Types of Double Girder Overhead Cranes for Sale
Hot Sale 3 ton to 320 ton Double Girder Overhead Cranes in China for Different Industrial Sectors

Introduction

Double girder overhead cranes are a go-to solution when the job calls for serious lifting. They're built to carry heavier loads, run across longer spans, and offer better lifting heights than single girder types. That's why you'll find them in places like steel plants, power stations, mining operations, and heavy equipment factories.

But here's the thing—just choosing a double girder crane isn't enough. What makes these cranes truly adaptable is how they can be tailored in two critical ways: the type of hoisting system they use and the lifting attachment that hangs under the hook. Both elements can make or break your lifting operation, especially when you're dealing with challenging materials or unique production setups.

Why Classification Matters

Double girder cranes aren't "one size fits all." The wrong match can lead to slower workflow, higher maintenance costs, or even safety issues. That's why it helps to understand what types are available and what they're really good for.

Here's how we'll break it down:

• By Hoisting System Whether you're using an electric hoist trolley or an open winch system matters, especially when it comes to how often and how heavy you lift.
• By Industrial Application Some cranes are purpose-built—like those used for hot metal in foundries or explosion-prone zones in chemical plants.
• By Lifting Attachment The device that grips or holds the load—hooks, magnets, grabs, beams—can completely change what a crane is capable of doing.

This guide will help you see the different types of double girder overhead cranes available in the market, and how to select the one that actually works for your material handling job—not just looks good on paper.

General Classification of Top Running Double Girder Overhead Cranes

When buyers start looking at double girder overhead cranes made in China, especially the top running type, one thing becomes clear—there are a lot of options. That's not a bad thing, but it does mean you'll want to know how they're generally classified. Most of these cranes can be grouped by three main aspects: hoisting system, control method, and application area.

A. By Hoisting System

This is one of the most important differences to understand because it directly affects the crane's lifting capacity, duty level, and structure size.

Electric Wire Rope Hoist Trolley (LH, NLH Types)

• These cranes are ideal for medium-duty applications, with lifting capacities generally ranging from 3 to 63 tons (LH) or up to 80 tons (NLH).
• LH uses traditional CD/MD hoists—it's reliable and cost-effective, especially for workshops and machine shops.
• NLH uses European-style hoists, offering lower headroom, smoother travel, and energy-efficient motors.
• Suitable for factories where space is limited, but a strong and stable crane is still required.

Open Winch Trolley (QD, QDX Types)

• Designed for heavy-duty lifting, typically handling loads from 3 tons up to 550 tons.
• QD is the traditional Chinese hook crane with robust structure and long-term durability.
• QDX is the European-style upgrade—compact, quiet, and precise, using inverter control and modular design.
• These are best suited for steel plants, heavy manufacturing, foundries, and industrial applications with high lifting frequency.

By Control Method

How the crane is operated matters for both safety and ease of use. Chinese double girder cranes are commonly available with the following control modes:

Cabin Control

• An operator sits in an enclosed cabin mounted on the crane itself.
• Ideal for heavy-duty and high-risk environments, such as steel mills or casting cranes, where the operator needs a close view of the load.

Remote Control (Wireless Radio Control)

• Allows the operator to stand at a safe distance, walk along with the load, and adjust position flexibly.
• Often used in modern factories and outdoor yards where safety and visibility are important.

Pendant Control (Wired)

• A wired controller hanging from the crane system.
• Cost-effective and simple, used in workshops and facilities with clear, unobstructed operating zones.

By Industrial Application

Double girder overhead cranes are not limited to one industry. In fact, many models are designed with specific sectors in mind, and Chinese manufacturers usually offer crane types tailored to the following:

General Workshops and Manufacturing Plants

• Cranes like LH and NLH are typically used here for moving machine parts, components, and materials along production lines.

Steel Mills and Rolling Plants

• Heavy-duty QD, QDX, QC (magnetic), and QDY (casting) types are common for lifting billets, slabs, coils, and hot ladles.
• Additional features may include heat-resistant parts, electromagnetic lifters, or high-temperature brakes.

Foundries and Metallurgy Plants

• Require insulated cranes like QY or casting cranes like YZ for handling molten metal with specialized ladle hooks or beams.

Power Plants and Waste-to-Energy Plants

• Bulk material handling cranes like QZ with grab buckets are used for feeding boilers or ash removal.
• Often equipped with 24/7 duty systems and precise control for continuous operation.

Chemical and Hazardous Environments

• Explosion-proof cranes such as QB or QBX types are designed with ATEX or EX protection, ensuring safety in volatile environments.

Precast Concrete Yards and Tunnel Projects -

• Tandem-lifting cranes like QE or segment lifters with spreader beams are used for large concrete molds, tunnel lining segments, and long structural parts.

This classification gives a solid overview of what to expect when browsing double girder cranes from Chinese suppliers. It helps you narrow down which crane type suits your needs—whether you're lifting steel coils in a rolling mill or precast panels in a concrete yard. And if you're still unsure, sharing your working conditions and material types with the supplier is always a smart move. They've likely seen your case before.

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Overview of Popular Double Girder Overhead Crane Models in China

If you're sourcing double girder overhead cranes from China, you'll quickly come across a few standard model types—each with its own strengths, limitations, and intended applications. These models form the core offerings of most Chinese crane manufacturers and are usually available with a range of customization options.

Let's break down the most common models used in the market today.

