characteristics, synchronization, and safety measures can execute long-load handling efficiently, safely, and with minimal risk.

Long shafts generate dynamic forces during lifts, not just static weight. It's essential to check that the runway beams and supporting structures can safely handle these forces.

• Inspect runway alignment, strength, and connections.
• Account for forces when the load starts, stops, or changes direction.

For very long or flexible components, temporary supports or load spreaders can reduce bending and prevent stress on the shaft or cranes.

• Supports distribute weight evenly across lifting points.
• Spreaders can minimize sagging and twisting, making the lift smoother and safer.

Timing matters. Performing lifts when the hall or assembly area has minimal activity reduces risks of interference, collisions, or distractions.

• Coordinate with other teams to clear the lift path.
• Allow operators and riggers to focus entirely on the lift for maximum control.

Practical steps like verifying lifting points, checking structural capacity, using supports, and timing the lift carefully can significantly reduce risk and improve efficiency for two-crane lifts. For crane buyers, attention to these details ensures smoother, safer operations and protects both equipment and personnel.