A useful overhead crane quote starts with the work the crane has to do. Capacity is important, but it is only one line in the story. A 10 ton crane used twice a week for maintenance is a different machine from a 10 ton crane feeding a production line all day. The buyer who can describe the job clearly usually gets a faster quote, fewer revisions and a crane that feels right once it is installed.
This guide is written for project owners, purchasing managers and engineers comparing overhead crane price options or checking whether a factory-direct overhead crane manufacturer is asking the right questions.
Start with the load, then the building
First write down the heaviest real load, including lifting beam, spreader, magnet, grab, sling or other below-the-hook equipment. Do not use only the product weight from a drawing if the rigging package adds another few hundred kilograms. After that, check the building. Crane span, hook height, runway length, column spacing, power supply and roof clearance decide whether the project is simple or needs custom engineering.
| Item | What to prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rated capacity | Heaviest load plus lifting accessories | Sets the main crane structure and hoist selection |
| Span | Distance between runway rail centers | Affects girder design, weight and cost |
| Lifting height | Floor to hook center at highest point | Controls hoist drum, rope length and headroom |
| Duty pattern | Lifts per hour, average load, shifts per day | Separates occasional service from production service |
| Work area | Indoor, outdoor, hot, dusty, humid or corrosive | Changes motor, controls, brakes and protection |
Capacity and duty class are not the same thing
Buyers often ask for a larger capacity to be safe. Sometimes that is right. Sometimes the better decision is a correct duty class, better controls or a more suitable hoist. International buyers often compare CMAA-style service classes, FEM classifications or local standards. The wording changes, but the practical question is the same: how often will the crane lift, how heavy are the usual loads, and how harsh is the environment?
For example, a maintenance crane may see full load only during shutdown work. A steel workshop crane may handle near-rated loads every shift. Both can be called overhead cranes, but they should not be priced as the same product.
What actually changes the price
- Single or double girder: larger spans, higher capacities and higher hook requirements usually push the design toward double girder. See our single vs double girder crane notes.
- Hoist type: wire rope hoist, open winch, explosion-proof hoist, magnet beam, grab or clean-room handling all change the scope.
- Runway and rails: a new building may include runway beams in the civil design; an existing building may need reinforcement.
- Controls: pendant, radio remote, cabin, PLC automation and anti-sway features each fit different workflows.
- Export package: painting, disassembly, ocean packing, documents and shipping schedule should be discussed early.
A simple quote package
If you are asking several suppliers for comparison, send the same package to each one: plant layout, crane span, lifting height, capacity, power supply, duty pattern, operating environment, expected delivery date and any local standard requirement. A short video of the work area also helps. For an existing workshop, photos of columns, roof beams and runway space often answer more than a page of text.
When you are ready, send the details through our crane inquiry page. You can also review current export crane cases to see how different layouts are handled in real projects.
