A crane quote can be quick, but an accurate crane quote needs facts. When the first message only says “I need a 10 ton crane,” every manufacturer has to ask the same follow-up questions. That slows the project down and makes price comparison messy.
This checklist is for buyers preparing an inquiry for an overhead crane manufacturer, gantry crane factory or export supplier.
1. Capacity and real load
Write the rated capacity you want, then write what the load actually is. Include the weight of lifting beam, slings, magnet, grab, pallet, mold, machine part or container attachment. If the load is long or off-center, say so. If the maximum load happens only once a month, say that too. That difference affects duty class and cost.
2. Span, lifting height and working path
For an overhead crane, span usually means the distance between the runway rail centers. For a gantry crane, it is the width between the legs or rails. Lifting height should be measured from floor to hook, not from floor to roof. Add the runway length or travel distance so the supplier can understand the full working area.
3. Building or yard information
- Existing building drawings, if available
- Column spacing and runway beam information
- Roof clearance and any pipes, lights or ducts above the crane path
- Ground condition for gantry crane rails
- Photos from both ends of the working area
If the building is already busy, a short phone video can show more than a marked drawing. Walk the crane route slowly and show columns, floor, doors, loading points and possible installation access.
4. Duty and work rhythm
Tell the supplier how many shifts the crane will work, how many lifts per hour are expected, and whether loads are usually light, medium or near rated capacity. This is not paperwork. It helps the engineer choose a hoist, motor, brake and control package that will live comfortably in the job.
5. Controls and safety preferences
Pendant control may be fine for a small workshop. Radio remote is popular when the operator needs to stand clear and watch the load. Cabin operation may be better for long travel, heavy duty or high-temperature areas. For some projects, anti-sway, overload limiters, limit switches, warning devices and monitoring features should be discussed early.
6. Export and delivery details
For international projects, include destination country, port, required delivery window, installation plan and document requirements. Painting, packing, disassembly size and spare parts can affect the final quote. If you need local compliance documents, list them before the design is frozen.
A copy-ready inquiry format
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Crane type | Single girder overhead crane / double girder / gantry crane |
| Capacity | 10 ton, including lifting beam |
| Span | 18 m rail center to rail center |
| Lifting height | 9 m floor to hook |
| Travel length | 72 m runway |
| Power supply | 380 V, 50 Hz, 3 phase |
| Duty | Two shifts, 6 to 8 lifts per hour |
| Environment | Indoor steel fabrication, dusty but not corrosive |
After you collect the basics, send them through the Kuangshan Heavy Machinery contact page. If you are still comparing crane types, start with overhead crane price factors or gantry crane price factors.