Manual Overhead Crane 5 Ton S11m H9.5m A3 | Hand Chain

A manual hand chain crane is chosen over an electric overhead crane when:

• No electrical power available: The workshop or site does not have reliable electrical power, or installing power would be too expensive
• Intermittent light-duty use: The crane is used occasionally (A3 duty) — a few lifts per day or week — where an electric crane would be over-specified
• Low maintenance: Manual cranes have no motors, brakes, or electrical components to maintain — just periodic lubrication and inspection of the chain, gears, and bearings
• Lower capital cost: A manual crane is significantly cheaper than an equivalent electric crane
• Backup crane: Some facilities keep a manual crane as a backup for when the electric crane is under maintenance
• Hazardous or wet environments: No electrical components means no risk of electrical shock or sparking in wet or hazardous locations

The trade-off is that manual operation is slower and requires more operator effort — but for occasional lifts or remote sites, this is often the right choice.

The main girder section size is critical for the 11m span and 5t capacity:

• W310×140×11mm I-beam: This section provides sufficient bending stiffness and moment of inertia to support the 5t load and the crane's own weight over an 11m span without excessive deflection
• W250 not allowed: The W250 section is smaller and less stiff. Using W250 at this span and capacity would result in excessive deflection and potential structural failure — this is why it is explicitly prohibited
• Equivalent welded beam allowed: If a W310×140×11mm I-beam is not available, an equivalent welded beam with the same or greater moment of inertia can be used — this must be verified by structural calculation
• Deflection limit: The girder must satisfy the deflection limit for overhead cranes (typically span/600 to span/800), which the W310×140×11mm section does but W250 does not
• Safety margin: Even if the load is only occasionally at 5t, the girder is sized with a safety margin for dynamic loads during lifting and travel

Do not substitute a smaller section without a full structural recalculation. The main girder section is a safety-critical requirement.

Material grade matters for the structural safety of this manual overhead crane:

• S355 (Preferred): Higher yield strength (355 MPa) means the girder can carry the load with a smaller section, or the same section carries the load with a larger safety margin. S355 also has better toughness and fatigue resistance
• S275JR (Minimum): Lower yield strength (275 MPa) but still acceptable for this crane. The JR suffix indicates Charpy impact testing at room temperature, ensuring adequate toughness
• Why not lower grades: Lower-grade steel (e.g., S235) may not have sufficient yield strength or toughness, leading to higher deflection or increased risk of brittle fracture
• Certification: Material certificates (mill certificates) should be provided for the main girder steel to prove compliance with S355 or S275JR
• Weldability: Both S355 and S275JR have good weldability, which is important for the welded joints in the end carriage and any welded girder sections

Do not substitute lower-grade steel without a full structural recalculation. The material grade is a safety-critical requirement.

The track travel length is 30m, which means the crane can move along a 30m runway. Key points:

• Track type: P15 rail — a standard light rail section matched to the 28.6 kN wheel load of this manual crane
• Track mounting: The track beam can be bolted or welded to the civil building columns along the 30m length. The mounting method depends on the column material (steel or concrete) and the structural engineer's recommendation
• Track alignment: The track must be level and properly aligned along the full 30m travel path — any misalignment will cause increased manual effort and wear
• Track splices: If the track is supplied in shorter lengths, splices must be properly aligned and supported to allow smooth wheel passage
• End stops: End stops must be installed at both ends of the 30m track to prevent the crane from overrunning
• Column capacity: The civil building columns must support the track beam plus the crane's wheel load (28.6 kN) — verify the column capacity before installation

Yuantai can supply the track beam and mounting hardware as optional items — confirm with our engineering team whether track supply is included in your scope.

The manual operating forces indicate how much pulling effort the operator must apply:

• Crane travel (long travel): 200 N — approximately 20 kgf of pull to move the crane along the track. This is a moderate pull, manageable for one operator but easier with two if the crane is heavily loaded
• Trolley travel: 200 N — approximately 20 kgf of pull to move the trolley along the girder. Similar effort to the long travel
• Hoist lifting: 375 N — approximately 38 kgf of pull on the hand chain to lift the rated 5t load. This is a significant but manageable effort — the hand chain hoist uses a gear reduction to multiply the operator's force

For comparison, a typical adult can comfortably pull 200-300N with one hand and 400-500N with two hands. The operating forces are within reasonable manual effort for trained operators, but the manual crane is not intended for continuous high-frequency use.

This manual overhead crane is configured for indoor or sheltered use. However, because it has no electrical components, it is actually more suitable for outdoor or wet environments than an electric crane, with a few considerations:

• No electrical hazard: No motors, brakes, or electrical components means no risk of electrical shock or sparking in wet conditions
• Corrosion protection: For outdoor use, apply additional anti-corrosion coatings to the girder, end carriages, chain, and track
• Chain lubrication: The hand chain and load chain must be regularly lubricated to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation
• Operator shelter: For outdoor installations, provide a sheltered operating position if possible
• Wind load: For outdoor use at height, wind loads on the load and girder must be considered — this may reduce the allowable load at high wind speeds

For outdoor applications, consult Yuantai Cranes for appropriate corrosion protection and wind-load guidance.

To avoid surprises at installation, these items are outside the manual overhead crane supply scope unless you specifically add them:

• Track beam (P15 rail) and track fasteners — confirm with Yuantai whether track supply is included
• Civil building column reinforcement or mounting brackets (bolted or welded)
• Building structural verification for the 28.6 kN wheel load
• Column-mounted end stops at both ends of the 30m track
• Chain lubrication and periodic maintenance planning
• Erection crane and site lifting equipment for installation
• Local permits and safety inspection (if required by local regulations)

Because the manual overhead crane is mounted on the civil building columns, the column capacity and mounting method are critical — the columns must support the track beam plus the 28.6 kN wheel load, and the mounting (bolted or welded) must be designed to suit the column material. Yuantai can provide mounting drawings and structural guidance as optional items.

Send these nine items and Yuantai will issue a free custom manual overhead crane CAD drawing and proposal within 24 hours:

1. Required lifting capacity (t) — e.g., 5t
2. Crane span (m) — e.g., 11m
3. Required lifting height (m) — e.g., 9.5m
4. Track travel length (m) — e.g., 30m
5. Building column material and section (steel or concrete)
6. Preferred mounting method (bolted or welded)
7. Material preference (S355 or S275JR)
8. Indoor or outdoor installation
9. Any special requirements (e.g., stainless chain for corrosive environments, material certificates)

The more complete the list, the faster and more accurate the manual overhead crane drawing and quote.

This published manual overhead crane drawing and 3D rendering are a free technical reference — you may use them to plan your workshop and check fit. A project-specific manual overhead crane GA drawing and 3D model are also free for standard configurations. A design fee may apply only for complex mounting conditions, non-standard spans, specialized material certification requirements, or customized track designs. The manual overhead crane drawing remains the property of Yuantai Cranes: unauthorized copying, use, or manufacturing without written authorization is strictly prohibited.