NLH – European-Style Double Girder Crane with Hoist Trolley

The NLH type crane is built to European FEM/DIN standards, offering a lighter, smarter, and more compact design compared to traditional models. It's ideal for medium-duty lifting applications where space and energy efficiency are key.

Typical Application:

• Assembly workshops
• Maintenance shops
• General manufacturing halls

Key Features:

• Lifting capacity: 3 to 80 tons
• Design: Modular and low headroom
• Trolley: Electric wire rope hoist with inverter drive
• Structure: Welded box girder with compact end trucks

Practical Notes:

• Great for replacing older, bulkier cranes where building height is limited
• Offers smoother start/stop and better positioning accuracy
• Slightly higher price than LH, but often lower lifecycle cost

LH – Standard Double Girder Crane with CD/MD Hoist Trolley

The LH model is the most economical option for customers who need a reliable crane for regular operations without complex motion control. It's been widely used in China for decades and is proven in workshops and general fabrication.

Typical Application:

• Machine part handling
• Tooling workshops
• Moderate usage warehouses

Key Features:

• Lifting capacity: 3 to 63 tons
• Hoist system: Traditional CD/MD wire rope hoist
• Structure: Double box girders with simple end carriage design
• Duty class: A3–A5 (light to medium)

Practical Notes:

• If you're on a budget and don't need advanced control features, this is the go-to model
• Maintenance is simple, parts are easy to source
• Not recommended for high-speed or high-precision lifting

QDX – European-Standard Open Winch Double Girder Crane

QDX is the advanced version of the traditional QD model, designed to meet higher performance demands. It uses a compact open winch trolley instead of a hoist trolley, giving it higher lifting capacity, better precision, and less overall height.

Typical Application:

• Tool & die handling
• Mold factories
• High-precision machinery assembly

Key Features:

• Lifting capacity: 3 to 320 tons
• Control: Full inverter control (hoisting, cross travel, long travel)
• Winch system: Modular open winch trolley
• Structure: Compact box girder and flexible layout

Practical Notes:

• Better suited for customers seeking smoother, more accurate operations
• Energy-efficient motors and reduced noise compared to traditional QD
• Often chosen for exporting to Europe or high-standard international clients

QD – Traditional Double Girder Overhead Hook Crane

QD cranes are known for their rugged, heavy-duty structure and are built for tough industrial environments. While not as compact as the European QDX, the QD type is a workhorse that can be customized up to very high capacities.

Typical Application:

• Steel plants
• Power stations
• Large machinery workshops

Key Features:

• Lifting capacity: 3 to 550 tons
• Trolley: Heavy-duty open winch trolley
• Design standard: GB/T standard (China National Standard)
• Duty class: A5–A7 (medium to heavy duty)

Practical Notes:

• Widely used across Asia and Africa for its durability and affordability
• Suitable for frequent heavy lifting, including multiple shifts
• Requires a bit more installation height than QDX due to its size

These four models represent the core lineup of double girder overhead cranes made in China. While they share the same basic double-girder configuration, the difference lies in their trolley type, motion control, and intended usage. Choosing the right one depends on your load weight, duty cycle, space limitations, and budget.

Quick Comparison – Popular Double Girder Overhead Cranes in China

Not every lifting job is the same—and neither are the cranes. In China, many double girder overhead cranes are specially developed for use in specific industries or demanding environments. Some are built for high heat, some for magnetic loads, others for tandem lifting or manual control where power isn't always available.

A double girder overhead crane is only as versatile as what hangs beneath its hook. While the crane structure and trolley provide the lifting power, it's the below-the-hook devices that determine what kind of materials you can actually move—and how safely and efficiently you can do it.

Chinese manufacturers offer a wide range of lifting attachments, each one suited for specific load types. Choosing the right attachment can drastically improve productivity, reduce damage to materials, and ensure safer operations.

Let's go through the most common lifting attachments used with double girder cranes:

How to Choose the Right Double Girder Crane & Lifting Device

Selecting the right double girder overhead crane is not just about lifting capacity or crane size. It's about making sure the crane—and the lifting device underneath—suits your specific working environment, load type, and operational needs. Making the right choice from the start can save time, avoid safety risks, and reduce maintenance issues later on.

Here are the most important factors you should define before making a final selection or requesting a detailed quotation:

This way, you can quickly understand what's important before buying a crane!

Conclusion

No two lifting jobs are exactly alike—and that's especially true when it comes to double girder overhead cranes. Whether you're working in a steel plant, foundry, bulk handling terminal, precast yard, or a hazard-prone chemical workshop, the demands of your site require more than just a standard crane.

Choosing the right double girder crane model, along with the correct below-the-hook lifting attachment, ensures that your operations stay safe, efficient, and cost-effective over the long term. A well-matched system not only improves material flow and handling time but also extends equipment lifespan and reduces operator fatigue.

Here's what we offer to help you make the right decision:

• Tailored crane design based on your load type, site layout, and duty cycle
• Modular hoisting systems ranging from compact hoist trolleys to heavy-duty open winches
• Custom lifting attachments including C-hooks, magnetic beams, ladle spreaders, grabs, and more
• Technical guidance from experienced engineers who understand industrial lifting challenges
• Compliance with international standards (FEM, ISO, GB/T, CE) for global buyers

If you're planning a new installation, upgrading existing equipment, or sourcing for a specific application, we're here to help. Just send us a brief description of your working conditions—load type, crane span, lifting height, and environmental factors—and we'll provide a free design recommendation along with a competitive quotation.

Let us help you build a lifting solution that works—not just for now, but for years to come.